Database Users

Phone capabilities?

I am very interested in the galaxy tab but I am wondering if it makes and receives calls on the carrier networks, namely verizon. I am one of the people who will lug the tablet around as my main phone. I see the phone app on the pictures around the net but I have yet to see it stated anywhere.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

You will be sad to know the for the North American Tab the Phone/ Voice has bin removed from the list of options thats is being shipped from from Samsung. In the press conference today they stated that.

If they kept the microphone, this is Dev worthy.

ConceptVBS said:
If they kept the microphone, this is Dev worthy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no joke! i hope someone can get ahold of one of these ASAP and take it apart to see if it has the hardware.

I read somwhere that you just have to have a bluetooth or regular headset.
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App

I'm hoping this is just a software thing for having the phone feature disabled on the US version of the Tab.

Imagine the looks you would get holding a 7inch tablet to your ear? LOL. Well a wireless headset or a set of earphones is in serious need. Hopefully the devs here can sort something out if the tab has the hardware for it.

it does have 3G voice and data hardware
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tab-3370.php
but as you said, yes people will look at you extremely weird face LOL

AllGamer said:
it does have 3G voice and data hardware
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tab-3370.php
but as you said, yes people will look at you extremely weird face LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that is awesome then, I will go back to the idea of me wanting one again... Ill use my g1 until a modded rom comes out if one isnt out by the time it releases stateside...
I dont plan on holding it to my head during a call even though I might just to be funny..lol.. i barely use my phone (for voice calls) which is why im so concerned with merging it into my tablet because it would be just an app for me... which is the way I like it.

Every review I've read of the US-based versions of the Galaxy Tab (for AT&T/Verizon/Sprint) has said that the Tab will NOT work as a phone.
(sorry, newbie post so I can't post full URL...endgaget has the story)
Skype and other VOIP services work, but not regular EDGE/3G phone calls. Combined with the so-far announced pricing from the major carriers absolutely kills any desire for a Tab vs. either an iPad or a Dell Streak. I'm hopiing that some vendor will make a 7-9" tablet/phone combination in the near future.

That's the American version of the GT. The European and Asian GT DOES HAVE calling/3G functionality.
diskmuncher said:
Every review I've read of the US-based versions of the Galaxy Tab (for AT&T/Verizon/Sprint) has said that the Tab will NOT work as a phone.
(sorry, newbie post so I can't post full URL...endgaget has the story)
Skype and other VOIP services work, but not regular EDGE/3G phone calls. Combined with the so-far announced pricing from the major carriers absolutely kills any desire for a Tab vs. either an iPad or a Dell Streak. I'm hopiing that some vendor will make a 7-9" tablet/phone combination in the near future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

zyborg said:
That's the American version of the GT. The European and Asian GT DOES HAVE calling/3G functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, if I understand this correctly (?) unlike the iPad where it's 3G cannot use voice but only data, the G-Tab Euro version can connect via voice and make calls, but the US version cannot.... Does this mean the US (north American) model lacks the hardware? I am asking because the voice calling is important to me and I have ordered an unlocked US version but maybe I should go for the Euro version?

Euro tab - no 3g in USA but it has voice capability
Has tab - data and sms/mms and no voice capability
Pick your poison muchachos.
I am personally think about the Sprint version with 2gb/m for 399.99 and 29.99/m.

Why wont the Euro version have 3g? The unlocked Euro version from cellhut and Negrielectronics have everything we need. Should just pop in my AT&T SIM and off I go.
negrielectronics.com/samsung-p1000-galaxy-tab-3g-850-1900-2100-oem-unlocked
cellhut.com/Samsung-P1000-Galaxy-Tab-Unlocked-Quadband-GSM-Cell-Phone-Reviews-29956

If the tab has 3g radios, wouldn't there be a way to transfer voice over it? Of course some hacking would be needed, but i'm sure there is a way. If not, couldn't one just tether to the tab with a phone and then use that to make calls over a "wifi" signal?

To answer to the two previous posts:
Unless the Tab has the ability to change 3G bands (Like its cousins phones from Samsung line), the European version won't be able to have 3G over AT&T (Maybe T-Mobile if I recall well, not sure). However some other versions may be able to do so (The version from Telstra should have the right radio for instance and hopefully voice calls enabled)
Then... hopefully we may not be limited to VoIP on the US Tabs... I hope Samsung didn't really castrate the Tabs here and limitation is just a Software limitation. Just flashing the right Firmware / ROM could restore this function (But then you'll need a different plan than the one your carrier will let you subscribe)
All in all my plan (and hope) is we'll be able to enable the voice calls on the US versions. I'll buy it with no plan and will switch it with my TP2. If not... Then I'll be looking for a version elsewhere in the world that has the proper 3G bands and voice enabled

dboppc130 said:
Why wont the Euro version have 3g? The unlocked Euro version from cellhut and Negrielectronics have everything we need. Should just pop in my AT&T SIM and off I go.
negrielectronics.com/samsung-p1000-galaxy-tab-3g-850-1900-2100-oem-unlocked
cellhut.com/Samsung-P1000-Galaxy-Tab-Unlocked-Quadband-GSM-Cell-Phone-Reviews-29956
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's my thought as well. I purchased the HTC HD2 and used it w/o problem on ATT for more than a year even tho ATT never did specifically support it (which meant I could only get Edge speed - but the GT has 1900 UMTS and the full range of ATT voice GSM freq so it should work OK.

i bought the tab in germany and calling even without headset is very good.
the speaker quality is very good. makes it a brilliant conference phone

I seriously hope that the it is just a software lock because buying a the overseas version vs the u.s. Is a huge price difference , looking at the frequencies of tmobile u.s.a will the overseas version work on 3G here even though tmobile is 1700/2100 ?

When I use aDialer I press # and the number I try to call and it cuts off music and for a second a call icon pops up like something is trying to make a call then ends. If I dont hit # first then it doesn't even try to make the call
Sent from my SPH-P100 using XDA App

[Q] U.S. GSM Tabs: phone capable?

it's been brought up in other threads, but I'll get right down to the meat of it: Are the US variant tabs capable of sending and receiving cellular voice calls and texts, hardware wise? In other words, is the hardware there and just disabled by software, or are they physically incapable of this function?
Im on Sprint now, but my goal is to switch to T-Mobile or ATT so I can swap sim cards from my phone to a Tab at will. (yes, I know the tab takes a micro sim, but there are adapters). If the cellular radio is left intact, then rooting and flashing new firmware could enable it. Am I right?

thefoss said:
Im on Sprint now, but my goal is to switch to T-Mobile or ATT so I can swap sim cards from my phone to a Tab at will. (yes, I know the tab takes a micro sim, but there are adapters). If the cellular radio is left intact, then rooting and flashing new firmware could enable it. Am I right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think anyone truly knows if the phone functionality can be re-enabled on the US Tab, but are you sure the US Tab uses micro-SIMs, because the European one just uses standard ones?
Regards,
Dave

foxmeister said:
...but are you sure the US Tab uses micro-SIMs, because the European one just uses standard ones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Engadget reported that some T-Mobile US customer have been sent microSIMs recently, which lead to a spate of rumours about the iPhone4 but it was supposedly then confirmed that the microSIMs are to do with the Tab instead.

I spoke with T-Mobile tech support early this morning... the tech said according to the trouble shooting guides that they have to use... the hardware is there, but voice has been disabled due to software restrictions. If you look on the product page on the T-Mobile website, the specs listed have all 4 gsm radio frequencies as well as 2 aws 3g radios. The display pic even shows 4 full bars of cellular reception. The tech said voice was not supported at launch... however if the phone was "hacked" (his words) technically it could be used for voice and data. He also said that the data plan for the tab is the android smartphone plan, so if you do flash a new rom and have the unlimited plan... you should be gravy for voice and data!! I hope that all of this turns out to be true... we shall see in the next 2 days.

thanks for the info, im already a tmobile customer and want to do the same thing, flash cyanogen to the tab. I have a nexus one and this would rule. my only other question is...can i use my full upgrade on the tablet? i spoke to a 2nd lev tech support and he said i might have a problem doing that because its tech. not a phone. the regular rep couldnt help me at all, she had no info until launch....didnt even know launch date. again can i use my tmobile upgrade for the tab....

jdmadonna said:
I spoke with T-Mobile tech support early this morning... the tech said according to the trouble shooting guides that they have to use... the hardware is there, but voice has been disabled due to software restrictions. If you look on the product page on the T-Mobile website, the specs listed have all 4 gsm radio frequencies as well as 2 aws 3g radios. The display pic even shows 4 full bars of cellular reception. The tech said voice was not supported at launch... however if the phone was "hacked" (his words) technically it could be used for voice and data. He also said that the data plan for the tab is the android smartphone plan, so if you do flash a new rom and have the unlimited plan... you should be gravy for voice and data!! I hope that all of this turns out to be true... we shall see in the next 2 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good

jdmadonna said:
I spoke with T-Mobile tech support early this morning... the tech said according to the trouble shooting guides that they have to use... the hardware is there, but voice has been disabled due to software restrictions. If you look on the product page on the T-Mobile website, the specs listed have all 4 gsm radio frequencies as well as 2 aws 3g radios. The display pic even shows 4 full bars of cellular reception. The tech said voice was not supported at launch... however if the phone was "hacked" (his words) technically it could be used for voice and data. He also said that the data plan for the tab is the android smartphone plan, so if you do flash a new rom and have the unlimited plan... you should be gravy for voice and data!! I hope that all of this turns out to be true... we shall see in the next 2 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IF this were true, and the hardware is all the same, then that would also lead us to believe that the EUR version should have 850 3G capabilities too then, should it not?
I find it hard to believe it is a software limitation. I HOPE it is but highly doubt it.....fingers crossed

shollywood said:
IF this were true, and the hardware is all the same, then that would also lead us to believe that the EUR version should have 850 3G capabilities too then, should it not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
Rumours are that the T-Mobile US model uses a microSIM.
If that's true, then there must be some sort of difference in hardware between it and the EU models.

shollywood said:
IF this were true, and the hardware is all the same, then that would also lead us to believe that the EUR version should have 850 3G capabilities too then, should it not?
I find it hard to believe it is a software limitation. I HOPE it is but highly doubt it.....fingers crossed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessarily - the Telus Desire and "regular" Desire are essentially the same but have different radios to support different bands.
Regards,
Dave

Just came back from demoing the Tab at my local tmobile store. It does use a standard sim. However the update is this: in the apps management screen, it seems that the only thing missing is the actual phone apk. The phone utility apk is there and the contacts apk is there. It looks like we just need the phone apk and then possibly the contacts merge apk to get voice enabled. Anyhow, the phone is being released at 11am pst tomorrow in my town, mine is on reserve so I will have it by 11:05am pst. anyone who wants to guide me into activating voice on this baby, send me a message and i will be happy to assist with trying some methods out.
I will need to try the following apk's from the euro version:
phone.apk
contactsmerge.apk
oh, the local reps looked on the computer and said that this device WILL require a webconnect data plan, not the unlimited android. There is a work around though... with voice enabled, you can call tmobile and ask for a tech support supervisor, open a trouble ticket and request an engineer to change your device ip range to that of a smartphone... then data and voice should work together. I had this problem on my aws version of the dell streak and it fixed it using unlimited voice and unlimited android data plans.

foxmeister said:
Not necessarily - the Telus Desire and "regular" Desire are essentially the same but have different radios to support different bands.
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So how are they 'essentially" the same then? Different radios means different hardware....
This is my point, the US versions are not going to contain the same hardware, hence it will not be a simple software fix. I HOPE I'm wrong, but I don't see it happening.

shollywood said:
So how are they 'essentially" the same then? Different radios means different hardware....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it's one tiny chip that's different, that's all.
The CPU, RAM, camera, display, OS, everything else is the same - hence essentially the same.
shollywood said:
This is my point, the US versions are not going to contain the same hardware, hence it will not be a simple software fix. I HOPE I'm wrong, but I don't see it happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As foxmeister has pointed out, most of the hardware will be the same, so if it's as simple as just the 3G chip being different then it's possible that yes it may only require a simple software fix to enable voice calling.
The units don't to be 100% identical for it to just be a software matter.
However, until someone gives it a go there's no way of being sure.

the microsims are for iphone user that have unlocked their phones and port them over to t-mobile (makes it easier then cutting).
as for the plan. webconnect and regualr cellphone plans are two different animals... one customer having a mobile and a data stick will have two accounts. the webconnect plan is actually just data, no voice options. so really the only way for you to use this device as a phone is if you buy it full price and try your android device sim card on there. THEN theoretically it should work.

amdivoff said:
the microsims are for iphone user that have unlocked their phones and port them over to t-mobile (makes it easier then cutting).
as for the plan. webconnect and regualr cellphone plans are two different animals... one customer having a mobile and a data stick will have two accounts. the webconnect plan is actually just data, no voice options. so really the only way for you to use this device as a phone is if you buy it full price and try your android device sim card on there. THEN theoretically it should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's the plan. Paying the full price and if possible enable phone capabilities using a regular smartphone plan

Step666 said:
Because it's one tiny chip that's different, that's all.
The CPU, RAM, camera, display, OS, everything else is the same - hence essentially the same.
As foxmeister has pointed out, most of the hardware will be the same, so if it's as simple as just the 3G chip being different then it's possible that yes it may only require a simple software fix to enable voice calling.
The units don't to be 100% identical for it to just be a software matter.
However, until someone gives it a go there's no way of being sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So why wouldn't ANYONE just flash the EUR firmware then and have everything enabled? You don't think they thought of that???

jdmadonna said:
Just came back from demoing the Tab at my local tmobile store. It does use a standard sim. However the update is this: in the apps management screen, it seems that the only thing missing is the actual phone apk. The phone utility apk is there and the contacts apk is there. It looks like we just need the phone apk and then possibly the contacts merge apk to get voice enabled. Anyhow, the phone is being released at 11am pst tomorrow in my town, mine is on reserve so I will have it by 11:05am pst. anyone who wants to guide me into activating voice on this baby, send me a message and i will be happy to assist with trying some methods out.
I will need to try the following apk's from the euro version:
phone.apk
contactsmerge.apk
oh, the local reps looked on the computer and said that this device WILL require a webconnect data plan, not the unlimited android. There is a work around though... with voice enabled, you can call tmobile and ask for a tech support supervisor, open a trouble ticket and request an engineer to change your device ip range to that of a smartphone... then data and voice should work together. I had this problem on my aws version of the dell streak and it fixed it using unlimited voice and unlimited android data plans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bet we'll know within a week whether it can make calls or not. And if I have to take a bet I'll say... it can

I have never wanted to be more wrong on something...but I'll take that bet.

Step666 said:
Because it's one tiny chip that's different, that's all.
The CPU, RAM, camera, display, OS, everything else is the same - hence essentially the same.
As foxmeister has pointed out, most of the hardware will be the same, so if it's as simple as just the 3G chip being different then it's possible that yes it may only require a simple software fix to enable voice calling.
The units don't to be 100% identical for it to just be a software matter.
However, until someone gives it a go there's no way of being sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting logic....
So the Wave and the Galaxy S are "essentially" the same then....you cannot just throw Android on it and away you go...your logic would say otherwise.
The Wave too has the same CPU, RAM, Camera...etc. as the Galaxy S

Mine is onhold and waiting for me... I have a friend who knows Android tweaks inside and out ready to help me in the morning... hopefully we will know soon.

shollywood said:
So why wouldn't ANYONE just flash the EUR firmware then and have everything enabled? You don't think they thought of that???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same logic applies to locked and unlocked handsets, quite often it's just software 'so why wouldn't anyone just flash the generic firmware?'
It's a risk, that's why people don't do it.
However, in this case there may be something to be gained from taking that risk.
Unfortunately, we won't know for sure one way or the other until some intrepid soul takes that risk.
But the fact still remains, the vast majority of the hardware (ie basically everything but the radio) will be the same as the EU model and that means there is the possibility that all the T-Mobile US Tab (or perhaps an AT&T one) needs is a re-flash to activate calling.
shollywood said:
Interesting logic....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least I'm using some.
shollywood said:
So the Wave and the Galaxy S are "essentially" the same then....you cannot just throw Android on it and away you go...your logic would say otherwise.
The Wave too has the same CPU, RAM, Camera...etc. as the Galaxy S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now you're just being absurd.
The two situations are not comparable.
In the case of the Tab we're talking two versions of the same device just with different frequencies supported, both are still the Galaxy Tab, both are still the P1000, it is essentially the same device.
In the situation you have, for reasons unknown, chosen to highlight, they are two different handsets completely - they are different models, they have different model numbers, they just happen to have similar specs.
It would be like saying the Desire and the Trophy are the same just because they have the same CPU, RAM and camera and that you can just 'throw' the OS of one onto the other. It just doesn't work like that.
Or maybe you'd like to lend your expertise to the teams of people around here working tirelessly to port OSs between various handsets? Clearly they've missed a trick with this 'throwing' business you speak of(!)

[Q] Is my two day old Nexus 4 obsolete already?

So, received my Nexus 4 two days ago. My AT&T sim card is arriving today. I have not turned the phone on (just letting it charge) or paid my bill yet. Will the phone work on AT&T's 4G LTE network, or do I misunderstand its hardware capability?
Rumors along the following lines started floating around yesterday:
"On February 25th Straight Talk will be unavailing a revamped website experience, along with several new mid and high end phones and a new procedure for acquiring and activating AT&T sim cards. The new Straight talk sim cards will work on AT&T 4G LTE networks. You will also be able to view call history and other information if you have a Straight Talk account. For the first time Straight Talk will also allow certain smart phones to be used on their $30 plan and will be expanding the plan to offer more voice minutes (1500) text (2000) and data (300 MB). Enjoy and remember, you heard it here first."
If true, it makes sense that the Straight Talk AT&T sim supply is being depleted.
First, AT&T sims are no longer available on the Straight Talk web site.
Secondly, I saw this post regarding the sims:
"Walmart.com, the only place that's selling the ST SIMS, are running out. Orders are being limited to 2 and they're out of the Micro SIMS now. So you might want to get yours while you can. I've read the forum for the last few months after getting my Nexus 4, my first smartphone believe it or not. Just thought I'd finally post something."
Finally, I also emailed Straight Talk regarding the sim issue:
Please be informed that we are still able to activate the AT&T Bring
Your Own Phone (BYOP) SIM cards. However, the BYOP AT&T SIM cards are
not available for online purchase in our website at this time. They are
available for purchase on the Wal-Mart website (www.walmart.com) and
from participating Wal-Mart retailer stores nationwide. Our records also
indicate that AT&T service is provided in the zip code <removed>. Please be
advised that we have not received any feedback about AT&T canceling
their contract with our service.

for LTE check HERE
should give you some basic info

aaronrw said:
for LTE check HERE
should give you some basic info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's even worse.......that would mean that my operating system is obsolete and I can't ever upgrade if I want LTE. From what I am coming to understand is that not all the LTE circuitry is in the phone anyway (like amplifiers for instance) so it would not work properly anyway, and the phone was never certified for LTE so I guess that is why they removed the capability in software.

yes. every device is obsolete the moment it hits retail. there's always something better in development.
btw, there are a few things I should clear up:
1. the radio/baseband is NOT the operating system. it only provides reception to the device.
2. android is not an operating system. it is random optional memory, or a firmware, if you prefer to look at it like that.
3. just use the old radio and the newest version of android together. the only change wiith the new radio is they killed band 4 so you can't connect to lte. I'm coming from a nexus s 4g, and I never updated my radio for the whole life of the device until about 3 months ago. the only thing it affects at all is your voice/data signal. Your phone wouldn't ever know the difference, unless they start making radio updates mandatory.....then you can start crying about losing lte. and I'll be right next to you with a tissue in my hand, as well.

pjc123 said:
So, received my Nexus 4 two days ago. My AT&T sim card is arriving today. I have not turned the phone on (just letting it charge) or paid my bill yet. Will the phone work on AT&T's 4G LTE network, or do I misunderstand its hardware capability?
Rumors along the following lines started floating around yesterday:
"On February 25th Straight Talk will be unavailing a revamped website experience, along with several new mid and high end phones and a new procedure for acquiring and activating AT&T sim cards. The new Straight talk sim cards will work on AT&T 4G LTE networks. You will also be able to view call history and other information if you have a Straight Talk account. For the first time Straight Talk will also allow certain smart phones to be used on their $30 plan and will be expanding the plan to offer more voice minutes (1500) text (2000) and data (300 MB). Enjoy and remember, you heard it here first."
If true, it makes sense that the Straight Talk AT&T sim supply is being depleted.
First, AT&T sims are no longer available on the Straight Talk web site.
Secondly, I saw this post regarding the sims:
"Walmart.com, the only place that's selling the ST SIMS, are running out. Orders are being limited to 2 and they're out of the Micro SIMS now. So you might want to get yours while you can. I've read the forum for the last few months after getting my Nexus 4, my first smartphone believe it or not. Just thought I'd finally post something."
Finally, I also emailed Straight Talk regarding the sim issue:
Please be informed that we are still able to activate the AT&T Bring
Your Own Phone (BYOP) SIM cards. However, the BYOP AT&T SIM cards are
not available for online purchase in our website at this time. They are
available for purchase on the Wal-Mart website (www.walmart.com) and
from participating Wal-Mart retailer stores nationwide. Our records also
indicate that AT&T service is provided in the zip code <removed>. Please be
advised that we have not received any feedback about AT&T canceling
their contract with our service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't get it, what the heck is straight talk? and how is your phone obsolete?

That's the basic gist of any product these days.
Now with the Nexus 4, that made it even a bit worse since it didn't come with the hardware needed to work. Then again having LTE is such a big deal to you then guess you bought the phone without doing any research.

hp420 said:
yes. every device is obsolete the moment it hits retail. there's always something better in development.
btw, there are a few things I should clear up:
1. the radio/baseband is NOT the operating system. it only provides reception to the device.
2. android is not an operating system. it is random optional memory, or a firmware, if you prefer to look at it like that.
3. just use the old radio and the newest version of android together. the only change wiith the new radio is they killed band 4 so you can't connect to lte. I'm coming from a nexus s 4g, and I never updated my radio for the whole life of the device until about 3 months ago. the only thing it affects at all is your voice/data signal. Your phone wouldn't ever know the difference, unless they start making radio updates mandatory.....then you can start crying about losing lte. and I'll be right next to you with a tissue in my hand, as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clearing that up. But is the LTE crippled by missing components like I have read, or is that another falacy?

shotta35 said:
Then again having LTE is such a big deal to you then guess you bought the phone without doing any research.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I knew that LTE was not listed in the specs for the device before I bought the device. It was the very recent software update that concerned me, and yes again, they have every right to totally disable LTE in the future if they so choose. It was a lot cheaper than the Galaxy S III, so it is a gamble. Thanks for your constructive answer by the way.

pjc123 said:
Thanks for clearing that up. But is the LTE crippled by missing components like I have read, or is that another falacy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
crippled?!?!?! hahahaha!!! what you read were reviews immediately after the phone launched where it waspointed out that the lte chip is present, but no one was connecting. the only thing that could be construed as 'crippled' is the fact that it can only connect to band 4 lte. but if you use band 4, you would never know anything was different.
Just sign up with a carrier that uses band 4 lte and you'll be fine. None in the US currently do, but tmobile is going to launch theirs soon, and it will be band 4. I've also heard rumors of users getting lte working on at&t, but since my hatred for at&t runs deep, I wouldn't even consider using them, so I never paid attention to how it's done.

hp420 said:
crippled?!?!?! hahahaha!!! what you read were reviews immediately after the phone launched where it waspointed out that the lte chip is present, but no one was connecting. the only thing that could be construed as 'crippled' is the fact that it can only connect to band 4 lte. but if you use band 4, you would never know anything was different.
Just sign up with a carrier that uses band 4 lte and you'll be fine. None in the US currently do, but tmobile is going to launch theirs soon, and it will be band 4. I've also heard rumors of users getting lte working on at&t, but since my hatred for at&t runs deep, I wouldn't even consider using them, so I never paid attention to how it's done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great. This is my first smartphone, and I am trying to read up on the technology on several forums as fast as possible, so excuse my lack of knowledge. I have been supporting Linux for 10 years, so quite honestly my first priority is to root the device and install Busybox so I have a portable device with command line access via wifi with the most Linux commands available to all of my Linux servers at home, especially my Raspberry Pi for a project that I am building. Also hoping for Ubuntu on Android for this phone (Actually would prefer Red Hat/Centos/Fedora for Android). Second priority is phone calls. Third priority is data (HPSA+, 3G, 4G, etc.). I figure what I would have to pay for a camera, GPS, etc., as standalone devices, of which I own none, this is a fantastic deal.

hp420 said:
yes. every device is obsolete the moment it hits retail. there's always something better in development.
btw, there are a few things I should clear up:
1. the radio/baseband is NOT the operating system. it only provides reception to the device.
2. android is not an operating system. it is random optional memory, or a firmware, if you prefer to look at it like that.
3. just use the old radio and the newest version of android together. the only change wiith the new radio is they killed band 4 so you can't connect to lte. I'm coming from a nexus s 4g, and I never updated my radio for the whole life of the device until about 3 months ago. the only thing it affects at all is your voice/data signal. Your phone wouldn't ever know the difference, unless they start making radio updates mandatory.....then you can start crying about losing lte. and I'll be right next to you with a tissue in my hand, as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is android NOT an OS???
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

hp420 said:
crippled?!?!?! hahahaha!!! what you read were reviews immediately after the phone launched where it waspointed out that the lte chip is present, but no one was connecting. the only thing that could be construed as 'crippled' is the fact that it can only connect to band 4 lte. but if you use band 4, you would never know anything was different.
Just sign up with a carrier that uses band 4 lte and you'll be fine. None in the US currently do, but tmobile is going to launch theirs soon, and it will be band 4. I've also heard rumors of users getting lte working on at&t, but since my hatred for at&t runs deep, I wouldn't even consider using them, so I never paid attention to how it's done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is crippled. There is no amplifier.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

joshnichols189 said:
It is crippled. There is no amplifier.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sigh. There is an amplifier and all the hardware necessary to connect to and use LTE if your carrier uses band 4. Plenty if canucks have been doing it for months.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

shultz11588 said:
How is android NOT an OS???
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
by definition, that's how.
wikipedia said:
An operating system (OS) is a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs. The operating system is a vital component of the system software in a computer system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
android is not software, but rather firmware
wikipedia said:
Computer software, or just software, is a collection of computer programs and related data that provides the instructions for telling a computer what to do and how to do it. Software refers to one or more computer programs and data held in the storage of the computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wikipedia said:
In electronic systems and computing, firmware is the combination of persistent memory and program code and data stored in it.[1] Typical examples of devices containing firmware are embedded systems (such as traffic lights, consumer appliances, and digital watches), computers, computer peripherals, mobile phones, and digital cameras. The firmware contained in these devices provides the control program for the device. Firmware is held in non-volatile memory devices such as ROM, EPROM, or flash memory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Notice the bold in the last quote? This is the defining difference.

hp420 said:
by definition, that's how.
android is not software, but rather firmware
Notice the bold in the last quote? This is the defining difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you interpret and connect the two definitions like that, then iOS, Windows Phone 8, etc., none of them are OSes. If someone load an OS onto a ROM, it automatically becomes NOT an OS? Firmware contains program code, and part of the code can be the OS. Firmware and OS are not mutually exclusive. An OS is defined by its functionality, not where or how it is stored.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

hp420 said:
by definition, that's how.
android is not software, but rather firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed and ran android on my laptop. So how does that fit with your clever definition!!
An OS is not defined by the media it is on, you can run Linux off a USB stick,its still an OS.
Your interpretation of that definition is wrong, you have decided to just force it to fit in with your incorrect understanding

Also correct me if I am mistaken but the radio is also what starts the boot process? I read somewhere that it is the first thing to load and bootstraps in the rest of the OS? So it does a bit more than just provide reception.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Galaxy Tab S2 4G LTE Unboxing Review with Phone features

Testing out the Galaxy Tab S2 4G LTE version. So far I will be keeping the Tab S2! I wasn't going to upgrade from my Tab S, but after these last two days of using it on the road, it is a premium tablet! Samsung has come a long way from previous builds, not that I didn't like them just has stepped up.
Here is a look at the Galaxy Tab S2 4G LTE, it is a bit long as I was testing out the 4G LTE with Verizon SIM and AT&T. Also some web browsing and overall look.
https://youtu.be/d3MTP96DHf0

good to see folks having the lte version..still waiting for my 8 inch version cellular version (use on att)...great effort nice video..thanks!

it's good to have a tablet with the phone features, though sometimes it feels not so convenient as a phone.
nice video.

beingbq said:
it's good to have a tablet with the phone features, though sometimes it feels not so convenient as a phone.
nice video.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With Google Voice, pretty much anything with access to the internet and a microphone can place calls and receive them. It does come in handy at times.
Honestly i don't see much a point for a tablet to place calls outside of google voice, because that would mean you have a separate phone number.

mac231us said:
good to see folks having the lte version..still waiting for my 8 inch version cellular version (use on att)...great effort nice video..thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you...
Sent from my SM-T815 using Tapatalk

beingbq said:
it's good to have a tablet with the phone features, though sometimes it feels not so convenient as a phone.
nice video.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks... Yes this wouldn't be as convenient to use as a phone, but would work if someone wanted to use a Bluetooth headset and a Smartwatch.
Sent from my SM-T815 using Tapatalk

Brittany_Menton said:
With Google Voice, pretty much anything with access to the internet and a microphone can place calls and receive them. It does come in handy at times.
Honestly i don't see much a point for a tablet to place calls outside of google voice, because that would mean you have a separate phone number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I don't think I would use the tablet as a phone, maybe only as backup with a Bluetooth headset. Maybe I can see using it in the car as a phone where you can pair it your car or just use the Bluetooth headset.
Sent from my SM-T815 using Tapatalk

ElCamino said:
Yes I don't think I would use the tablet as a phone, maybe only as backup with a Bluetooth headset. Maybe I can see using it in the car as a phone where you can pair it your car or just use the Bluetooth headset.
Sent from my SM-T815 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the tab s 8.4 lte version and when my S6 was sent in for repairs, I used the tablet as a phone. It was great! The size wasn't that bad to hold up and with the built in ear speaker, I may have looked weird talking on it but it worked just fine. More so, I purchased the LTE version because its great to have Data anywhere.

Also got the the LTE version. You can also whatsapp on it. It basically a giant S6
Sent from my SM-T815 using Tapatalk

blue13x said:
Also got the the LTE version. You can also whatsapp on it. It basically a giant S6
Sent from my SM-T815 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What carrier you using your Tab S2? I call my Tab S2 9.7 the big Note 5++ ?
Sent from my SM-T815 using Tapatalk

Just got mine today. Took the ATT sim out of my ipad air 2 and slipped it in and it shows the network bars but wont connect to any data. 4G lte worked fine in the air 2. It is an add on line for our mobile family plan. I guess I need to call att and have them provision the sim for the S2? The sim out of my S6 active works fine it the S2.
EDIT: Ok they set it up with the new imei and it is working fine now with just one issue. It shows 4G and not lte like it did with the sim out of my S6. It is getting the same LTE speeds as my S6 it just wont show actual LTE like it did with the sim from the S6. Doesn't bother me just kind of odd.

@ElCamino, thanks for the detailed unboxing and review!
Samsung has like 100 variants of these tablets, each with a different band support configuration. Can you please list the full Samsung model number (including all the letters past the 815...) and its FCC ID (if there is one) of this imported model?

How do I access the phone call feature on my AT&T LTE 9.7 in version ? Don't see an icon or anything to make calls or is calling limited to certain tablets ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using Tapatalk

I do not think carrier versions have calling function that is cellular..this is standard practice as on t705/707?, t325/320 etc...the carriers fault...not Samsung's just as iPad has no cellular calling just data capability..same as t335/337?, t230/231?/235/237? and so on....
I may have carrier model numbers wrong but my point remains
You need international version for cellular calling
Sent from my SM-T235 using XDA Free mobile app

ProStreetCamaro said:
Just got mine today. Took the ATT sim out of my ipad air 2 and slipped it in and it shows the network bars but wont connect to any data. 4G lte worked fine in the air 2. It is an add on line for our mobile family plan. I guess I need to call att and have them provision the sim for the S2? The sim out of my S6 active works fine it the S2.
EDIT: Ok they set it up with the new imei and it is working fine now with just one issue. It shows 4G and not lte like it did with the sim out of my S6. It is getting the same LTE speeds as my S6 it just wont show actual LTE like it did with the sim from the S6. Doesn't bother me just kind of odd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure the SIM is provision for LTE. For a Galaxy Note 5 that I had done a video for, it would only stay at H+, called and they changed it on their end. In the Tab S2 I have, it shows 4G at top but checking in settings, about devices, status. I can see that it shows its on LTE.
Sent from my SM-T815 using Tapatalk

myphone12345 said:
@ElCamino, thanks for the detailed unboxing and review!
Samsung has like 100 variants of these tablets, each with a different band support configuration. Can you please list the full Samsung model number (including all the letters past the 815...) and its FCC ID (if there is one) of this imported model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For model number it only shows SM-T815 and FCC A3LS MT 815.
Sent from my SM-T815 using Tapatalk

Just a few comments in defense of calling capability in a tablet.
There are several reasons you might want this:
1. You are carrying around a tablet and a smart phone, why not just carry one device, a tablet?
2. Smart phones are too small, you need something bigger for your eyes.
3. Your new vehicle demands a phone connection and you constantly forget your phone, both at home and in the vehicle. You plan to install a small tablet for a phone & also other uses so it is there permanently.
Comments:
1. No where is there a law that says your phone must be held up to your head. In fact, it is probably better that you don't do that (radiation). Modern technology allows other ways of communicating.
2. T-Mobile has the 'DIGITS' feature in progress where 1 number (your number) can be used for multiple devices. Hence NO NEED to get a second number.

rwcherry100 said:
Just a few comments in defense of calling capability in a tablet.
There are several reasons you might want this:
1. You are carrying around a tablet and a smart phone, why not just carry one device, a tablet?
2. Smart phones are too small, you need something bigger for your eyes.
3. Your new vehicle demands a phone connection and you constantly forget your phone, both at home and in the vehicle. You plan to install a small tablet for a phone & also other uses so it is there permanently.
Comments:
1. No where is there a law that says your phone must be held up to your head. Modern technology allows other ways of communicating.
2. T-Mobile has the 'DIGITS' feature in progress where 1 number (your number) can be used for multiple devices. Hence NO NEED to get a second number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the T719 and it is my only phone at the moment! I am liking having a large device for my apps and internet, and the only really hurdles have been not being able to pocket the device, and calls in public can be cumbersome without a headset. But in the car with Bluetooth it's exactly the same, and it's not an issue at home at all.

YrrchSebor said:
I have the T719 and it is my only phone at the moment! I am liking having a large device for my apps and internet, and the only really hurdles have been not being able to pocket the device, and calls in public can be cumbersome without a headset. But in the car with Bluetooth it's exactly the same, and it's not an issue at home at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the exact model of your T719 including the letter if any after the 719? I am still looking for a model to install in my car to use as the car phone, same number as all devices using T-Mobile Digits.

rwcherry100 said:
What is the exact model of your T719 including the letter if any after the 719? I am still looking for a model to install in my car to use as the car phone, same number as all devices using T-Mobile Digits.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's simply SM-T719, no carrier affiliation at all. It isn't sold in the U.S. except online. The guy I got it from gave me the link to a great site that ships to the U.S. very quickly. It's in another thread here, couldn't find it just now but will find it if you're interested ? Oh, and it seems to have full Penta band LTE, so it even supports T-Mobile perfectly. Between all that, and the snapdragon processor. I couldn't be happier with it.

New SM-g935fd owner in USA confused

I caveat by saying the forum would not let me post anywhere but the general forum right now so that's why I'm posting here.
I've read a bunch of conflicting threads and info lately but nothing concise in regards to what I'm trying to do and need some help.
This is my first ever android phone. I'm coming from an iPhone 6 as a heavy business user. WiFi Calling is extremely important because my house has terrible cell reception. I recently purchased an SM-G935FD (duos phone) and I'm a USA AT&T customer. I rooted the phone day one but had not yet swapped the SIM card. I chose the DUOs because I do quite a bit of international travel and I liked the hardware of the XYNOS platform better than snapdragon. Unfortunately I didn't realize or suspect that WiFI calling would potentially become a problem. I could care less about Samsung or Apple Pay for that matter, nor do I really care about Voltos. But wifi calling is a deal breaker.
I rooted the phone, and I put flash fire on there but really don't know how to use it. I found some people saying that my phone can accept both the SM-G935F firmwares and FD firmwares, but others who were skeptical. And people saying that there were firmwares that did have wifi calling enabled and others who said no.
At the moment I am back on the iPhone 6 because the Samsung is useless to me until I figure out how to get wifi calling enabled on there.
So... I'm confused. IS there a firmware I can flash my rooted unlocked S7 that will enable this? How exactly do I go about doing that with either flash fire or smart switch? I looked, but I am having difficulty finding a guide on doing this. The phone is already a paperweight, but I don't want to brick it as well lol.
Thanks for the help.

Usaf-lt-g said:
I caveat by saying the forum would not let me post anywhere but the general forum right now so that's why I'm posting here.
I've read a bunch of conflicting threads and info lately but nothing concise in regards to what I'm trying to do and need some help.
This is my first ever android phone. I'm coming from an iPhone 6 as a heavy business user. WiFi Calling is extremely important because my house has terrible cell reception. I recently purchased an SM-G935FD (duos phone) and I'm a USA AT&T customer. I rooted the phone day one but had not yet swapped the SIM card. I chose the DUOs because I do quite a bit of international travel and I liked the hardware of the XYNOS platform better than snapdragon. Unfortunately I didn't realize or suspect that WiFI calling would potentially become a problem. I could care less about Samsung or Apple Pay for that matter, nor do I really care about Voltos. But wifi calling is a deal breaker.
I rooted the phone, and I put flash fire on there but really don't know how to use it. I found some people saying that my phone can accept both the SM-G935F firmwares and FD firmwares, but others who were skeptical. And people saying that there were firmwares that did have wifi calling enabled and others who said no.
At the moment I am back on the iPhone 6 because the Samsung is useless to me until I figure out how to get wifi calling enabled on there.
So... I'm confused. IS there a firmware I can flash my rooted unlocked S7 that will enable this? How exactly do I go about doing that with either flash fire or smart switch? I looked, but I am having difficulty finding a guide on doing this. The phone is already a paperweight, but I don't want to brick it as well lol.
Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u need to go read over the custom roms and recoverys forum for the s7 edge.

ecg803 said:
u need to go read over the custom roms and recoverys forum for the s7 edge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I think I got it figured out. I changed the CSC using TWRC over to an att USA CSC and that seems to have at least enabled the menus for this functionality. I haven't moved the SIM back over there to test it though.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would move this thread to the AT&T specific section. My understanding is that specific drivers are needed to do WiFi calling on AT&T and it's not baked in and the model you bought is not sold in the states whether it's sim unlocked or not. Also, why would you root/jailbreak a phone running an OS that you have no real experience with? If you can't get it to work then I'd return it and either buy the AT&T version outright an have them unlock it for you or go to Best Buy, Amazon or Samsung themselves and buy the single sim unlocked version. You may still have issues with that unlocked version if AT&T's Wifi calling is as locked up as I remember. T-Mobiles wifi calling works with your handset but it also has oddities such as the TMO sim must be in sim slot 1 to work. Because that model is not normally used with U.S. carriers .. they kinda don't give a crap about it so the work is on you.
Since this is your first Android phone .. I don't want you to think this is a problem with the OS or even with Samsung. It's just how things work. Apple allows carrier specific network files to be pushed to iOS where that's not the case with Android. I think maybe backup and stop hacking on things would be a good piece of advice. Take it for what it is. I just would like to prevent another iOS switcher from running around saying Android suck because things didn't go the way they thought would.
Cheers.

aergern said:
I would move this thread to the AT&T specific section. My understanding is that specific drivers are needed to do WiFi calling on AT&T and it's not baked in and the model you bought is not sold in the states whether it's sim unlocked or not. Also, why would you root/jailbreak a phone running an OS that you have no real experience with? If you can't get it to work then I'd return it and either buy the AT&T version outright an have them unlock it for you or go to Best Buy, Amazon or Samsung themselves and buy the single sim unlocked version. You may still have issues with that unlocked version if AT&T's Wifi calling is as locked up as I remember. T-Mobiles wifi calling works with your handset but it also has oddities such as the TMO sim must be in sim slot 1 to work. Because that model is not normally used with U.S. carriers .. they kinda don't give a crap about it so the work is on you.
Since this is your first Android phone .. I don't want you to think this is a problem with the OS or even with Samsung. It's just how things work. Apple allows carrier specific network files to be pushed to iOS where that's not the case with Android. I think maybe backup and stop hacking on things would be a good piece of advice. Take it for what it is. I just would like to prevent another iOS switcher from running around saying Android suck because things didn't go the way they thought would.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok slow down. I don't think any of that at all regarding saying or
Thinking android sucks nor would I make such a conclusion. Lol. Also couldn't put the thread there, wouldn't let me create a thread over there (said im "too newb")
I'm a LONG time older comp sci major who works for a software company and has been doing consulting for a number of years. All day every day I deal with every software imaginable. It just HAPPENS that this is my first android phone, and Therefore is not that familiar to me yet. The only reason I had an iPhone and idevices (all jailbroken) in the first place was because at the time, my company was locked to Apple mobile devices. I'm actually simultaneously working with piemessage to try and get a VM up and running to allow me to use iMessage on Android
Also I understand their may be some nuisances of screwing with other packages and drivers. I did do the CSC update and that "enabled" at least the menus and the ability to turn the features On. Whether or not it's working, I have no idea. Without a SIN card inserted however, I was able to place a cal using google hangouts dialer without any issue whatsoever, but as that is a different app then the actual phone dialer... I'm not sure if that proves anything. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but making a wifi cal through Hangouts Dialer connected to my google voice number without a SIM card inserted is different than dialing a number using the phone app.
Unfortunately, the only real way for me to test it, is to take the SIM back out of my iPhone, call att again and have them switch the IMEI again. At least google voice wouldn't configure properly until I did that and it took forever to get the call forwarding reset. And my problem is I'm going on a business trip tomorrow and don't have the time to be swapping SIM cards back and forth.
Maybe I'll just put it in letter without calling AT&T and see if it works anyways. Are there any prevalent icons up at the top to indicate it's a wifi call being made vs a cell call?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Usaf-lt-g said:
Ok slow down. I don't think any of that at all regarding saying or
Thinking android sucks nor would I make such a conclusion. Lol. I'm a
LONG time older comp sci major who works for a software company and has been doing consulting for a number of years. All day every day I deal with every software imaginable. It just HAPPENS that this is my first android phone, and Therefore is not that familiar to me yet. The only reason I had an iPhone and idevices (all jailbroken) in the first place was because at the time, my company was locked to Apple mobile devices. I'm actually simultaneously working with piemessage to try and get a VM up and running to allow me to use iMessage on Android
Also I understand their may be some nuisances of screwing with other packages and drivers. I did do the CSC update and that "enabled" at least the menus and the ability to turn the features On. Whether or not it's working, I have no idea. Without a SIN card inserted however, I was able to place a cal using google hangouts dialer without any issue whatsoever, but as that is a different app then the actual phone dialer... I'm not sure if that proves anything. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but making a wifi cal through Hangouts Dialer connected to my google voice number without a SIM card inserted is different than dialing a number using the phone app.
Unfortunately, the only real way for me to test it, is to take the SIM back out of my iPhone, call att again and have them switch the IMEI again. At least google voice wouldn't configure properly until I did that and it took forever to get the call forwarding reset. And my problem is I'm going on a business trip tomorrow and don't have the time to be swapping SIM cards back and forth.
Maybe I'll just put it in letter without calling AT&T and see if it works anyways. Are there any prevalent icons up at the top to indicate it's a wifi call being made vs a cell call?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, ya never know what folks know.
I've just encountered a lot of folks who are smart techies who have used iPhones for a long time and Android frustrates them and then they freak out. My bad. I apologize.
I still think you need to check the AT&T specific section. I've read that the proper support for AT&T's wifi calling isn't baked into AOSP like T-Mobile has theirs baked in. This could have changed but I don't think so. The other calls ie. Hangouts, Google Voice and Skype aren't controlled by AT&T so I would assume they'd work regardless. The wifi calling registers with AT&T's servers/routers ... what they require for this handshake I'm not entirely sure. I know that when I tried it out using my Nexus 6P it didn't work out of the box but I didn't spend a lot of time on it either.
Ah. I get you about the business trip thing. It's why I bought the unlocked S7E .. I have to swap to often when traveling. I did this after I bought the version you have. I found that 1 sim slot would do LTE/3G/2G and the other was stuck on 2G only and that it would random switch from sim 1 to sim 2 when I was in the States with my personal TMO sim and my work AT&T simcard. It was too irritating so now I just expense the TMO account and gave back the AT&T sim. Not an option for everyone .. I get that.
Also, I did read that AT&T likes to jack folks around on speed when it's not one of their phones and there is a fix involving the EMEI number being changed in your account .. I can't remember where on XDA I found that trick but I'm sure a search will find it for you.
Hope you get it working. The S7E is a nice phone.
Safe travels. Cheers.

hey go check out sac23 rom it is USA att ported note 7 rom. It has wifi calling.

ecg803 said:
hey go check out sac23 rom it is USA att ported note 7 rom. It has wifi calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good call. Just loaded it, will test wifi calling.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What was your result? I'm in the same boat, thought this model would be useful for business trips. Also need Wi-Fi calling at home, but no dice.