WARNING: Adware in last OTA official update for P7000 - Elephone P7000

Warning to everyone having a P7000 or considering buying one:
In the last OTA official update (P7000_20150914), Elephone must have found it funny to include adware!
The malware is called "com.ltp.launcherpad" and it:
- displays some ads over various apps
- add some icons to untrusted apps such as "goo weather" or "popbird" etc
- maybe more, here is a virustotal link: virustotal.com/en/file/7422d824f54365021f3cdd736e3e03bf421a5c62020d1a6b4c949790b5325ef9/analysis/1445986858
Here is also a thread of people who noticed the problem: bbs.elephone.hk/thread-8262-1-1.html
Dear elephone staff... f**k you!

Apparently it is also the case for Elephone P8000 :
my shiny new elephone p8000 come with a nice trojan, the built in ele launcher is called XLauncher_3.3.10_20150908_ForELE.apk and runs from "/custom/app_unremovable/" it is logging everything the phone does, its saving files in the root of the mobile called, go2.com.ltp.launcherpad[20151012155905].log,
its accessing known virus related websites virustotal.com/en-gb/domain/api.fotapro.com/information/, it also downloads other malwares to your mobile, i have seen various random apps appear on the desktop which also contain malware. remember this is a clean phone with the latest Elephone_P8000_20150909 direct from ele and no other apps installed.
its unremovable unless your phone is rooted (use super su from the play store, root, reset, then using ES File Explorer (enable in settings show hidden files) goto "/custom/app_unremovable/XLauncher_3.3.10_20150908_ForELE.apk" and rename it XLauncher_3.3.10_20150908_ForELE.apk.old i also did the same for the elephoneuserfeedback in the same folder and have had zero problems since, reboot your phone you may get the optermizing apps screen for a few mins, here is proof that the file does contain known malware virustotal.com/en-gb/file/7102cf355121a07a74d88a42a4808ab5d0de222173f6b919bd0cc2f5f173330f/analysis/1446000862/ this is absolutely unbelievable
PS
REMEMBER to install another launcher first before you remove the ELE one, i am using nova launcher without any problems at all.
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Click to collapse
Elephone really thinks its clients are monkeys. This is unacceptable!

OH c'mon!!! i have been looking like crazy for this problem! i have this firmware since it came out (september) and only now i'm getting this adware situation!!! damn damn damn. it's a good phone, why doing something like this??? this is totally unacceptable.

People are tired of Elephone being dishonest and disrespectful of their customers, so they also created a petition on change.org to complain about the multiple problems of elephone's phones : change.org/p/elephone-elephone-china-recall-of-elephone-7000-lot-%CC%81s-of-deficiencies-and-problems
Elephone sould be ASHAMED!

Same to me, serious scandal. Fortunately i did not install apps from outside the play store, especially no apps in the last days, when the appearance of the crap began...
Not acceptable.

darkick said:
People are tired of Elephone being dishonest and disrespectful of their customers, so they also created a petition on change.org to complain about the multiple problems of elephone's phones : change.org/p/elephone-elephone-china-recall-of-elephone-7000-lot-%CC%81s-of-deficiencies-and-problems
Elephone sould be ASHAMED!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck but it is going to be hard to invoke any changes on a company that cares so little about it's users that it would happily release an OTA update filled with obvious malware.
The best thing that you can do is flash the phone with a custom rom or the previous build of the official rom and then start looking at a new phone. You should also spread the word on social media and forums like this so that Elephone go out of business as quickly as possible.
Even by Chinese standards Elephone are disgusting, and Chinese standards usually tend to be pretty ****ing low.

I talked to Someone on the elephone team and they told me they were aware of the problem and are about to release the next firmware (this time a clean one). The whole tbing is weird though because the adware is in the launcher so is there space to say that maybe all this was a very horrible mistake on their part?
This is like the 5th firmware release on the p7000 and on the other 4 there were no adware whatsoever :/ let's see what happens.
However, it's kinda hard to say the brand is ****, apart from this horrible firmware update, the brand has demonstrated to be an active one and the phones are pretty cool when it comes to hardware (not perfect but they are worth their price), and when it comes to software they are always active developing new firmwares which is a plus to me.

elpanda13 said:
I talked to Someone on the elephone team and they told me they were aware of the problem and are about to release the next firmware (this time a clean one). The whole tbing is weird though because the adware is in the launcher so is there space to say that maybe all this was a very horrible mistake on their part?
This is like the 5th firmware release on the p7000 and on the other 4 there were no adware whatsoever :/ let's see what happens.
However, it's kinda hard to say the brand is ****, apart from this horrible firmware update, the brand has demonstrated to be an active one and the phones are pretty cool when it comes to hardware (not perfect but they are worth their price), and when it comes to software they are always active developing new firmwares which is a plus to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that their OTA updates deploy incrementally so if you are on the previous firmware, you would (currently) still need to install the bad one before you can install any fixed version unless they remove the bad firmware update from their OTA servers and I honestly don't trust them to do that.

Wow you're Right I didn't think of that :/ hope they do the right thing :/

Wow!
I never experienced this, cos since the addition of the ele launcher to thier ROM, I always delete d file at every update cos I'm rooted. But the launcher has been eliminated in the recent update 20151104

Adex2014 said:
I never experienced this, cos since the addition of the ele launcher to thier ROM, I always delete d file at every update cos I'm rooted. But the launcher has been eliminated in the recent update 20151104
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you upgrade the new rom without recovery map?
Sent from my Elephone P7000 using Tapatalk

Adex2014 said:
I never experienced this, cos since the addition of the ele launcher to thier ROM, I always delete d file at every update cos I'm rooted. But the launcher has been eliminated in the recent update 20151104
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After all the fuzz (there was even a change.org petition! )they sort of deactivated the ads before they made the firmware (don't know if that is possible)
Now the launcher is gone from the appstore and from the elephone firmware. Everything's alright now but that was a very bad move.

longfeng said:
How did you upgrade the new rom without recovery map?
Sent from my Elephone P7000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't do anything special, just downloaded the whole new firmware and flashed with spflashtool

I have the same kind of adware in my brand new Elephone M1 (stock firmware)
Code:
[email protected]_35gu_b_l1:/ $ pm list packages com.ltp.launcherpad
package:com.ltp.launcherpad
Indeed, f*ck you, Elephone.

I bought a new screen to replace a broken one on my elephone p7000, but the lower part isn't working and the menu key and navigation keys also freezes, and will have to reboot, any solution to such, please
Sent from my Elephone P7000 using Tapatalk

Related

Truth on the Froyo tracking hoax

Incredible how much info on the new Froyo update on this forum is plain Incorrect. Devices with original Dutch (Netherlands) product codes are not oficially upgradeable yet nor are they in Germany or any other countries on the European mainland! Anyone who claims it is either didn't remove the KIES hack properly or changed their product code accidentally in a previous flash.
As far as I know the update is as of yet oficially only available to Scandinavian customers. They do this because it is a small market with relatively few technologically challenged customers. If there are any major flaws (major meaning so big it would result in legal problems or put a serious strain on the user experience if they went ahead seeding the fw to a greater subset of customers) in the firmware they will correct it before rolling it out to other markets. Nokia (with the very flawed N97) and Sony Ericisson are both known to follow this logic as well and usually pick the Nordic countries as guinea pigs (or sometimes even more narrowed down to only Norway).
But don't take my word for it, take a look at this video from Nokia's highest product manager.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBah223no8Y&feature=player_embedded
Hi, Finland here. Stock, unrooted --> Kies kindly offered to upgrade my SGS to 2.2 a few days ago - YAY!
I am really, really pissed off right now. So far, I've come upon about 50 force close bugs. In addition to that, I have found very little (or none) new features that I really need or even notice, or any improvements/fixes.
But I TRUST all these will be fixed for you all in other countries!
thurtig said:
Hi, Finland here. Stock, unrooted --> Kies kindly offered to upgrade my SGS to 2.2 a few days ago - YAY!
I am really, really pissed off right now. So far, I've come upon about 50 force close bugs. In addition to that, I have found very little (or none) new features that I really need or even notice, or any improvements/fixes.
But I TRUST all these will be fixed for you all in other countries!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for playing guinea pig, because of you I won't have to be angry
There is just one slight problem.
We keep reporting bugs to Samsung Finland, but their response is mostly:
"We haven't come across this before. We are really surprised."
This is even for show-stopper bugs like the "can't receive SMS messages" bug, which is highly annoying (btw, this is an Eclari 2.1 bug, haven't tested under 2.2).
So, my question is: what good is all this testing, if they don't take feedback from experienced developers/users/testers/debuggers seriously?
vasra said:
There is just one slight problem.
We keep reporting bugs to Samsung Finland, but their response is mostly:
"We haven't come across this before. We are really surprised."
This is even for show-stopper bugs like the "can't receive SMS messages" bug, which is highly annoying (btw, this is an Eclari 2.1 bug, haven't tested under 2.2).
So, my question is: what good is all this testing, if they don't take feedback from experienced developers/users/testers/debuggers seriously?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess the problem is that this strategy of using a contained set of customers as test case is thought out by a couple of geniuses in Samsung corporate and they fail to direct the resources necessary to pump up customer service departments in those areas to handle reports from users. Receiving bug reports from the right people in one thing, logging and handling them is quite another trait.
I therefore doubt that the goal of seeding the firmware to tech savvy Scandinavians with high speed broadband connections is really to receive bug reports from them. Bug reports are usually only picked up at an earlier stage of development. Basically, the feedback from the Scandinavians is used to either decide whether to go ahead releasing the fw to the rest of the world or to send it back to the development team for further fixing.
You are right to note that this makes the whole idea behind the strategy seem like weak. However, the goal of the test is only to assure that the new firmware does not cause any major deterioration in usability or customer experience. Remaining smaller issues can also be fixed once the firmware is rolled out to a greater population of customers.
You should look at the release in the Scandinavian countries as step 3 superseding testing first by Samsung's own engineers and second by people in e.g. this community two whom the software is intentionally "leaked". The leak being Samsung making it possible to test for them by changing one line in a text file.
Could be that their servers are simply not prepared for a simultaneous global release.
They say galaxy s sales have already passed the 5M mark...
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
pmos69 said:
Could be that their servers are simply not prepared for a simultaneous global release.
They say galaxy s sales have already passed the 5M mark...
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be one possibility. It happened to apple when they released the iPhone 3G simultaneously with an update for the iPhone 2G. I remember apple's servers being so overloaded that customers couldn't activate their newly purchased 3G devices. I don't think it explains though why Samsung hasn't released the fw outside of Scandinavia yet.
pmos69 said:
Could be that their servers are simply not prepared for a simultaneous global release.
They say galaxy s sales have already passed the 5M mark...
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a bad point at all.
I mean, they're a Fortune 500 company so you expect them to have the infrastructure to perform a worldwide release but perhaps they did encounter these issues.
Or perhaps it's typical samsung bs
thurtig said:
Hi, Finland here. Stock, unrooted --> Kies kindly offered to upgrade my SGS to 2.2 a few days ago - YAY!
I am really, really pissed off right now. So far, I've come upon about 50 force close bugs. In addition to that, I have found very little (or none) new features that I really need or even notice, or any improvements/fixes.
But I TRUST all these will be fixed for you all in other countries!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for testing the firmware for us (Y)... cheers!
I am trying to put this point to my fellow Xda members that even if these firmwares are released thru kies, they may still be public beta or Rc. Like all the eclair jmx builds which some claim to be released to a specific location, could only prove that they are testing the software among a specific group of people.
Most probably a release will have a proper timestamp on the firmware code. I still firmly believe jpm is a Rc at best unless Samsung confirms it to be a release.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Prankey said:
I still firmly believe jpm is a Rc at best unless Samsung confirms it to be a release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung has confirmed the version they are rolling out to the Nordic region now is "The Android 2.2 upgrade". (press release)
That's not to say they won't release a different version to the rest of the world, but it is not an RC.
Have any of the guys that upgraded and have problems, tried to factory reset the phone?
Froyo is somewhat different from Eclair and i think, that you should wipe at least dalvik cache, to have the stable device (that's from my experience with Hero).
I've read, that people have issues after upgrade, but everything's starting to work fine after wipe.
Personally i've updated to froyo using Kies registry hack, but after update i did factory reset, and i do not have ANY issues with the phone.
So if the rest of the world is going to get froyo through kies until the end of October, nobody is saying anything about the OTA update.
Anyone has a guesstimate on OTA update?
szczeslaw said:
Have any of the guys that upgraded and have problems, tried to factory reset the phone?
Froyo is somewhat different from Eclair and i think, that you should wipe at least dalvik cache, to have the stable device (that's from my experience with Hero).
I've read, that people have issues after upgrade, but everything's starting to work fine after wipe.
Personally i've updated to froyo using Kies registry hack, but after update i did factory reset, and i do not have ANY issues with the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here - factory reset - phone all good.
been using Copilot for 4 days or so now ... and has not missed a trick - work is 35 plus miles - even handled bluetooth calls while using copilot - no problems so far.
problem with my mic though so need tmobile to update so i can take it back
szczeslaw said:
Have any of the guys that upgraded and have problems, tried to factory reset the phone?
Froyo is somewhat different from Eclair and i think, that you should wipe at least dalvik cache, to have the stable device (that's from my experience with Hero).
I've read, that people have issues after upgrade, but everything's starting to work fine after wipe.
Personally i've updated to froyo using Kies registry hack, but after update i did factory reset, and i do not have ANY issues with the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
conuk said:
same here - factory reset - phone all good.
been using Copilot for 4 days or so now ... and has not missed a trick - work is 35 plus miles - even handled bluetooth calls while using copilot - no problems so far.
problem with my mic though so need tmobile to update so i can take it back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I probably went overboard but coming from a variety of symbian handsets I always like to start from a clean slate when upgrading to a major firmware.
I was on Tayutama's JM8 ROM. I backed up my contacts via Kies (even though I already had a backup on Outlook). I used SMS BackUp & Restore and Call Logs BackUp & Restore to save my SMS/Call log info. I didn't back up anything through Titanium. I un-did RyanZA's OCLF.
I then flashed a stock JM8 through Odin with .512 pit re-partition checked. Booted up phone and reset to factory settings.
Then upgraded to JP6 through Kies with XEE registry hack. Then factory wiped again (Probably unnecassary, I know). Then restored contacts from Kies and SMS/Call Logs from the Back & Restore apps. Re-installed all apps manually through AppBrain again. (I read restoring from Titanium causes conflict with the new firmware).
Been running it for 3 days without reboot and no force closes and the battery life is the same as before. Loving the new froyo features. No SMS bugs, Market App present and upgraded, no camera bugs, wifi even better than JM8, GPS slightly better - good enough for the occasional car navigation. The only issues I've had are with the browser which now crashes on the Guardian website, when it never used to before. But the flash websites work like a charm.
silverstorm said:
Been running it for 3 days without reboot and no force closes and the battery life is the same as before. Loving the new froyo features. No SMS bugs, no camera bugs, wifi even better than JM8, GPS slightly better - good enough for the occasional car navigation. The only issues I've had are with the browser which now crashes on the Guardian website, when it never used to before. But the flash websites work like a charm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have moved apps to SD card? Settings -> Applications -> Manage Applications -> Third-party -> app -> Move to SD card?
- After boot the icons of the moved apps have gone from the Home pages and Folders.
Do you have in the Contacts all the letters on the right side selection?
- There is only two letters and a dot etc. Third of the letters have gone away. There could be contacts or not, no direct pick to contact any more.
etc.
Yes, I made factory reset before upgrade.
I'm very disappointed to the upgrade, but there is one cheerful feature for me. I have bought two Samsung phones at once: the first one and the last one.
I just can't understand why you are moving apps to sd on sgs? Man you have 2gb internal memory for your apps. What's the point?
Sent from intergalactic cosmic invaders battleship.
We got a statement from a Samsung offical. I cant post a link here because I'm a "new" member (more like old lurker), but if you go to droidnytt.no with google translate you'll see it. Basically it was taken down.
[email protected] said:
Do you have moved apps to SD card? Settings -> Applications -> Manage Applications -> Third-party -> app -> Move to SD card?
- After boot the icons of the moved apps have gone from the Home pages and Folders.
Do you have in the Contacts all the letters on the right side selection?
- There is only two letters and a dot etc. Third of the letters have gone away. There could be contacts or not, no direct pick to contact any more.
etc.
Yes, I made factory reset before upgrade.
I'm very disappointed to the upgrade, but there is one cheerful feature for me. I have bought two Samsung phones at once: the first one and the last one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, haven't moved any apps to SD. Didn't see the point when I have 2GB storage.
Now that you mentioned the Contacts letters on the right hand side, yes, I do have some random letters (every third or fourth letter) replaced with a dot. But the sliding search still works the same way and I can access the contacts in the relevant alphabet area. Looks odd, but not a deal-breaker for me.
I am enjoying this release of froyo. It will see through until Samsung release the proper UK release which I will then no doubt be eager to adopt anyway.
Before this thread goes any further, would the OP please explain how they know this?
Because, for all we know, it may be fiction. There have been plenty of cases here where stuff has been "confirmed" by people, and the reality was, their "confirmation" was based on guessing, or rumor sites.
So I'd like to know how we know this to be true? Whilst I'd be inclined to believe that the mobile carrier simply decided that they wanted to rollout a beta, and it is true, that is an opinion. And I'd like to see others start to challenge claims made here, just to be sure we are accurate

Bad updating experience with Samsung

Hello guys, how are you doing?
I just wanted to share with you my own opinion over how Samsung deals with updates to a Galaxy Note 10.1.
Actually, many users have reported software bugs in Galaxy Note 10.1 and Samsung confirmed many like the bug of clipboard. But the bad part is Samsung ignorance of bug fixing. It is good that we will receive 4.1.2 update with premium suite preinstalled, but it is bad that we did not receive a bug fixing package!
It has been several months since the launch of the Note 10.1 that many owners of the product started to get frustrated of the bugs. I cannot copy an article and save it as note in S Note app or share it in Facebook!
Besides, Samsung released JB 4.1.1 update to some regions, stopped then started releasing 4.1.2 in the time users still have the buggy 4.0.4 for many months in several countries, if not most! Even though 4.1.1 has stability issues, Samsung shall fix current bugs of 4.0.4 before caring to release a major 4.1.2, as this needs a quite long time by Samsung for a frustrating bug to remain!
Software is as important as hardware. I do not care for receiving a new major update with hundreds of new features, as we will receive it soon or later! But for me, a stable software with only two features is far far better than a buggy one with hundreds of cool features that I am unable to use!
Samsung used to release improvement packages and push them to their software update server for their products, but it is really strange why this is not the case for Note 10.1!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
You write that you are still on N8000XXLGA.
Sorry man, but it is your fault if you chose not to update by flashing the newest firmware.
Thanks to Samsung, Samfirmware and XDA, you have this option.
Other big companies, for example Acer, LG, will not even give you this.
So why do you not update?
tweetatoo said:
Hello guys, how are you doing?
I just wanted to share with you my own opinion over how Samsung deals with updates to a Galaxy Note 10.1.
Actually, many users have reported software bugs in Galaxy Note 10.1 and Samsung confirmed many like the bug of clipboard. But the bad part is Samsung ignorance of bug fixing. It is good that we will receive 4.1.2 update with premium suite preinstalled, but it is bad that we did not receive a bug fixing package!
It has been several months since the launch of the Note 10.1 that many owners of the product started to get frustrated of the bugs. I cannot copy an article and save it as note in S Note app or share it in Facebook!
Besides, Samsung released JB 4.1.1 update to some regions, stopped then started releasing 4.1.2 in the time users still have the buggy 4.0.4 for many months in several countries, if not most! Even though 4.1.1 has stability issues, Samsung shall fix current bugs of 4.0.4 before caring to release a major 4.1.2, as this needs a quite long time by Samsung for a frustrating bug to remain!
Software is as important as hardware. I do not care for receiving a new major update with hundreds of new features, as we will receive it soon or later! But for me, a stable software with only two features is far far better than a buggy one with hundreds of cool features that I am unable to use!
Samsung used to release improvement packages and push them to their software update server for their products, but it is really strange why this is not the case for Note 10.1!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, I had to resort to manually flashing the German JB update to "fix" the PDF import problem on my Canadian N8010. I feel sorry for the average customer that bought the Note but doesn't know how (or even think) to flash a firmware.
This is why Samsung will remain a second-rate manufacturer of mobile devices: ineffective software QA and silly update rollout schedules.
Samsung is known for slow firmware updates, mostly due to the most customization of android in the world. Second-rate manufacturer? Not sure about that my friend. You are smart enough to Google Samsung.
This post is an argument waiting to happen.
My tuppence, IF users don't have the capacity to download 1 program (Odin) and 1 file (the updated rom) then follow a simple set of instructions, put tab in download mode by pressing 2 buttons, connecting a charger cable to the device and the computer/lapto, run Odin, run the update, then they should be buying that fruit based logo device. You know, the one designed for numpties :silly:
Riki1kenobi said:
This post is an argument waiting to happen.
My tuppence, IF users don't have the capacity to download 1 program (Odin) and 1 file (the updated rom) then follow a simple set of instructions, put tab in download mode by pressing 2 buttons, connecting a charger cable to the device and the computer/lapto, run Odin, run the update, then they should be buying that fruit based logo device. You know, the one designed for numpties :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Likewise i fail to see why XDA Developers has so many users wanting Samsung update path posting .
First job i do is remove Kies and OTA .
jje
Riki1kenobi said:
This post is an argument waiting to happen.
My tuppence, IF users don't have the capacity to download 1 program (Odin) and 1 file (the updated rom) then follow a simple set of instructions, put tab in download mode by pressing 2 buttons, connecting a charger cable to the device and the computer/lapto, run Odin, run the update, then they should be buying that fruit based logo device. You know, the one designed for numpties :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha... so true... hehe... I like your humor...
The note isn't my first Android tablet, but it is the best that I've owned to date. My first Android tablet was an Archos 101. In addition to poor quality control that led to dead USB ports and speakers on multiple units while under warranty, the company's constant push of half-backed updates drove me and others away from that brand. You need to test code changes to make sure one "fix" doesn't break something else. Archos engineers didn't test updates thoroughly and rushed out updates that created additional issues. I quit updating that tablet. Thank goodness Samsung is more diligent. No OS is perfect and some of the things we might be unhappy with really are deliberate design features that Google incorporated into JB (or, in your case ICS). I would also suggest that you update to JB, you'll gain valuable features with the s-pen. At this point in time, I am happy with stock JB. I will probably root it soon (I wanted to use it on stock JB for a while before rooting). Eventually, I may flash one of the custom ROMs developed by the talented developers on this forum. The great thing about the popularity of Samsung products is that the popularity generates more developer interest, a big win for adventurous owners willing to root and flash.
Riki1kenobi said:
This post is an argument waiting to happen.
My tuppence, IF users don't have the capacity to download 1 program (Odin) and 1 file (the updated rom) then follow a simple set of instructions, put tab in download mode by pressing 2 buttons, connecting a charger cable to the device and the computer/lapto, run Odin, run the update, then they should be buying that fruit based logo device. You know, the one designed for numpties :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having to do all that is, to me, what is required from buying a second or third-rate product. I wouldn't buy a car, for example, and be happy to expect that I need to change the spark plugs or some nonsense when I bring it home.
I mess around with R/C cars and I have in the past bought crappy cars because I enjoy tinkering and making them better, but I don't want or expect to do that with a mass market product lol.
skadebo said:
Having to do all that is, to me, what is required from buying a second or third-rate product. I wouldn't buy a car, for example, and be happy to expect that I need to change the spark plugs or some nonsense when I bring it home.
I mess around with R/C cars and I have in the past bought crappy cars because I enjoy tinkering and making them better, but I don't want or expect to do that with a mass market product lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice analogy er, maybe not...... Thing is, no one is forcing you to update/upgrade/tinker. An update message pops up from time to time on the device and you click ok and it installs. That is as simple as it gets. That's NOT what we are talking about here though. We are talking about folks getting their flossy in a twizzie because a newer version of the OS is available and it hasn't been pushed to their device yet.
I have never seen anything written anywhere on the terms and conditions of any device I have bought that states I am entitled to get any upgrade to OR should expect to be updated to the latest software. In fact, iirc it says that on occasion an update may, yes MAY become available for the device and to either follow the onscreen instructions or visit (insert website here) for instructions on how to update.
Now to get back to the point, peeps EXPECT TO GET THE LATEST UPDATE, but they don't want to follow the instructions to do it. These instructions are usually made as simple as 1-2-3 so that even the technologically challenged can follow them. Turns out they ain't simple enough for some though and then the moaning and bleating begins, followed by the blaming. My device is stuffed, Samsung is rubbish, this cheese toastie is mouldy etc, but you never hear anyone saying, aargh fecked it up but it was my fault, I was born with two left brains or life is like a box of chocolates lieutenant Dan!
Sorry for such a long post. But I hope it helps clear things a tad
Riki1kenobi said:
Nice analogy er, maybe not...... Thing is, no one is forcing you to update/upgrade/tinker. An update message pops up from time to time on the device and you click ok and it installs. That is as simple as it gets. That's NOT what we are talking about here though. We are talking about folks getting their flossy in a twizzie because a newer version of the OS is available and it hasn't been pushed to their device yet.
I have never seen anything written anywhere on the terms and conditions of any device I have bought that states I am entitled to get any upgrade to OR should expect to be updated to the latest software. In fact, iirc it says that on occasion an update may, yes MAY become available for the device and to either follow the onscreen instructions or visit (insert website here) for instructions on how to update.
Now to get back to the point, peeps EXPECT TO GET THE LATEST UPDATE, but they don't want to follow the instructions to do it. These instructions are usually made as simple as 1-2-3 so that even the technologically challenged can follow them. Turns out they ain't simple enough for some though and then the moaning and bleating begins, followed by the blaming. My device is stuffed, Samsung is rubbish, this cheese toastie is mouldy etc, but you never hear anyone saying, aargh fecked it up but it was my fault, I was born with two left brains or life is like a box of chocolates lieutenant Dan!
Sorry for such a long post. But I hope it helps clear things a tad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Riki1kenobi said:
This post is an argument waiting to happen.
My tuppence, IF users don't have the capacity to download 1 program (Odin) and 1 file (the updated rom) then follow a simple set of instructions, put tab in download mode by pressing 2 buttons, connecting a charger cable to the device and the computer/lapto, run Odin, run the update, then they should be buying that fruit based logo device. You know, the one designed for numpties :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your advices are sick my friend. For me, I did flash many firmwares of other regions onto my devices. But in the same time, good may be overwhelmed by bad things. These 1-2-3 steps were sometimes helpful and other times disasterous! For example, I have flashed many firmwares before on my Galaxy S i9003, Galaxy S II i9100, and my latest Galaxy S III.
For unknown reason, my Galaxy S III got bricked and went into a boot loop. It was not a noticed hardware failure neither it was a corrupt Odin package, but for some reason, a hidden hardware failure has become obvious following the flash. Samsung has reported that the motherboard was completely damaged and that unofficial firmware flashing of different CSCs was the cause. It could be also a manufacturing error. Whatever it is, I was lucky that Samsung did not void my warranty as it was rooted at that time with the flash counter > 0.
Besides, I have more than five Samsung Galaxy devices in the house, and they look to me as their software geek!! Whenever an update is released, I cannot say always to them yes, and let me flash things to you!!!!
Besides, why am I supposed to flash the German one? For the learning hub that does not work in my country? Or for Music and Video hubs that are also forbidden in my Country?! And why does Samsung have all these software variability? Why does not they make a united software with custom configurations based on country; like Apple?! Apple used to release the update worldwide with blocking un-allowed features based on country chosen!
I love to update using OTA; AS SIMPLE AS THAT, apart from all the BLA BLA BLA you have said!!!
no one is forcing you to upgrade, after all it's your tablet and you can do whatever you want, i am still on ICS and plan to stay that way for a while because i feel personally it's stable for me and works, i don't really care about new features i will hardly use, best thing is to root and then you can decide if you want to upgrade your tablet at a later date or not, the option is still there with odin.
i too also prefer uk firmware because some features that are on the uk firmware won't specifically be on the german firmware, different regions different features.
tweetatoo said:
Besides, why am I supposed to flash the German one? For the learning hub that does not work in my country? Or for Music and Video hubs that are also forbidden in my Country?! And why does Samsung have all these software variability? Why does not they make a united software with custom configurations based on country; like Apple?! Apple used to release the update worldwide with blocking un-allowed features based on country chosen!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HUYI said:
i too also prefer uk firmware because some features that are on the uk firmware won't specifically be on the german firmware, different regions different features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hehehe The biggest joke of all is that the UK version is INCLUDED into the German version. You just need to change csc and you have the UK firmware, not a firmware LIKE the uk firmware but THE UK firmware.
Some people just prefer to complain instead of moving a finger themselves.
Just flashed premium bugs 4.1.2... not bad so far! Well woth the upgrade from ics unless you use the gallery, as that isn't fixed!
tweetatoo said:
I love to update using OTA; AS SIMPLE AS THAT, apart from all the BLA BLA BLA you have said!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then stop being a complainawhinger then and just wait for Samsung to deliver your update to you OTA. While you're waiting for it I'll continue to try and help people wanting to update to the latest version, with my sick, but helpful advice, :good:
Riki1kenobi said:
Then stop being a complainawhinger then and just wait for Samsung to deliver your update to you OTA. While you're waiting for it I'll continue to try and help people wanting to update to the latest version, with my sick, but helpful advice, :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha we need more people like you Riki1kenobi... some fun but helpful post... :laugh:
people should not get easily offended over some jokes the man was just trying to help... and as JJEgan said i also can't understand why so many xda members here are waiting for ota updates... i understand that xda is the place to look for all things android but really the 1st step you should do is not rely on kies and learn some odin and flashing..
but hell we're all in one community... there are always some whiners and whatever kind of people and that just adds to the fun of being here on xda..
Riki1kenobi said:
Nice analogy er, maybe not...... Thing is, no one is forcing you to update/upgrade/tinker. An update message pops up from time to time on the device and you click ok and it installs. That is as simple as it gets. That's NOT what we are talking about here though. We are talking about folks getting their flossy in a twizzie because a newer version of the OS is available and it hasn't been pushed to their device yet.
I have never seen anything written anywhere on the terms and conditions of any device I have bought that states I am entitled to get any upgrade to OR should expect to be updated to the latest software. In fact, iirc it says that on occasion an update may, yes MAY become available for the device and to either follow the onscreen instructions or visit (insert website here) for instructions on how to update.
Now to get back to the point, peeps EXPECT TO GET THE LATEST UPDATE, but they don't want to follow the instructions to do it. These instructions are usually made as simple as 1-2-3 so that even the technologically challenged can follow them. Turns out they ain't simple enough for some though and then the moaning and bleating begins, followed by the blaming. My device is stuffed, Samsung is rubbish, this cheese toastie is mouldy etc, but you never hear anyone saying, aargh fecked it up but it was my fault, I was born with two left brains or life is like a box of chocolates lieutenant Dan!
Sorry for such a long post. But I hope it helps clear things a tad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I absolutely, totally agree with you. People see something new and they just WANT to update, because we are consumer whores.
However, I needed to update to fix the notorious PDF import problem in S-Note (as noted in first post in this thread). Basically, if I wanted to import PDFs from school into S-Note, S-Note would crash. This only happens to specific versions of the N8010 firmware (Canada being one of them).
I don't come looking for fights etc. as a lot of people do, I just speak (sometimes shout!) the truth.
Different regions /countries have different legal requirements which I suspect is one of the big delays for some regions. If you want everything done for you (OTA) , be patient and stup reading forums lokking for the latest updateor you will never be happy.
Of course you could also encourage your government to remove some of the restrictions, but for that I think you will be waiting much longer! I for one am amazed the updates get out as quickly as they do, re-evaluating every rom in every country for legal issues has to be a very expensive nightmare. Samsung is a big international company, ignoring regional laws is not really an option.
Sent from my GT-N8010 using xda premium
I have lost my hope that New Zealand will be able to get JB Update. So now after reading many threads for months I am plunging into this forum to know how I can update my machine.
My tablet
Model Number
GT-N8000
Baseband version
N8000XXALI3
Android version
4.0.4
1. Please suggest me which firmware is going to be suitable for my tablet
2. If tomorrow NZ firmware is released and I be able to flash it manually will it be back to normal for OTA upgrades ?
Thanks
l. Put German Jellybean
2. Yes
Sent from my GT-N8000 using XDA Premium HD app

Advice for a stable, updateable ROM for the ZUK Z2 Pro please

Good afternoon everyone. I'm a total (and I mean TOTAL) novice and haven't a clue about hardware, software or firmware, so please be kind.
I bought a ZUK Z2 Pro off Ebay. I like it. It looks nice, it's pretty fast, the battery lasts ages, it's a good size in the palm of your hand and it's got loads of storage.
However, I live in the UK and it's come with this 1.9.104 ST version of ZUI which I believe is some custom ROM installed by resellers to make it compatible for international markets. It's terrible and doesn't do half of what the phone's supposed to do. What's worse, I believe there'll never be any updates on it, so it's likely to be extreme vulnerable from a security point of view. I want to be able to customise the phone so I get the type of functionality I used to get with my OnePlus One.
I'm not interested in becoming a programmer and I don't want to have to keep wiping my phone every time some new ROM comes along, but I just want a ROM that's not going to crash and at least alerts me when I've missed a call (which doesn't happen with the crappy ROM I have now). I want to get an update to Nougat when that comes to the Z2, but it looks like I won't be able to do that either given I don't get any OTA update notifications.
I'll need the Play Store integrated too, of course. Any advice or recommendations for a version that I can use, is in English and will deliver some updates when I need to get them?
Thanks in advance.
boygav said:
Good afternoon everyone. I'm a total (and I mean TOTAL) novice and haven't a clue about hardware, software or firmware, so please be kind.
I bought a ZUK Z2 Pro off Ebay. I like it. It looks nice, it's pretty fast, the battery lasts ages, it's a good size in the palm of your hand and it's got loads of storage.
However, I live in the UK and it's come with this 1.9.104 ST version of ZUI which I believe is some custom ROM installed by resellers to make it compatible for international markets. It's terrible and doesn't do half of what the phone's supposed to do. What's worse, I believe there'll never be any updates on it, so it's likely to be extreme vulnerable from a security point of view. I want to be able to customise the phone so I get the type of functionality I used to get with my OnePlus One.
I'm not interested in becoming a programmer and I don't want to have to keep wiping my phone every time some new ROM comes along, but I just want a ROM that's not going to crash and at least alerts me when I've missed a call (which doesn't happen with the crappy ROM I have now). I want to get an update to Nougat when that comes to the Z2, but it looks like I won't be able to do that either given I don't get any OTA update notifications.
I'll need the Play Store integrated too, of course. Any advice or recommendations for a version that I can use, is in English and will deliver some updates when I need to get them?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the cm Rom from Emmaus, on zukfans.eu. It's very stable. At the moment only the vibration isn't working.
MacLaughlin said:
Use the cm Rom from Emmaus, on zukfans.eu. It's very stable. At the moment only the vibration isn't working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Mac - which version am I looking for?
Much obliged.
boygav said:
Thanks Mac - which version am I looking for?
Much obliged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last one. Don't know the date for sure. Just hit up the forum and you will find it.
boygav said:
Thanks Mac - which version am I looking for?
Much obliged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one - https://emmaus.pro/?dir=Zuk Z2 Pro/CM13
Thanks guys - this is very helpful.
One more daft question for the experts: given the review of the regular ZUK Z2 (ie: not the Pro that I've got) I've read today on Trusted Reviews, which highlighted the same problems I have, is there any real issue with installing the regular official up-to-date version of ZUI from ZUK themselves, and then selecting English as a language?
If I did so, I presume that means I won't have the Google Play Store integrated? Assuming that's the case, is there a way round it?
Thanks again, and apologies if all of this is blindingly obvious to you guys. As I say, I'm pretty much a babe in the woods about this stuff (I once tried installing Oxygen OS on my OnePlus One and failed to the extent I just threw it in a cupboard and bought a new phone).
boygav said:
Thanks guys - this is very helpful.
One more daft question for the experts: given the review of the regular ZUK Z2 (ie: not the Pro that I've got) I've read today on Trusted Reviews, which highlighted the same problems I have, is there any real issue with installing the regular official up-to-date version of ZUI from ZUK themselves, and then selecting English as a language?
If I did so, I presume that means I won't have the Google Play Store integrated? Assuming that's the case, is there a way round it?
Thanks again, and apologies if all of this is blindingly obvious to you guys. As I say, I'm pretty much a babe in the woods about this stuff (I once tried installing Oxygen OS on my OnePlus One and failed to the extent I just threw it in a cupboard and bought a new phone).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to stick to zui, you could also head to zukfans.eu, there is a global rom with multilanguage and integrated Google play services
So, since November, is there a better suggestion for a stable, updateable ROM for ZUK2 PRO?
I find it very difficult to find one that is not broken. And I don't mind minor broken stuff like vibration, but things like camera or not being able to call, that's important.
I was collaborating with the one from Edgrr000 and emmaus in https://forum.xda-developers.com/zuk-z2-pro/development/rom-lineageos-wip-t3551507 but it looks like it is abandoned now.
delawen said:
So, since November, is there a better suggestion for a stable, updateable ROM for ZUK2 PRO?
I find it very difficult to find one that is not broken. And I don't mind minor broken stuff like vibration, but things like camera or not being able to call, that's important.
I was collaborating with the one from Edgrr000 and emmaus in https://forum.xda-developers.com/zuk-z2-pro/development/rom-lineageos-wip-t3551507 but it looks like it is abandoned now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank god i'm not the only one finding that a €300+ device should just work and nothing else
Feel free to use the Stock rom. Everything work as it should do.
Or use at least this one:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/zuk-z2-pro/development/z2-pro-miui-8-touch-drivers-support-t3520833
As the first post says, I am also a novice and dont understand terms like flashing, rooting, TWRP, Qfil etc (I know I m dumb).
I had bought a zuk z2 pro, still on its way, from a supplier who installed a multilanguage custom rom. I tried to read threads here and on the zukfans eu and honestly I m getting more confused...some say stock rom is the best, others mention cyanogenmod etc.....All I need is the english language and google play...does that mean stock rom is enough? will it update automatically to nougat 7?...and another important question...how am I going to remove the custom rom to the stock rom? would that be safe? thanks
Stock ROM is Chinese and had some English translation. A load of things are still Chinese. So far I'm happy with mokee 7.1. A good translation and almost no Chinese stuff
just got mine today with global rom and android 6.0. The gallery app crashed all the time so i flashed it with stock rom and android 7.0. the stock rom has to much chinese for me so looking for a new rom. whats the best and most stable out there at this date?
after this very good tutorial, I finally got myself out of this zuk-whatever-it-is-OS... and I love Mokee.
running MK60.1-z2pro-170403-RELEASE.zip with ease and smile, and I do not think a sec to switch back to ZUI.
tnx, think i'll do that. can't get contacts from gmail to dialer or change launcher. i'll try mokee before i downgrade the phone to a musicplayer
@boygav, i suggest zui v2.3.044 ST very smooth, stable and fully functional...just root and remove chinese apps and u r good to go... I can guidde u if u need assistance
I recommend you the Mokee 7.1.1.
Everything work great (but no u-health and u-touch).
I made a tutorial to install this ROM from the beginning
https://forum.xda-developers.com/zuk-z2-pro/how-to/howto-install-mokee-7-1-1-unofficial-t3582686
ROM page :
https://forum.xda-developers.com/zuk-z2-pro/development/rom-share-lr-team-zuk-z2row-z2-pro-t3567710
Why not use easily official download site?!
https://download.mokeedev.com/?device=z2pro
Every time up2date and no need to uplaod anywhere!
When I installed my Mokee, there was no Official Mokee version.
So now you can installed the nightly one from official download. But I don't know if everything works well like the unofficial.
Nickthegr8 said:
@boygav, i suggest zui v2.3.044 ST very smooth, stable and fully functional...just root and remove chinese apps and u r good to go... I can guidde u if u need assistance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apologies for the delay guys. Nick - I may well take you up on your offer. The security on this ROM is pretty hopeless - I was being spammed really badly with pop-ups the other day there (and it was nothing I'd downloaded or installed either - my browsing history is pretty spotless, I like to think). Seemed the phone had just installed something overnight.
If you have an absolute idiot's guide to installing this and what the hell rooting actually involves, I'd be most grateful.
Many thanks.

Android N & ZTE, etc

Just wondered, if most people want a pure Android experience, why do all the manufacturers insist in putting their spin on it? It must cost them more in development and, ultimately, unhappy customers and fewer sales...why not just save the hassle and release the hardware with a stock software experience?
Sent from my ZTE A2017 using XDA Premium HD app
1. Eg Samsung have it own "app store" that make money.
2. Some of user want to use re-maked software.
3. Money
4. Money
5. Custom branding needs - not every brands want to looks like a clean Android.
6. Overall money - eg they said "ooooo we bring a loot of work to our customer experience with system"
Imo zte should have just themed the icons, & allowed the user to flash cm like themes but with deeper customization like re scaling and re positioning of elements and grids of the ui. now that would have been awesome. hmm and maybe throw in a smart notice widget with google assistant integration; imagine the lg g4 widget but with the brains of google assistant XD
jetsetwilly said:
Just wondered, if most people want a pure Android experience, why do all the manufacturers insist in putting their spin on it? It must cost them more in development and, ultimately, unhappy customers and fewer sales...why not just save the hassle and release the hardware with a stock software experience?
Sent from my ZTE A2017 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I'm one of those who doesn't want a pure Android experience because it lacks the customizations and options I need. Last year I got a Huawei with EMUI, and then I sold it to get a phone with pure Android and I have to say that I missed EMUI since the first day because it came with a lot of features and things that are actually useful and I can say I was using at least 90% of those things in order to make the usability better: fingerprint gestures, one hand mode, movement gestures, apps, etc.
Before I used to get devices with pure Android and then install a couple of ROM'S/Add-on in order to have a great experience, but many UI have been improved by now and they offer a more mature and stable experience without the need to be rooting or anything. I can talk about Huawei with EMUI or Xiaomi with MIUI, both started like crap, but right now they are more polished and better, and probably that's what ZTE wants to achieve in the future, because MiFavor feels like a lot like a version of EMUI from a couple of years ago.
:cyclops:
Would you android experience reduce the blostware. The axon 7 system apps on my phone is 19gb. Where is that made up from and what can you delete?
front firing speakers said:
Would you android experience reduce the blostware. The axon 7 system apps on my phone is 19gb. Where is that made up from and what can you delete?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Something is wrong with your devices... I don't have 19gb taken from clean system. More like 8-9 Go, still a lot but nothing too extreme...
front firing speakers said:
Would you android experience reduce the blostware. The axon 7 system apps on my phone is 19gb. Where is that made up from and what can you delete?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
djona12 said:
Something is wrong with your devices... I don't have 19gb taken from clean system. More like 8-9 Go, still a lot but nothing too extreme...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, no more than 10GB for system. That's why I always do a full reset and wipe when I get a new device, and I even delete all the internal memory. Some manufacturers like to put garbage on the internal memory.
Why does mine show 17.79gb?
---------- Post added at 05:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:08 PM ----------
It's been like that since new, nothing to do with factory resets. I've done a few of those already. Must be Chinese bloatware. Just not sure though what I can remove
front firing speakers said:
Why does mine show 17.79gb?
---------- Post added at 05:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:08 PM ----------
It's been like that since new, nothing to do with factory resets. I've done a few of those already. Must be Chinese bloatware. Just not sure though what I can remove
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it a China model?
Do a factory reset and do not use Google to restore, use the 'WeShare' app to backup all data to your SD card before you factory reset. When done resetting, just open 'WeShare' and choose restore data from SD
Only do this if your total internal storage shows 16GB or somewhere around there
Yes it is, what does this procedure actually do? Thank you
People don't want stock android. Xda people, yes. Normal people, no.
If you remember some manufacturers had "Google play editions" of their regular phones. Which were their phone (galaxy s X) or so, but stock Android. They didn't sell. People =/= xda people in an way.
aPexalpha said:
People don't want stock android. Xda people, yes. Normal people, no.
If you remember some manufacturers had "Google play editions" of their regular phones. Which were their phone (galaxy s X) or so, but stock Android. They didn't sell. People =/= xda people in an way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still have a vzw galaxy s4, mdk bootloader (semi unlocked) running 5.1 GPE. I think there's a aicp 7.x rom available, but nothing official as this device has been EOL for a while. It's a spare/backup phone which is used rarely.
aPexalpha said:
People don't want stock android. Xda people, yes. Normal people, no.
If you remember some manufacturers had "Google play editions" of their regular phones. Which were their phone (galaxy s X) or so, but stock Android. They didn't sell. People =/= xda people in an way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Give this man a cookie!
The truth is that normal people like those extra functionalities that a custom UI gives, and I had every Nexus until the Nexus 6 and I used to root and install a lot of stuff, but from 2-3 years to now, stock roms on the phones are pretty decent by now.
aPexalpha said:
People don't want stock android. Xda people, yes. Normal people, no.
If you remember some manufacturers had "Google play editions" of their regular phones. Which were their phone (galaxy s X) or so, but stock Android. They didn't sell. People =/= xda people in an way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People didn't buy them because they were full price. They could get big discounts on the carrier version.
Galaxo60 said:
+1
Give this man a cookie!
The truth is that normal people like those extra functionalities that a custom UI gives, and I had every Nexus until the Nexus 6 and I used to root and install a lot of stuff, but from 2-3 years to now, stock roms on the phones are pretty decent by now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Galaxo60 said:
Actually, I'm one of those who doesn't want a pure Android experience because it lacks the customizations and options I need. Last year I got a Huawei with EMUI, and then I sold it to get a phone with pure Android and I have to say that I missed EMUI since the first day because it came with a lot of features and things that are actually useful and I can say I was using at least 90% of those things in order to make the usability better: fingerprint gestures, one hand mode, movement gestures, apps, etc.
Before I used to get devices with pure Android and then install a couple of ROM'S/Add-on in order to have a great experience, but many UI have been improved by now and they offer a more mature and stable experience without the need to be rooting or anything. I can talk about Huawei with EMUI or Xiaomi with MIUI, both started like crap, but right now they are more polished and better, and probably that's what ZTE wants to achieve in the future, because MiFavor feels like a lot like a version of EMUI from a couple of years ago.
:cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I take it that by this you mean that you'd like the customization w/o having to root it? As IIRC there's a VERY GOOD and VERY COMPREHENSIVE customization tool that works on rooted devices. I've forgotten the name of it now as by the time that I found it, I was pretty happy with stock android v. bloated LG, HTC, etc.
Secondly many of the features that you mention are AFAIK standard Android features. Usually it seems if any extras are any good that they eventually show up in stock or a google app, e.g. swype enabled keyboard which the google keyboard now does as well although to me it seems that ALL version(swype to stock) have SEVERELY dumbed down the default dictionaries as when the feature first appeared it was so accurate but nowadays I get imbecility by default. I haven't gotten round to digging into this particular gripe yet as I've essentially given up on phones/tablets for any meaningful communication beyond as a phone. Anything remotely complex waits until the ULTIMATE input device is available, i.e. a computer and ... wait for it ... a KEYBOARD (although I do like active styluses, not the crappy long finger capacitive crap... even m$ hw rec is halfway decent... and beats swyping, etc. by miles but is still no REAL-honest-to-god-hw kb replacement... emoji's are cute and all but at the end of the day useless tripe best suited to frivolities and then even rare application is best IMNHO...)
Damn! Now I'm probably going to investigate WTF happened to swype keyboards that makes them very nearly useless now as they apparently have dictionaries suited to ADHD kindergartners...
cutterjohn said:
I take it that by this you mean that you'd like the customization w/o having to root it? As IIRC there's a VERY GOOD and VERY COMPREHENSIVE customization tool that works on rooted devices. I've forgotten the name of it now as by the time that I found it, I was pretty happy with stock android v. bloated LG, HTC, etc.
Secondly many of the features that you mention are AFAIK standard Android features. Usually it seems if any extras are any good that they eventually show up in stock or a google app, e.g. swype enabled keyboard which the google keyboard now does as well although to me it seems that ALL version(swype to stock) have SEVERELY dumbed down the default dictionaries as when the feature first appeared it was so accurate but nowadays I get imbecility by default. I haven't gotten round to digging into this particular gripe yet as I've essentially given up on phones/tablets for any meaningful communication beyond as a phone. Anything remotely complex waits until the ULTIMATE input device is available, i.e. a computer and ... wait for it ... a KEYBOARD (although I do like active styluses, not the crappy long finger capacitive crap... even m$ hw rec is halfway decent... and beats swyping, etc. by miles but is still no REAL-honest-to-god-hw kb replacement... emoji's are cute and all but at the end of the day useless tripe best suited to frivolities and then even rare application is best IMNHO...)
Damn! Now I'm probably going to investigate WTF happened to swype keyboards that makes them very nearly useless now as they apparently have dictionaries suited to ADHD kindergartners...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The tool is called Gravitybox, and I used as well, but more and more ROM's and even Android are taking those features, so there is no need to root or customize anymore except when you really need specific things with a particular objective.
front firing speakers said:
Yes it is, what does this procedure actually do? Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I heard from my local service centre that the software storage format is 16GB, so if its installed without doing a factory reset to reset the storage to default 64GB, it will stay at 16GB
It's a 128gb a2017 on b013. When it updated from b07 to b013 it performed a factory reset. When I received phone originally from Ali express, it was already showing around 16gb of system stuff. Currently it's 17.5gb. What's going on?
front firing speakers said:
Yes it is, what does this procedure actually do? Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not too sure. Might wanna contact zte.cn
I was told to do a factory reset and to not backup using google when they installed software meant for the A2017 model on my A2017G model.
jetsetwilly said:
Just wondered, if most people want a pure Android experience, why do all the manufacturers insist in putting their spin on it? It must cost them more in development and, ultimately, unhappy customers and fewer sales...why not just save the hassle and release the hardware with a stock software experience?
Sent from my ZTE A2017 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because stock experience is useless in China where Google services are blocked.
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OnePlus Security: Think Before You Buy

So, OnePlus is going to release a new phone! People are excited and have forgotten about everything bad that happen with the previous devices. The PR machine started publishing "amazing" photos from the 5T camera (they did the same with the not-that-good OP5) and everyone is ready to open their wallets.
I just wanted to remind everyone about OnePlus privacy and security "mistakes", something that is usually ignored by the fancy YouTube reviewers and android related websites. This week we have a new security issue:
OnePlus Accidentally Pre-Installed an App that acts as a Backdoor to Root Access
Last month we learned that OxygenOS is Allegedly Data-mining Personally Identifiable Information for Analytics... And back in February someone discovered a bootloader issue that worked as a backdoor.
These days we use our phones for more than simple voice calls. We use apps that have access to important parts of our lives (banking, social networks, IoT, etc) and store a lot of information on our phones.
Security is important and it should be taken into consideration when buying a new phone.
I think most people here go out of their way to unlock their bootloader and root anyways.
So I'm pretty sure this topic in general here is pointless.
Nonetheless it is a valid point, though its not that meaningful here.
If you are really worried about security you'd go with a blackberry out a pixel
@Expliciate What I've seen with the 3/3T is that while many users use custom ROMs and are not affected by OOS issues, others just unlock their bootloader and use root, but stay on stock OOS or OOS beta.
I agree with you... the people that should be warned about these issues will not read this thread. Anyway, if we are aware of the problem maybe we will think twice before buying, suggesting or using Oneplus hardware or software.
@worldsoutro You don't have to be "really worried" about security to understand that something is wrong when people keep finding security holes on Oneplus software.
Three points keep me from jumping on board
No new snapdragon
Fingerprint sensor on the back
And finally ...what about jelly?
My two cents
I am wondering if anyone knows about any vulnerabilities/backdoors in the phone, outside of the Oxygen OS, such as in the aboot, sbl, etc.
Oxygen OS can be done away with, albeit by the power users.
This kind of app must be preinstalled on all devices by Google !!
Without root Android phone is useless for me, I would better to use nokia 3310 instead than.
I hope oneplus will rewrite this app and keep it for all generation of their phones.
S4turno said:
You don't have to be "really worried" about security to understand that something is wrong when people keep finding security holes on Oneplus software.
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I actually prefer people finding/reporting bugs with OnePlus caring for resolving the mentioned issues to people not finding/reporting bugs and/or a company which ignores them.
x111 said:
This kind of app must be preinstalled on all devices by Google !!
Without root Android phone is useless for me, I would better to use nokia 3310 instead than.
I hope oneplus will rewrite this app and keep it for all generation of their phones.
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My phone is rooted, it's one of the first things I do when I buy a new phone, but let's not turn another security fu** up into a good thing.
Oneplus devices are not just for "nerds" anymore. In the UK, for example, a network (O2) sell their phones just like they sell iPhones and Galaxys. They advertise on newspapers, trains, etc. Normal users, that use their phones for many things, don't know what TWRP or a custom ROM is. This is an issue.
By the way, the guy who found this app keeps posting new stuff on twitter: https://twitter.com/fs0c131y/status/930773795656396801
Rosa Elefant said:
I actually prefer people finding/reporting bugs with OnePlus caring for resolving the mentioned issues to people not finding/reporting bugs and/or a company which ignores them.
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And I agree, no software is bug free or completely secure and we all benefit when bugs are found and fixed.
The problem here is that some of these issues should never be there in the first place. Looking at the security holes from the past 2 years, it's clear to me that software is one of OnePlus weak points. For example, the bootloader problem that was fixed earlier this year was an amateur mistake... either that or they don't even know it could be an issue.
And it's not like people are not trying to find issues on Google's new Pixel or on Samsung's flagships... there's even a big market for that! But it's harder to find issues because these companies have people that know what they are doing.
I think something is wrong when using an aftermarket ROM is safer than using OxygenOS. We should be aware of these issues when buying something from them.
S4turno said:
And I agree, no software is bug free or completely secure and we all benefit when bugs are found and fixed.
The problem here is that some of these issues should never be there in the first place. Looking at the security holes from the past 2 years, it's clear to me that software is one of OnePlus weak points. For example, the bootloader problem that was fixed earlier this year was an amateur mistake... either that or they don't even know it could be an issue.
And it's not like people are not trying to find issues on Google's new Pixel or on Samsung's flagships... there's even a big market for that! But it's harder to find issues because these companies have people that know what they are doing.
I think something is wrong when using an aftermarket ROM is safer than using OxygenOS. We should be aware of these issues when buying something from them.
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While I can see a use for this you have to keep something in mind. All devices sold from China based companies will always have something like this. Mainly die to the laws requiring monitoring software to be installed. This comes from their right to monitor everything their citzens do on line and with their mobile devices. It is part of the reason most China OEM are not allowed in places with high security needs.
Actually....I think Oxygen OS is ONEPLUS's biggest differentiator.
And it's excellent.
It's fast, it's smooth, no-one does updates better.
They will have to double down on security but nobody does software like ONEPLUS.
kolembo said:
It's fast, it's smooth, no-one does updates better.
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"Fast and smooth" are two of the major gains of Android 7. Even my old(ish) LG is still adequately fast and smooth. :good:
kolembo said:
Actually....I think Oxygen OS is ONEPLUS's biggest differentiator.
And it's excellent.
It's fast, it's smooth, no-one does updates better.
They will have to double down on security but nobody does software like ONEPLUS.
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That is open for debate. I personally think it is one of the worst available. If you really think it is fast and fluid you should try an aosp based rom.
How do the Slim ROMs perform on OnePlus?
zelendel said:
While I can see a use for this you have to keep something in mind. All devices sold from China based companies will always have something like this. Mainly die to the laws requiring monitoring software to be installed. This comes from their right to monitor everything their citzens do on line and with their mobile devices. It is part of the reason most China OEM are not allowed in places with high security needs.
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So, all these issues are related to OOS. Is it likely to be present in custom ROMs too as they too use kernel codes released by Oneplus? Thinking of buying OP 5T.
unos21 said:
So, all these issues are related to OOS. Is it likely to be present in custom ROMs too as they too use kernel codes released by Oneplus? Thinking of buying OP 5T.
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Not all issues are OS related. For example, the bootloader issue from Feb 2017 couldn't be fixed with a custom ROM.
Things like analytics and shady apps are not present on very well know custom ROMs not based on OxygenOS (LineageOS, OmniROM, Paranoid Android, etc), but keep in mind that the camera quality will never be as good as stock.
unos21 said:
So, all these issues are related to OOS. Is it likely to be present in custom ROMs too as they too use kernel codes released by Oneplus? Thinking of buying OP 5T.
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Yes but most of the code is not kernel related. Very little of it is. It is in the format of "services" and hidden apks like the last one found.
Not gonna lie, I purchased a OnePlus One because of the development community. I usually flash a different ROM straight away.
I bought a OnePlus 5 hoping that would be the same situation. It's not. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad, but it's not like my Nexus phone.
The OnePlus 5T? My understanding is that until the 21st of November, there is a media embargo. After that, there will be more information about the device.
I'll make a decision after that.
ToucanSam said:
My understanding is that until the 21st of November, there is a media embargo.
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Depends on how usual the reviewer models are.

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