Carrier specific features? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S7 Questions & Answers

Recently bought the S7 for Verizon while my friend bought it for AT&T. I was looking for a setting to turn off the touch key backlights and could not find one. Ended up asking my friend who is on AT&T and sure enough he had a setting under display that allowed him to turn the backlight off on the touch keys. Is this a normal thing for carriers to pick and choose specific features? I know I can download and app but really??

Verizon crippled this phone. We are missing a few things, Whitepages, samsung browser, smart manager and other little settings here and there.

If you like power saver it disables the touch keys. There was an app floating around the Verizon s7 or s7 edge forums that does this.

dsmendiola said:
Verizon crippled this phone. We are missing a few things, Whitepages, samsung browser, smart manager and other little settings here and there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's amazing. I had no idea that carriers could even do that. Doesn't really make any sense because what benefit did they get out of it....oh well. Good ole Verizon

JediDru said:
If you like power saver it disables the touch keys. There was an app floating around the Verizon s7 or s7 edge forums that does this.
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Click to collapse
Yeah I could just turn on power saver but the phone already has an option to disable the touch key lights! Can't fathom how it would help Verizon to disable that option. Doesn't make any sense. Probably will just end up downloading an app.

neilwashere said:
That's amazing. I had no idea that carriers could even do that. Doesn't really make any sense because what benefit did they get out of it....oh well. Good ole Verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally I'd rather they disable a few features (though I'm not happy they did, in fact I complained to Verizon and Samsung via Twitter) then add in push advertisements for DirecTv, as AT&T did.
When they are willing to have push n first boot, what are they going to do in 3 months when you can't return the phone?
Sent from my E6683 using Tapatalk

_Dennis_ said:
Personally I'd rather they disable a few features (though I'm not happy they did, in fact I complained to Verizon and Samsung via Twitter) then add in push advertisements for DirecTv, as AT&T did.
When they are willing to have push n first boot, what are they going to do in 3 months when you can't return the phone?
Sent from my E6683 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very true, those push ads were a bit outrageous. Honestly might just return this phone if the bootloader's really are locked down. At least Verizon gives you a 14 day trial period!

Related

Stop killing android carriers

Cnet just put up a review of the Motorola Atrix, one of the most anticipated smart-phones. AT&T has blocked the ability to download 3rd party apps . "You can't install third-party apps" and goes on to say "No change of heart on third-party applications, as that feature is disabled on the Atrix."
Google's(andy rubin) response is to say let me market decide. I truly agree with this statement but when the carriers are in power (two year contracts) it doesn't let the market work. General consumers dont know know the difference between android phones. Consumer assume since they are getting an android phone, all android phones are the same. This blocking of 3rd party apps creates a bad user experience and users will blame android and not the carriers.
( http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/motorola-atrix-4g-at/4505-6452_7-34468396.html?tag=rvwBody )
Moved to Atrix General
babluc said:
when the carriers are in power (two year contracts) it doesn't let the market work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ITA.
Looking on the slighter brighter side, CNET also said this (emphasis added):
Of course, you've also got your obligatory AT&T services--AT&T Navigator, AT&T FamilyMap, and AT&T U-Verse Live TV--on there, but for once, you can actually uninstall any of these apps if you wish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not enough, but it's a start.
Side loading apps is such a trivial issue on any device, including devices on AT&T. Root not even required. So for the tiny percentage that want to do this (like rooters) the option is there.
No Third party software? No "FREE" bootloader? No reasonable laptop dock price? It really destroyed the purpose of open-sourced software.....I guess AT&T kills the fun of having an Android phone.....I went from "must have one" to "might have one"...sigh.....
My last 3 phones were not purchased from AT&T because of similar issues. AT&T modifies the phone to disable installation of anything not coming from their store.
I've been considering switching to a different provider because I find it very expensive to buy unlocked phones just to get them in their enabled state. I know I would lose the flexibility of using the phone around the world, but I don't travel that much.
Is Verizon doing this same thing on their phones? If not I may consider switching to them. How about Sprint?
sp_1st_timer said:
My last 3 phones were not purchased from AT&T because of similar issues. AT&T modifies the phone to disable installation of anything not coming from their store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T restricts third-party apps, which means you can download only from the Android Market - which is not AT&T's store, btw.
Is Verizon doing this same thing on their phones? If not I may consider switching to them. How about Sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, AT&T is the only one of the 4 major carriers that blocks 3rd-party apps. As previously mentioned, getting around that restriction is extremely simple and does not require rooting the phone. The Sideload Wonder Machine, for one, is very easy to use.
has no one in here heard of the side-load wondermachine come on seriously when theres a will theres a way thats my way around att crap O rama
shadowscreation said:
has no one in here heard of the side-load wondermachine come on seriously when theres a will theres a way thats my way around att crap O rama
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The point is we shouldn't have to find ways around it, and buying these devices only says that it's OK to at&t.
eallan said:
The point is we shouldn't have to find ways around it, and buying these devices only says that it's OK to at&t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i know what your saying.but considering this is one of atts top o the line phones minus the bs tethering plan for laptop dock(totally ruined that for me by the way). im just hoping that the bootloader isnt crapped up im gonna wait a little bit on buying this till i know theres a way to custom rom the crap out of this phone so ya thats what im waiting on before i decide i want this phone or not if not owell there will be better ones later on this year im sure so guess we will see how this all works out
note to everyone i like grammatical errors and run-on sentences thats what makes life fun
babluc said:
AT&T has blocked the ability to download 3rd party apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Relax... thats what xda is for.
peachpuff said:
Relax... thats what xda is for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No kidding. Do you really need to get your panties in a wad about sideloading? That's like complaining that it doesn't come rooted from the factory.
peachpuff said:
Relax... thats what xda is for.
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Click to collapse
Yes i get that but im talking about common users. Common users will not use XDA or root there phone. Im also not talking just about just this phone. When carriers do stuff like this, it effects how people view android and its ease of use.
babluc said:
Yes i get that but im talking about common users. Common users will not use XDA or root there phone. Im also not talking just about just this phone. When carriers do stuff like this, it effects how people view android and its ease of use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Common users aren't going to be side loading to begin with. If its not in the market they aren't going to care. If they care they can google it and find XDA or the plethora of other sites that detail the simple few step process.
i agree it shouldn't be an issue, it is and its an easy fix so I don't worry about it. Efuse is a bigger issue to development that this. If it does have efuse I won't buy it out of principal and I'll get an inspire.
Aridon said:
Common users aren't going to be side loading to begin with. If its not in the market they aren't going to care. If they care they can google it and find XDA or the plethora of other sites that detail the simple few step process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. Anyone who wants to sideload can figure it out. Its probably the easiest hack you could possibly do on your Android phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I know I found out about the side-load wonder machine long before I found XDA. But it just wasn't enough for my Captivate lol. Always wanted more.
DumIam said:
I know I found out about the side-load wonder machine long before I found XDA. But it just wasn't enough for my Captivate lol. Always wanted more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And the Cappy always needs more! Here's to hoping the Atrix doesn't.
At least in the performance realm, it doesn't seem too need much help from hacks. Although I'm looking forward to seeing what can be accomplished...
This phone is a powerful machine to begin with. I will be happy once I can root just to delete any bloatware that I can't delete out the box. Sideloading will be nice too..
I just don't like the Motorola interface, launcher pro will be my first install..
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I have decided pass on the Atrix due to pricing tech concerns. I am looking forward to the samsung i9100.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Missing some Advanced Features from settings...

Is anyone else missing some features from the advance feature menus on the verizon s7 edge? I was looking for the switch for the app drawer removal and the switch for the white pages caller id. Is there any way to sideload with out rooting? I cannot root i use samsung pay everyday.
Verizon has removed the white pages feature.
Any way to enable them like you can with adaptive storage?
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Coming from an iPhone 5s to this thing and I am again reminded of carrier tampering and bloatware on Android phones. Seriously, why would Verizon not allow users to try out the app drawer removal option?
megamanfre said:
Any way to enable them like you can with adaptive storage?
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-s7-edge/help/enable-white-pages-hopefully-t3333735
Sent from my SM-T320 using Tapatalk
blulite01 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-s7-edge/help/enable-white-pages-hopefully-t3333735
Sent from my SM-T320 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI - This doesn't actually do anything. It will say you've turned it on, but it doesn't work.
They also removed the auto restart feature.
I finally have 7.0 on my Verizon GS7 Edge. I know Verizon blocks some Samsung​ features, but I was wondering if anyone has a list of everything that is missing. Unfortunately, this is a work phone, so I can't just switch carriers. I had the Note 7 with T-Mobile, but we all know how that turned out. Rather than carrying 2 S7 Edge phones I decided to cancel my line with T-Mo and just rock the one phone for a while. Now I'm wondering if that was a mistake.
Sent from my SM-G935V using XDA-Developers Legacy app
For everybody upset about the removal of features, wait for the 7.0 U firmware and flash it.
raduque said:
For everybody upset about the removal of features, wait for the 7.0 U firmware and flash it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it ever comes LOL
Hey, just be happy they didn't remove the GPS, phone-dialer, SMS and the clock - and then offer to sell them back to you [VZ Clock, VZ GPS, VZ Phone, etc.]
Hell, I'm kind of surprised they don't remove the entire Android OS and offer to sell THAT back to you for a monthly fee.
FoxyDrew said:
If it ever comes LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will. XDA as a whole is just a bunch of impatient whiners, and I've been here a long time.
afh3 said:
Hey, just be happy they didn't remove the GPS, phone-dialer, SMS and the clock - and then offer to sell them back to you [VZ Clock, VZ GPS, VZ Phone, etc.]
Hell, I'm kind of surprised they don't remove the entire Android OS and offer to sell THAT back to you for a monthly fee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, they do have VZ Nav, and I'm honestly surprised they haven't blocked Google Maps from their branded devices. Back in the early days of Android, they actually didn't ship them with Maps, though you could still install it later.
raduque said:
It will. XDA as a whole is just a bunch of impatient whiners, and I've been here a long time.
Well, they do have VZ Nav, and I'm honestly surprised they haven't blocked Google Maps from their branded devices. Back in the early days of Android, they actually didn't ship them with Maps, though you could still install it later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember on my Omnia Verizon locked the GPS, it worked only With VZNav. Definitely a shady company.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 10:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:32 AM ----------
On a related note, is there a repository of apk files for all stock apps in the 935U firmware? I might try installing P the app alone.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
you could see if this work for whitepages if you are rooted
https://forum.xda-developers.com/att-s7-edge/themes/whitepages-att-stock-fw-t3431054

Verizon s7 root looking possible ?

I am wondering if root for Verizon s7 looks like it'll be possible or looks like we are stuck on stock ? I saw some twrp drivers or stuff over in samsung s7 section so figured I'd ask.
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
This article posted today doesn't leave much hope.
http://www.xda-developers.com/galax...gn=Feed:+xda-developers/ShsH+(xda-developers)
Samsung has been one disappointment after another in the past few years. Might as well replace Touchwiz with IOS since they've paid so much to Apple to be like Apple.
joshw0000 said:
Samsung has been one disappointment after another in the past few years. Might as well replace Touchwiz with IOS since they've paid so much to Apple to be like Apple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep the iPhone 6s and S7 are exact the same :rolls eyes:
Samsung copied some apple stuff in the beginning, Google copied some Samsung stuff, apple copied sim Google stuff, LG copied dome Samsung stuff, Samsung copied LG stuff? everyone copied everyone. It happens when industries are new.
Sent from my E6683 using Tapatalk
Im actually not missing root as much as I thought I would. Admittedly, I like touchwiz, just need less bloat. And the debloater works pretty good so far with my S7. Need to trim a few more, if I can figure them all out. But other than that im not missing much, IMO.
pahick said:
Im actually not missing root as much as I thought I would. Admittedly, I like touchwiz, just need less bloat. And the debloater works pretty good so far with my S7. Need to trim a few more, if I can figure them all out. But other than that im not missing much, IMO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a way to do nandroid backups? That's one of the primary reasons I use root on my S5. Also, I have so many Tasker profiles that use root and Secure Settings. Not interested in abandoning all of these.
pahick said:
Im actually not missing root as much as I thought I would. Admittedly, I like touchwiz, just need less bloat. And the debloater works pretty good so far with my S7. Need to trim a few more, if I can figure them all out. But other than that im not missing much, IMO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What debloater are are you referring to? I'd like to slim things down but have only "disabled " the bloat so far.
Working root!?
thrgk said:
I am wondering if root for Verizon s7 looks like it'll be possible or looks like we are stuck on stock ? I saw some twrp drivers or stuff over in samsung s7 section so figured I'd ask.
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that true? Has anybody tried that?
http://wccftech.com/how-to-root-galaxy-s7-on-android-6-0-1-marshmallow/
mefistofel666 said:
Is that true? Has anybody tried that?
http://wccftech.com/how-to-root-galaxy-s7-on-android-6-0-1-marshmallow/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe that is something we can do with our Verizon version. I thought we had a different processor.
This is a huge disappointment for me. Can't really live without root and Xposed, but the GS7 was looking like my next phone. Hopefully something is figured out but im not too optimistic.
mefistofel666 said:
Is that true? Has anybody tried that?
http://wccftech.com/how-to-root-galaxy-s7-on-android-6-0-1-marshmallow/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not recommended for locked bootloaders, of which all US carrier versions are
The root situation right now is pretty much in Samsung/Verizon's hands. Our Verizon variants have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, the only root or twrp solutions right now are for exynos. Not only that but our bootloader is locked (currently no official way to unlock like HTC dev equivalent or something) and even worse (for prospects of rooting that is), Samsung utilizes Qualcomms secure boot and dm-verity. So any unsigned images won't be accepted and even if they are, dm-verity would make it so that any changes on the /system partition would boot loop your device. Seems like the only way we'll get root is if Verizon presses on Samsung (like T-Mobile is rumored to be doing) to get some sort of HTC dev type unlock program going.
I had Note 4 on Verizon for a year since release and it never got root. Im pretty sure it's still unrootable device.
I'm guessing this will be the case here.
Maybe there are devs working on this to exploit our phone: http://www.engadget.com/2016/03/22/google-warns-of-android-root-exploit/
Unless this is what we just got the security patch for.
yonith2 said:
Maybe there are devs working on this to exploit our phone: http://www.engadget.com/2016/03/22/google-warns-of-android-root-exploit/
Unless this is what we just got the security patch for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I'm aware that doesn't apply to marshmallow
darker_slayer said:
As I'm aware that doesn't apply to marshmallow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, we have kernel 3.18.x so it's already patched for us.
tolymatev said:
I had Note 4 on Verizon for a year since release and it never got root. Im pretty sure it's still unrootable device.
I'm guessing this will be the case here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still have my note 4 to this day and there's still no perm root lol. the s7 isn't getting it. don't get your hopes up. plus if you wanna keep using samsung pay, you'll never be able to root. I've stopped caring honestly. no ads with samsung browser and an ad blocker is sweet. if i need mobile Hotspot on my unlimited plan, I'll pop my sim into my old LG g2.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 using Tapatalk
jayochs said:
I still have my note 4 to this day and there's still no perm root lol. the s7 isn't getting it. don't get your hopes up. plus if you wanna keep using samsung pay, you'll never be able to root. I've stopped caring honestly. no ads with samsung browser and an ad blocker is sweet. if i need mobile Hotspot on my unlimited plan, I'll pop my sim into my old LG g2.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Foxfi works great with unlimited on S7E.
I'm sure you can always root Verizon version of the GS7 but no doubt you won't be able to flash any rooms on the device (just like in the past). But touchwiz has been slimmed down and a hell of alot less bloatware. Even with my past Verizon phonestore I never really found the need for a new ROM (although it would have sped up the phones quite a bit) but I found that just having root access is perfect, especially now a day's with the higher specs and reliability of Samsung devices. I wonder if SuperSU or KingRoot will work, they are the best one step rooting process without a pc.
crackbaby0219 said:
I'm sure you can always root Verizon version of the GS7 but no doubt you won't be able to flash any rooms on the device (just like in the past).......<snip>....... I wonder if SuperSU or KingRoot will work, they are the best one step rooting process without a pc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SuperSU isn't a rooting meathod that works without a custom recovery, so no it won't work.
KingRoot users specific vulnerabilities that have been patched, so no it won't work either.
Error will be impossible without finding a way to get rid of dm-verify, which the only way to do that right now is a repacked kernel, which is not flashable because secure boot prevents unsigned flashing.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Update AQG4 is out

Got this today
Downloading now.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
The ability to hide the navigation bar is nice.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
kraminc said:
The ability to hide the navigation bar is nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, except the ability to really choose it's color beyond some very fluffy defaults, is gone.
Anyone been able to install daydream? This update was supposed to enable it for us but I can't install from the play store, still "unavailable." Sideloading the apk, it launches but gets to a point in setup that says the phone is not daydream ready. I could use daydream on my rooted HTC 10 and was really looking forward to having it back
blacwin22 said:
Anyone been able to install daydream? This update was supposed to enable it for us but I can't install from the play store, still "unavailable." Sideloading the apk, it launches but gets to a point in setup that says the phone is not daydream ready. I could use daydream on my rooted HTC 10 and was really looking forward to having it back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe it's something Google has to flip a switch on. The update just puts the groundwork in place and then Google has to add the device to a "blessed" list. Just a thought.
That's what I was thinking, I figured with the update being today and the latest apk on apkmirror being july 13th, they neex to update the app itself
Any other changes?
Sent from my SM-G955U using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Averix said:
Maybe it's something Google has to flip a switch on. The update just puts the groundwork in place and then Google has to add the device to a "blessed" list. Just a thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bajasur said:
Any other changes?
Sent from my SM-G955U using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far just the supposed daydream support, hideable nav bar, and what ever the stupid send a gif during calls is
Averix said:
Yeah, except the ability to really choose it's color beyond some very fluffy defaults, is gone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah WTF. I want my black nav bar back. This limited color is BS. And WTF is MY Verizon. Guided Navigation under Accessibility options ???
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Hasherx1 said:
Yeah WTF. I want my black man bar back. This limited color is BS. And WTF is MY Verizon. Guided Navigation under Accessibility options ???
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pissed with the lack of a transparent nav bar now! So I either have to be supremely annoyed swiping up every time I want to back out of an app, screen, etc... to have a normal colored nav bar....or deal with a bs solid one???? WTF verizon???? Which idiot thought this was a good idea!
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
jroyalty7 said:
I'm pissed with the lack of a transparent nav bar now! So I either have to be supremely annoyed swiping up every time I want to back out of an app, screen, etc... to have a normal colored nav bar....or deal with a bs solid one???? WTF verizon???? Which idiot thought this was a good idea!
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well going to Best Buy to check out the unlocked version and see if it is different. If so buying it and dumping this Verizon version. I am tired of a provider having control over what is put on a device via firmware updates. I paid for the phone.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Hasherx1 said:
Well going to Best Buy to check out the unlocked version and see if it is different. If so buying it and dumping this Verizon version. I am tired of a provider having control over what is put on a device via firmware updates. I paid for the phone.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well bought the SM-G955U1 and no more verizon crap. So far only missing Wi-Fi calling and I can live without that. Hopefully no more wierd updates. They can keep them.
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
As a follow up on this issue. It appears that the T-Mobile version also was updated with the same nav bar updates. So I contacted Samsung and with no surprise was just told Samsung is always updating firmwarer to enhance your experience. They could not state whether the same changes would come to the unlocked version. So I have 15 days to determine whether to return the unlocked one and figure out what this may make me do with the verizon version. I might be able to tolerate it but I am tired of paying large sums of money and having no control or say on what is added or removed from my device. I don't rant much but the idea of sneaking in some little change without noting it in update descriptions is not good business practice.
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
Hasherx1 said:
As a follow up on this issue. It appears that the T-Mobile version also was updated with the same nav bar updates. So I contacted Samsung and with no surprise was just told Samsung is always updating firmwarer to enhance your experience. They could not state whether the same changes would come to the unlocked version. So I have 15 days to determine whether to return the unlocked one and figure out what this may make me do with the verizon version. I might be able to tolerate it but I am tired of paying large sums of money and having no control or say on what is added or removed from my device. I don't rant much but the idea of sneaking in some little change without noting it in update descriptions is not good business practice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly, I think the navbar color limitation will come to all models. I think they're doing this to try and reduce burn in. The color choice is so mild/mixed that it won't tax the pixels to as much of a total on/off state. It keeps them in line with the rest of the screen use. That's my theory anyway.
Averix said:
Sadly, I think the navbar color limitation will come to all models. I think they're doing this to try and reduce burn in. The color choice is so mild/mixed that it won't tax the pixels to as much of a total on/off state. It keeps them in line with the rest of the screen use. That's my theory anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, after reading numerous articles I agree. As George Carlin said. " There is club....and you and I ain't in it." (Paraphrased). So we just take what we get . Still debating the worth of this unlocked phone though.
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
Sir_Eagle said:
Got this today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm noticing since the update and possibly since the "Samsung Always on update" my Verizon S8+ seems to be warm in the back of the phone. The phone just seems to stay warm. My cpu temperature with no activity and the phone in my pocket is a constant 39.9-40.4 . I do use the "always on display", but can never ever remember my phone being warm all the time like that when I pull it out of my pocket. Strangely enough when removed from my pocket and in use the phone starts feeling cooler, cpu temperature at first going to 44.2, but with more use going down to 40.2. I've always had the setting to keep the screen off when the phone is in my pocket enabled.
Anyone else experiencing this ?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Download the firmware here
https://www.androidfilehost.com/user/?w=settings-dev-files&flid=199802
Ya the Navbar is totally screwed up after this update. I'm going to have to revert to the previous build
Sent from my SM-G955U using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Hasherx1 said:
As a follow up on this issue. It appears that the T-Mobile version also was updated with the same nav bar updates. So I contacted Samsung and with no surprise was just told Samsung is always updating firmwarer to enhance your experience. They could not state whether the same changes would come to the unlocked version. So I have 15 days to determine whether to return the unlocked one and figure out what this may make me do with the verizon version. I might be able to tolerate it but I am tired of paying large sums of money and having no control or say on what is added or removed from my device. I don't rant much but the idea of sneaking in some little change without noting it in update descriptions is not good business practice.
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck with the return. I tried to return my phone and ended up with nothing but lip service. I called four different times and was told four different times that a return shipping label would be e-mailed to me within five business days. Well....that was a month ago and I'm still waiting for that e-mail!!

Say Bye to third party themes on pie.

Just thought I'd let those of you who can't root their note and didn't know that Samsung blocked all the ability to theme/change fonts on your phone from anywhere but their official theme store. So, if you have substratum and have purchased andromeda, themegalaxy, swift installer.....etc, you are SOL. In order for any of those to work, you'd have to have root. This is going to be my last Sammy phone ever. First they lock down their bootloaders (I know carriers are involved and want you to upgrade every year), then now are locking any third party themes. And to top it off, they are horrible at pushing updates/new software to their customers. If you buy a locked down phone, you'd get a couple of updates (I mean android versions not security updates) then you're stuck with an older version of android until you buy a new phone.
Just thought I'd throw this out there so you decide whether or not to update to pie. IF there is a way to block automatic updates.
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Swift installer still works
Isn't theme issues (whatever level of issues) on Pie have to do with Google killing it and not the phone OEM? Google killed call recording on Pie. They seems to be wanting to kill more and more features we've been depending on that have nothing to do with Samsung.
i have nova launcher on pie with a note 9 with no problems
Gil Smash said:
Swift installer still works
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Click to collapse
That's not what the developer of the app said on the latest update. They announced that on their telegram chat. Wings fonts and theme Galaxy did, too along with some other themers. But I sure hope that you're right, though.
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roaduardo said:
Isn't theme issues (whatever level of issues) on Pie have to do with Google killing it and not the phone OEM? Google killed call recording on Pie. They seems to be wanting to kill more and more features we've been depending on that have nothing to do with Samsung.
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Click to collapse
The developers mentioned that "Samsung blocked overlays (or something like that) on pie.
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wuelfman said:
i have nova launcher on pie with a note 9 with no problems
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Nova isn't a theme, it's a launcher and has nothing to do with this thread's subject. Lol
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K-alz said:
The developers mentioned that "Samsung blocked overlays (or something like that) on pie.
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Click to collapse
The main issue from what I was told about from a theme developer, also read it a bunch of times when Pixel got the update, overlays are not going to as they used to work before. With every upstate, Google is doing work to kill overlays... Put is just the latest
le0.br4zuc4 said:
The main issue from what I was told about from a theme developer, also read it a bunch of times when Pixel got the update, overlays are not going to as they used to work before. With every upstate, Google is doing work to kill overlays... Put is just the latest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope that the devs will find a work around. I don't know what's in it for Google to kill overlays. Their pixel doesn't even support themes. Just leave people alone.
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K-alz said:
I hope that the devs will find a work around. I don't know what's in it for Google to kill overlays. Their pixel doesn't even support themes. Just leave people alone.
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Click to collapse
I think is has to do with Google slowly working towards making a dark theme systemwide, should be available on next version of Android. You can also expect even more difficulties using overlays on next Android.
Google is trying to tighten things up on Android. Do I like? No! But we can't say they are wrong to do it either.
I mean, look at how many Android devices are activated daily. Security lately is a much bigger concern for all companies and users. Blocking modifications and overlays is a way of making your phone more secure.
Thanks for sharing but I don't use third party themes anymore since most of them seems to drain the battery way too much
Why not just downgrade to Oreo 8.1 ? PIE-9 ONE UI Sucks at the moment.. Maybe 6 months or a years’ time it might get there and then ill upgrade!! Until then I’m sticking to 8.1 as it rocks!
im on pie and i change font by afont app in store and its work fine
K-alz said:
Just thought I'd let those of you who can't root their note and didn't know that Samsung blocked all the ability to theme/change fonts on your phone from anywhere but their official theme store. So, if you have substratum and have purchased andromeda, themegalaxy, swift installer.....etc, you are SOL. In order for any of those to work, you'd have to have root. This is going to be my last Sammy phone ever. First they lock down their bootloaders (I know carriers are involved and want you to upgrade every year), then now are locking any third party themes. And to top it off, they are horrible at pushing updates/new software to their customers. If you buy a locked down phone, you'd get a couple of updates (I mean android versions not security updates) then you're stuck with an older version of android until you buy a new phone.
Just thought I'd throw this out there so you decide whether or not to update to pie. IF there is a way to block automatic updates.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get the frustration, I think you may have some misplaced blame however. Right now I'm on Oreo Note 9, (SM-N960U1) root not possible, and wish I could stay on it, screw Pie and google. <-They are the ones you should be pointing at!
Hell, besides all the bugs on pie, they are the ones blocking us. Then there is that stupid apple-esque gestures, not to mention there terrible multitasking!! google has head-up you know what right now. (thank god Nova still works on pie)
Wait until you read about what Q is going to bring. Why in the hell is google going to help carriers by allowing SIM lock? nah, security or not, I've been saying for over two years now, google is not our friend. Sure I get it, revolutionary, and we all use them every day, but they are no longer a "good" company, but just after making money.
As far as Samsung locking down the bootloader, do you not think that the only way they can get our U.S. pile-o-crap carries to carry their phone, they have to? Hey I'm not sure about that, but I'd give it better the 70/30 that's why. Ya, you mentioned the same, and I agree, it's because of carriers.
rusty.gh said:
I get the frustration, I think you may have some misplaced blame however. Right now I'm on Oreo Note 9, (SM-N960U1) root not possible, and wish I could stay on it, screw Pie and google. <-They are the ones you should be pointing at!
Hell, besides all the bugs on pie, they are the ones blocking us. Then there is that stupid apple-esque gestures, not to mention there terrible multitasking!! google has head-up you know what right now. (thank god Nova still works on pie)
Wait until you read about what Q is going to bring. Why in the hell is google going to help carriers by allowing SIM lock? nah, security or not, I've been saying for over two years now, google is not our friend. Sure I get it, revolutionary, and we all use them every day, but they are no longer a "good" company, but just after making money.
As far as Samsung locking down the bootloader, do you not think that the only way they can get our U.S. pile-o-crap carries to carry their phone, they have to? Hey I'm not sure about that, but I'd give it better the 70/30 that's why. Ya, you mentioned the same, and I agree, it's because of carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, good for Samsung , Google and the carriers. This is going to be my last Samsung phone and through a carrier. It's either gonna be cheap mid-range phones or older iphone (like apple is any better lol)
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I have got a n9 thats unrooted for my daily.. just picked up a lgv30 for my audio and rooting fixes.
I might as well just settle in for the long haul until international phones are rootable and working on Verizon.
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Gil Smash said:
Swift installer still works
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Click to collapse
So, I just spoke to the devs of swift installer and they confirmed that it will work on one UI. So, I hope that means substratum will work, too, maybe?
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drbveb88 said:
I have got a n9 thats unrooted for my daily.. just picked up a lgv30 for my audio and rooting fixes.
I might as well just settle in for the long haul until international phones are rootable and working on Verizon.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phones are everywhere now and the competition is very hot in the market. Samsung and the carriers can shove their non rootable phones up there @#$#. Imagine having a non rootable Samsung phone and you wanted to keep it for a while, you're literally stuck on one firmware for as long as you have that phone knowing how horrible Samsung updates are.
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K-alz said:
So, I just spoke to the devs of swift installer and they confirmed that it will work on one UI. So, I hope that means substratum will work, too, maybe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running it on pie. It works for apps no problem. But system UI, settings, and some galaxy apps are not working right now.
therebel88 said:
I'm running it on pie. It works for apps no problem. But system UI, settings, and some galaxy apps are not working right now.
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I think it's because of the dark mode on Pie. I hope they'll have a work around so we can theme the system with other colors beside black or white.
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