Database Users

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.
Click to expand...
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

Always Listening Mode

I hear the Note 3 will have this feature enabled for the s-voice, however, I'm not a fan of the s-voice.
Do you know if it's possible to have the always listening mode used with Google Now - and not have a battery drain. So replacing s-voice with google now.
I know the "always listening" mode is a feature of the s800 cpu, correct? So the app would have to be written to support the standby mode, correct?

BossJ said:
I hear the Note 3 will have this feature enabled for the s-voice, however, I'm not a fan of the s-voice.
Do you know if it's possible to have the always listening mode used with Google Now - and not have a battery drain. So replacing s-voice with google now.
I know the "always listening" mode is a feature of the s800 cpu, correct? So the app would have to be written to support the standby mode, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this will come in time. Once we get root and bootloader unlock/loki good things will start popping up all over the place. I can't wait. In the meantime you might be able to launch google now using s-voice as a workaround :silly:

BotsOne said:
I think this will come in time. Once we get root and bootloader unlock/loki good things will start popping up all over the place. I can't wait. In the meantime you might be able to launch google now using s-voice as a workaround :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's what I was thinking... Re-routing "Hello Galaxy" to pop up Google Now instead of S-Voice...
I need an app guy. LOL! Could be a good app to make money on!

BotsOne said:
. Once we get root and bootloader unlock/loki good things will start popping up all over the place.:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
doesn't look like that's' ever going to happen with the N3 unfortunately.
safestrap maybe, which is good enough for me but we don't even know if that will happen.

jmorton10 said:
doesn't look like that's' ever going to happen with the N3 unfortunately.
safestrap maybe, which is good enough for me but we don't even know if that will happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why not "ever" happen? You mean the bootloader? I have an s4, and the bootloader is locked, but we have loki...
Is the n3 not going to be a popular device? Maybe that's why we wouldn't get it? I couldn't imagine running a phone without a custom recovery and ROMs

BossJ said:
I couldn't imagine running a phone without a custom recovery and ROMs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea, I hear that. I agree 100%.
I love my tricked out N2 and have an upgrade available that will not affect my unlimited data that I can use to buy an N3, but I'm holding off for now to see how badly the N3 really is locked down.
I need root for sure as I need my hotspot, ADaway etc.etc.etc.

Carrier specific features?

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.
Click to expand...
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!

Bixby button working?

Has anybody tried remapping their Bixby button since Samsung announced they were going to disable the ability to do this?
I tried the remapping the bixby button on a demo unit last week and it worked awesome. I used BXactions:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jamworks.bxactions
If it's working for you on a model you bought (not a store demo) what's your carrier?

I got an OTA update right after the first setup, now I cannot remap it. I bought it from 1&1 which is a German provider.
Gesendet von meinem SM-G955F mit Tapatalk

After the update I couldn't. I just disabled bixby. I don't use any virtual assistants anyways. Now if I accidentally click the button it doesn't do anything

ronii_lyn said:
After the update I couldn't. I just disabled bixby. I don't use any virtual assistants anyways. Now if I accidentally click the button it doesn't do anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the best way to disable it?

acheney1990 said:
What's the best way to disable it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Package Disabler Pro. They'll probably want to ban this app now.

I remapped mine, no update on TMobile yet so it's still working.
I'm using the All in one Gestrures method
https://www.xda-developers.com/how-...-the-galaxy-s8-s8-to-launch-google-assistant/

The Phone Company said:
Package Disabler Pro. They'll probably want to ban this app now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeap that's what I used, and I hope that doesn't happen lol

Mine is still possible to remap, Belgian model

Can it be remapped as a flashlight button?

IR Blaster for my Nikon D3300 DSLR would have been perfect!!
Of course Samsung knows whats best for us. Just notice the thing still has IR "transmitter" for proximity sensor

Used Bixbyremap from the store still working on T-Mobile s8+

Remapped mine on T-Mobile too. Used Package Disabler Pro to disable Bixby and most of the T-Mobile apps.

Actually new update was pushed to me couple hours ago and that disable the remapping on T-Mobile

acheney1990 said:
What's the best way to disable it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MrWicked1 said:
Actually new update was pushed to me couple hours ago and that disable the remapping on T-Mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why did you accept the update?

The Phone Company said:
Why did you accept the update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be the Ginny pig for u guys lol

Working on VZW S8.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Disable camera shutter sound

Is anyone who knows how to silent shutter sound?

malaccio said:
Is anyone who knows how to silent shutter sound?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I googled this when I first got the phone and it seems in Korea they make the phones so you CAN'T disable the shutter sound. (It is illegal)
My work around was to download a silent camera app from the play store for moments when you do not want folks to know you are taking photos. :good:

I rooted mine and changed the shuttersound.ogg to .ogg.bak no more sound.

I think I should root my note..
But I have doubts regarding some "secure" apps could not work cause they chek if the phone is rooted.. I m taljing about bank app, pay tv app (Sky in italy)..
Anyone have a experience with these apps?
Another question, for root permission I understood I have to flash a twrp recovery as well, true?
If one day I want to return "stock", is it sufficient to flash the stock firmware by Odin?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kmshack.mute
I don't know if it works on the new S8 Software, but on my Galaxy S7 with Nougat it works perfectly :laugh:
In a few days i can test it on my Note FE

Try this!
No need to do any rooting to your Note FE
I live in Korea and there are a lot of application which disable the sound from stock camera.
Copy this word and check it out on ggplay
무음 카메라로

malaccio said:
I think I should root my note..
But I have doubts regarding some "secure" apps could not work cause they chek if the phone is rooted.. I m taljing about bank app, pay tv app (Sky in italy)..
Anyone have a experience with these apps?
Another question, for root permission I understood I have to flash a twrp recovery as well, true?
If one day I want to return "stock", is it sufficient to flash the stock firmware by Odin?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the instructions in the OP here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/note-fe/development/root-note-fe-t3648736. As rooting involves disabling sm-verity, you will not be able to use any app that requires a fully secure device. Remember to backup your device with TWRP before you modify it.
You can flash stock via Odin when you want to return. Bear in mind that you will lose whatever modification(s) you made to disable the shutter sound.

Hi-TechUp said:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kmshack.mute
I don't know if it works on the new S8 Software, but on my Galaxy S7 with Nougat it works perfectly :laugh:
In a few days i can test it on my Note FE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks this works perfectly no root!

BerndausLB said:
That's stupid!
Just "silent cams" and so on.
I, we, need something to mute camera sound without root!!!
Either an app or something else.
I tried Tasker, but I gave up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try out this App. It will automatically disable/enable the system volume if you start/close the Stock camera or other Apps you have selected in the App Settings. You need no root for this App!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kmshack.mute

BerndausLB said:
That's stupid!
Just "silent cams" and so on.
I, we, need something to mute camera sound without root!!!
Either an app or something else.
I tried Tasker, but I gave up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to say but
DID YOU TRY IT????
This application is the application that can mute the stock camera sound for sure..
Please do not blame me and just try it first.
I am using real original stock camera without rooting with no sound right now.

BerndausLB said:
Member Hi-TechUp gave the one and only improtant and working information.
Your Korean word leads to masses of silent cams.
So your hint was not useful for me.
Hi-Techup's was!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to here that even I tried to help you.. But I goy blame like I am doing spamimg.
You might not found the application which I mention above (I think you are looking at the difference application)
You can set whatever application you want to mute the sound even youtube, instagram including phone camera. (See in attached photos below)

scrumptyous said:
I googled this when I first got the phone and it seems in Korea they make the phones so you CAN'T disable the shutter sound. (It is illegal)
My work around was to download a silent camera app from the play store for moments when you do not want folks to know you are taking photos. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ITs not just Korea where it is illegal. It is illegal in the states as well.

zelendel said:
ITs not just Korea where it is illegal. It is illegal in the states as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of my previous devices have had the option to disable the shutter sound... I work in the legal field and never have seen or heard of a case of this being prosecuted here in the States.

scrumptyous said:
All of my previous devices have had the option to disable the shutter sound... I work in the legal field and never have seen or heard of a case of this being prosecuted here in the States.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you really have not done your research.
Here is a simple article that will help. You can do further research if you want.
It took effect with the camera phone predator alert.
http://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/...shutter-sound-on-cell-phone-cameras/40037042/

zelendel said:
ITs not just Korea where it is illegal. It is illegal in the states as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
zelendel said:
Then you really have not done your research.
Here is a simple article that will help. You can do further research if you want.
It took effect with the camera phone predator alert.
http://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/...shutter-sound-on-cell-phone-cameras/40037042/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it was proposed but when did it pass? https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/00414
No disrespect intended but the article you documented is quite old and I've owned a number of devices since 2013. I have no jail broken or rooted devices and still can turn the shutter off on all of them.

scrumptyous said:
I know it was proposed but when did it pass? https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/00414
No disrespect intended but the article you documented is quite old and I've owned a number of devices since 2013. I have no jail broken or rooted devices and still can turn the shutter off on all of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well see like the phone recording laws you have to go and look on a per state basis. Just because it can do something doesnt mean it is legal in all cases. Like many places require that you get peoples permission before taking phones at a public event. It all depends on your state.
Yes it is old. But that is on purpose. It was the basics for anyone that wants to know more to start off on.

Works perfect, nearly lost hope to get rid of that annoying shutter sound.

meetwinz said:
No need to do any rooting to your Note FE
I live in Korea and there are a lot of application which disable the sound from stock camera.
Copy this word and check it out on ggplay
무음 카메라로
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot, that was very useful. :good:
For anyone interested, I bought this app and it works perfectly (meaning it mutes the stock camera) :
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kr.co.hardcoresoft.mutedmode