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Is it a bad thing, I ordered the HTC TYTN from my Service Provider and I don't even have it yet and I am looking for tweaks, hacks and accessories.
I found this forum from Howard Forums. The Wiki for my phone (on this site) helped me tremendously. So thank you to all the contributors of that.
Well my first order of business will be getting Streets and Trips Mobil running on it and for that I am going to need a GPS. From what I gather reading other threads a wired GPS is a bad idea if not futile. So Bluetooth it is. I did a quick Ebay search for a few models I saw mentioned here, and came up with some very wide ranges in prices. I am leery of buying a "cheap" one from Ebay as I have made that mistake before thinking I am getting a great deal only to find out what I bought was flaky at best and junk at worst. So I am looking for some feedback from other people running Bluetooth GPS units on there Hermes type phones.
Ok next question,
Rom, Burnt, Fried, Baked, Cooked, I think they are coming to make me away he ha ha, to the funny farm........ (you have to be older (30-40) to get the joke.
Windows Media 6 sounds awesome, however I don't really want to brick my phone on my first tweak. What is the safest way to update from WM5 to WM6. I am on Rogers AT&T in Canada and would like to maintain most if not all of the features that will come with the phone. From what I understand the Rogers Branded phones have some "unique" registry settings that could be altered when you update to WM6. I am willing to loose them if I have to, in order to update, however if there is a way to keep them I would really prefer it. Specifically the new Named Caller ID. (displays the name of people calling you even if you don't already have them in your phone book)
What should my first tweaks be, are there any really good "to die for" apps out there......
My first love in life is (my wife) however for this topic lets just say cars and driving, hence why I want streets and trips.
My second love is computers and modding. I am also into movies and video's, so big storage will be a must. I want to be able to bring along a couple gig of music and video's with me.
I hope I have not driven anyone away with so many questions. If you can answer even one of my questions that would be helpful, if you can answer them all YOU ARE A GOD.
Thanks in Advance for listening to a newbie post.
first off.. welcome to the forums.. believe me when i tell you youll have tons of fun on new your toy..
secondly, i think you should take time knowing your new toy before you delve into tweaking or playing with it...
thirdly, read up and not until then and coupled with you being comfortable with your device should you consider starting messing with it..
HERE IS A GOOD START....
OF COURSE YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THIS ONE..
hope this helps you for a start and good luck.
oopss. . .forgot addressing your subject line.. (got engrossed reading the body of your post that i do not think mentioned anything about the subject line )
i would suggest you look into BT-818, its small, compact has long battery life (32 hrs. and 32 satellites) and the battery can be replaced by you. i know a lot of members here will recommend something smaller but for me i think being practical without sacrificing functionality is essential..
Thank You Bapski for the quick reply, I have spent the last 2hrs reading through those pages and I don't think I have even scratched the surface of it all. Finding the FTP site link is going to save me a lot of time searching for files.
I hear alot about Black Magic, and CID unlocking. I came across a thread about how to unlock the phone without having to really do much. I guess this is a pretty simple procedure?
Well I have lots more reading to do thanks again for the links. (And I thought I covered most of it in the Wiki)
Well the phone arrived today.
I gave it a charge for about 5hrs and have been kinda playing with it.
Edited because I figured out how to fix my contact issues.
Now next up is upgrading to WM6. I really want to do this upgrade before I spend hours learning and tweaking WM5 which sounds like it will be a waste of time. However I am terrified of bricking the phone. I have downloaded the CID Unlocker and although it sounds as easy as hell, I want to make sure that the unlocker won't kill my phone. What numbers should I get off the phone to verify all this.
Are there any version numbers off of the phone that would / should be added to a database for anyone else to compare with older phones. I skimmed over a database that listed some phones with problems and what phones had what installed. This is a Rogers Branded HTC TYTN phone.
I am not a complete Tech Moron, I just don't know anything about Phones. (I run an Apache Web Server as well as an FTP Server and a separate Media Server)
If anyone has suggestions or thoughts about the safest way to update the phone with the least amount of risk, I would be really interested in hearing about it. I am going to do the update at some point its just a matter of me being comfortable enough with the software to do the updates.
P.S. I found a local supplier for a Bluetooth GPS for $79 which I will be picking up next weekend. Not sure how your board posts URL's so here it is straight up. http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=23763&vpn=IBLUE737&manufacture=i-Blue
Capt Fiero said:
Well the phone arrived today.
I gave it a charge for about 5hrs and have been kinda playing with it.
Edited because I figured out how to fix my contact issues.
Now next up is upgrading to WM6. I really want to do this upgrade before I spend hours learning and tweaking WM5 which sounds like it will be a waste of time. However I am terrified of bricking the phone. I have downloaded the CID Unlocker and although it sounds as easy as hell, I want to make sure that the unlocker won't kill my phone. What numbers should I get off the phone to verify all this.
Are there any version numbers off of the phone that would / should be added to a database for anyone else to compare with older phones. I skimmed over a database that listed some phones with problems and what phones had what installed. This is a Rogers Branded HTC TYTN phone.
I am not a complete Tech Moron, I just don't know anything about Phones. (I run an Apache Web Server as well as an FTP Server and a separate Media Server)
If anyone has suggestions or thoughts about the safest way to update the phone with the least amount of risk, I would be really interested in hearing about it. I am going to do the update at some point its just a matter of me being comfortable enough with the software to do the updates.
P.S. I found a local supplier for a Bluetooth GPS for $79 which I will be picking up next weekend. Not sure how your board posts URL's so here it is straight up. http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=23763&vpn=IBLUE737&manufacture=i-Blue
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safest way is to change your bootloader if your going to flash... its pretty much simple if you have a stable computer and dont pull out your USB while your flashing.... if you dont have enought confidents yet, read more about your phone....
best safety precaution we do here is to install hard spl 2.10.. with this installed, it is said youd be able to avoid bricking (unbrick) your phone if something goes wrong.
safest and fool proof way is to read MRVANX GUIDES
follow all instructions to the letter and youll never go wrong.. i know thats how i did it.. just choose whatever ROM there is on the guides for a start and then once you get the hang of it, you can try other ROM's as you please..
Ok my first ever change to the phone, Hard SPL 2.10 v7 has now been installed on the phone. Followed the guids exactly and worked like a charm. I have not ran any "unlocking software" yet. I guess that is my next step and then loading the official HTC WM6 update.
Yee Haw, I am rocking out now.......
Ok I did the Bootload update.
Then followed the guides again
I updated the Radio and then updated to Fara's Super Clean WM6.
Dang I was all paranoid for nothing, most of this is just click through and go.
There was a few times the Phone asked me questions that were not listed on the guides, but I think I just said, Yes Allow every time it asked anything and all went well.
congratulations... good to hear everything worked out well...
congratulations.. good thing your upgrade went well...
I updated to radio ver 1.41 and am having issues with network connection. GPRS does not want to work and when I am connected to my home wireless router it is spotty at best. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. As well as the range seems to be drastically reduced.
Any suggestions?
Capt Fiero said:
I updated to radio ver 1.41 and am having issues with network connection. GPRS does not want to work and when I am connected to my home wireless router it is spotty at best. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. As well as the range seems to be drastically reduced.
Any suggestions?
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try 1.50........
Thanks, I will try that.
if that dont work try 1.50.10/1.51
I installed Radio version 1.50 and everything is or at least seems to be working great. Lots of things that I am tweaking in WM6.
2 things,
When I had the Rogers WM5 installed I had a a type of Windows Messenger Installed locally that worked well, and now it is gone. Where Do I re-download that from. I have done some searching and only came up with a web based messenger for Mobil phones that loads in I.E.
Next question How do I do batch text messaging. On my old Motorola Razr I could simple compose a message open up my contacts and then go through and check off all the names I wanted to send it to and hit send and it would send to all the people. However in the TYTN I have to add each person separately.
Is there a way to send batch text message with the TYTN?
Ya know I think this thread has moved far enough off topic that it is time that I just start a new thread in diffrent section for all my "newbie questions"
I would like to offer a huge thanks to all that helped me out the past few days learning a new piece of tech. I am still going to have a lot of questions as time goes on. So you can keep your eyes out for me in other Hermes sections. If anyone ever has a car question drop me a PM.
For a Bluetooth GPS you seriously cant go wrong with this:
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Blueto...9?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1188928696&sr=8-2
Garmin mobile 10.
Its small, very small.. easy to use. It uses garmins software on your phone. Its not very expensive. has at least a 22hour battery.
It checks traffic when planning routes.. it can tell you gas prices for nearby gass stations, you can check weather, tell it to avoid almost anything.. its just amazing.
Just to update this thread, I did finally buy a Bluetooth GPS. Final price was $61 including shipping. Its a JRT-29 the website, http://www.gpswindow.com/en/picture.asp?idtype=JRT28 kinda sucks, but the unit itself is really nice. About the size of an old slide out tray matchbox. 42ch and works perfect. Came with a car charger USB Cable and software to use it on a PC as well as a mobil phone. (did not need the software for my phone, just my PC)
Thanks again for everyones help.
Asus USA website no longer shows GPS in specs.
http://usa.asus.com/Eee/Eee_Pad/Eee_Pad_Transformer_Prime_TF201/#specifications
http://eee.asus.com/eeepad/transformer-prime/specification/
It still does here. But that is not a good signal for those who want a GPS.
lol...so who is right?
Oh, I see. The OP provided a link to the USA Asus site.
USA site was changed. I assume they will update the rest to match. Disappointing for me.
global will eventually follow same suite.
Are they going to remove WiFi as well?
lol
slayvus said:
Are they going to remove WiFi as well?
lol
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ha.. that was a good one.
slayvus said:
Are they going to remove WiFi as well?
lol
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No, but Hasbro is going to make them remove the work Prime
Sent from my Photon
As long GPS is on the box we can claim them to fix it
Asus: what box? We shipped all primes in un marked packaging.
Sent from my Photon
Gone from Canadian and Czech sites too.
Google requires all Android devices that want Android Market to have GPS. So they can't just remove the chip, but want probably avoid having to fix it in already shipped Transformers. :|
Seriously?
Wats is this bull**** ?
And for those of us who are supposed to have it ?
The day google realises that ASUS is screwing around their clients because it's removing the GPS spec, they are going to make a tantrum.
If you think about it, the TFP will be the first device running ICS without a GPS, and eventually without the Market.
So we will all be stuck with a useless piece of expensive hardware.
They better correct their way of doing things, because it looks like a Sony copycat. Screw the clients, we decide what happens with our devices.
Companies should stick to their guns and make sure that they actually provide the functionality. Not **** people over afterwards.
i dont know how many times i have to say this WE HAVE GPS SO WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE MARKET WE HAVE GPS WE HAVE GPS WE HAVE GPS WE WILL HAVE THE MARKET the only thing is gps doesnt work well it doesnt work well
I looked for GPS a month ago on the site, and didn't find it. I did find it on the spec sheet though. So I have never seen that GPS was specifically listed other than on the spec list. I am wondering if anything has really changed....
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
My only question is who the hell 1-starred this thread? In fact, who the hell is going around trying to downvote every thread that at all says something negative about the Prime? This thread is entirely factual and the OP reported something that is from Asus itself. Talk about device insecurity.
On topic: this is a really weird development, so weird in fact that I don't even know what to make of it.
It used to be listed. For me it was a requirement.
The FAQ download on the asus site contains a short section about gps. It was last updated on 12/27, is this section new? For safety, do not use while driving, insulated car windshields may reduce or block signals, and of course connect to the internet to first activate. Retailers still list gps on the primes specifications...at least bestbuy and newegg do.
Edit-Additional info- Asus site Specs list under sensors: e-compass.
So is the a game changer for some of you folks?
It seem like one bad thing after next is coming out with this cluster **** of a tablet launch from ASUS.
So yeah, we all know asus botched the GPS in their latest tablet,
they denied us a fix (irony) and now we're left to pick up the pieces ourselves.
Does anyone have some pointers on how to get a bluetooth GPS receiver to work on the prime?
I have a really old one (+7yrs) that doesn't seem to catch on with any of the apps I tried.
Its so old its unlikely to be compatible with anything android so a new one is in order,
so I was wondering if anyone knew a cheap one I could grab to get some GPS going.
In a quick search I found this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BT-Mini-Mob...408?pt=AU_GPS_Accessories&hash=item4160a71b08
It certainly is cheap, but is it a viable receiver?
Any help towards getting GPS on my prime would be greatly appreciated!
(No I dont have a GPS phone..)
Cheers,
- Sven
Him.. I would be a bit leery of that thing. Something seems a little.. anemic? Get it, try it, report back as I would be curious how well it works and how long the battery lasts. Check Amazon for "Keychain Bluetooth GPS Receiver" if you want something like that and read some reviews.
I have read very good things about the Pharos GPS brand.
Naturally, you then need an app from the market on your tablet that talks to the unit so that you can get the GPS data it has sent to your tablet. So, it is not just as simple as pairing the 2 BT devices, an app is needed to then gather and use the data on the tablet.
Ive looked into those apps, they do something called mock location I think?
I have an old as hell GPS receiver but alas the apps weren't having it.
It pairs as normal, even does the 0000 password thing like it used to on my win mobile 2003,
but it simply isn't pumping out any data, not sure whats going wrong.
And yeah, the pricetag on that ebay one is raising some "this cant be decent" flags on my end too.
Then again some of the cheap Chinese crappery has surprised me before.
If at all possible id prefer buying a tried-and-true GPS unit though.
Pharos brand IGPS 500 has been talked about many times here alone in the Prime threads.
Assuming it is this thing, I find the price a bit steep,
for 90 bucks you can pretty much buy a standalone tomtom or similar.
I was hoping for someone to confirm wether or not the specs listed on that ebay receiver would be compatible and workable for navigation,
and if it could in theory work, id gladly be the guineapig to try it out and see how it goes.
But if it would be a dud per definition there'd be no point.
Shop around my friend, I can see some on ebay for $50 and used for much much less.
The one on eBay does "in theory" work. Like I said, search Amazon and read some reviews on those little keychain models.
Sokonomi said:
Ive looked into those apps, they do something called mock location I think?
I have an old as................................................
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Just FYI regarding 'mock locations'. That's actually a setting in the TF201 that you have to use with external gps units. I can use Google Navigation on my TF201 with data from my phone gps via wifi (using the TetherGPS program that is available in the market). In order to make it work I have to turn on 'Allow mock locations' by going to Settings, Applications, Development and then click 'Allow mock locations'.
Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
I have tried and tried and tried to get my Droid to tether GPS but have not been able to make it happen - tried many apps and many settings. I can, however, tether 3G and data all day long. Have not yet solved the GPS via my phone yet as we have great GPS units in our phones already.. generally speaking.
Yes, many used ones, even one for 29 bucks, but "ya'll yanks" dont like us Dutchies.
None of em are willing to ship to the Netherlands so im plum out of luck with ebay and pharos.
Local shops here dont seem to carry Pharos products at all, so that's two dead ends on that one im afraid.
Amazon doesn't seem to carry any keychain GPS units.
So meanwhile I went to one of my favorite cheap swag suppliers, deal extreme.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/65-cha...king-bluetooth-gps-receiver-data-logger-26337
What do you guys think of this thing? Its acing the reviews it seems.
They also mention google maps working with it somehow, so there may be a good chance?
Sokonomi said:
Yes, many used ones, even one for 29 bucks, but "ya'll yanks" dont like us Dutchies.
None of em are willing to ship to the Netherlands so im plum out of luck with ebay and pharos.
Local shops here dont seem to carry Pharos products at all, so that's two dead ends on that one im afraid.
Amazon doesn't seem to carry any keychain GPS units.
So meanwhile I went to one of my favorite cheap swag suppliers, deal extreme.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/65-cha...king-bluetooth-gps-receiver-data-logger-26337
What do you guys think of this thing? Its acing the reviews it seems.
They also mention google maps working with it somehow, so there may be a good chance?
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Yes, they certainly do, here is just 1 http://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Input-Keychain-GPS-2000/dp/B0010NQ08M maybe not in the price you want, but they do carry several models.
Not only that, Amazon has the pharos IGPS new and used and if you can shop there, you can buy there. I would take the proven pharos in same price range over an unproven model any day.
Lock-N-Load said:
Yes, they certainly do, here is just 1 http://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Input-Keychain-GPS-2000/dp/B0010NQ08M maybe not in the price you want, but they do carry several models.
Not only that, Amazon has the pharos IGPS new and used and if you can shop there, you can buy there. I would take the proven pharos in same price range over an unproven model any day.
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Phobos is an American thing it seems, I cant shop at amazon.com either.
Although I agree with you that it is worth paying a little more if its a proven fix,
I cant get my hands on them so they are definitely out.
The 99 dollar keychain one probably doesn't resemble the 12 dollar one much.
bluetooth gpa
am using holux blue tooth gps receiver with bluegps program from market and have full gps functionality on prime.
adhuc0214 said:
am using holux blue tooth gps receiver with bluegps program from market and have full gps functionality on prime.
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Could you please specify which type you have?
Dealextreme seems to offer this brand, so I can get one if it really works well.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/holux-m-1000-32-channel-bluetooth-car-gps-receiver-25563
Yeah, if your going to post a brand you have used with success here, PLEASE try to include the model - that would be super helpful.
Notice how the Holux says "32 parallel satellite-tracking channels for fast acquisition and reacquisition" and that one on Amazon is 51 (2x the price) and the Pharos does not say.
That other one on dealextreme even boasts 65 sats. Thats a helluva lot of sats.
Unfortunately its impossible to know if its actually compatible.
I did email the manufacturer about android compatability,
but the site was full of chinglish so dont expect an answer.
Sokonomi said:
That other one on dealextreme even boasts 65 sats. Thats a helluva lot of sats.
Unfortunately its impossible to know if its actually compatible.
I did email the manufacturer about android compatability,
but the site was full of chinglish so dont expect an answer.
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The thing is, there is no reason why it would not be "android compatible". These BT type GPS devices are BT devices. So, if they use a current BT standard - which they should - your fine. A BT type GPS is not made to be manufacturer specific. That is the point and beauty of them. They are for tablets, phones, computers, whatever. So that is not even a question worth asking.
The only things you should care about is the quality and name of the brand you choose and the software app you choose to put on your tablet. The tablet app you use is likely way more critical as it is what will do all of the work in sending the GPS signals to your tablet. The BT GPS unit is kind of just dumb in terms of who it is talking to and who talks to it. It does not really care. It has a current BT chip inside to communicate with a BT device - and so does your tablet. The software is going to be crucial as much as the quality of the GPS unit.... point is there is no "android compatible" BT GPS unit per se. These units are made to work with phones, laptops, tablets and more. It is brand dumb.
Every unit talked about here so far should 100% work. IF they do not, it is likely (1) a GPS quality issue - hence a $14 BT GPS keychain versus a $50-100 model or (2) the tablet software you pick to connect the 2 to talk.
If I could post a link I'd send you to the GPS over BT thread in the Android Forums. I'm still a few post shy of linking externally here.
theandies said:
If I could post a link I'd send you to the GPS over BT thread in the Android Forums. I'm still a few post shy of linking externally here.
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Thanks.. getting it done is not so much of an issue - tons of places on the web explain it. The software exists in the market as well. Really, it is first about picking the desired BT GPS unit of choice - I think that is the goal here first.
I know theres tons of apps for it, but its not as universal as it all sounds.
My receiver is proof of that unfortunately.
I think ill order the keychain one just for laughs,
we might get pleasantly surprised.
Sokonomi said:
I know theres tons of apps for it, but its not as universal as it all sounds.
My receiver is proof of that unfortunately.
I think ill order the keychain one just for laughs,
we might get pleasantly surprised.
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Click to collapse
I say go for it. Try it and see. Not a real huge loss if not. If not, sell it on craigslist and get your money back.
BUT, your not entirely correct. You self admit "I have a really old one (+7yrs)" - do you (1) realize how old that is in tech and (2) I bet that thing uses way old BT technology as just 1 possible reason why (not to mention GPS standards). Point is, my comment above is most certainly related to current & modern technology so needs that obvious context - not a piece from 2005
I open a new thread even though the content is and will be discussed in others.
It's just getting confused to keep writing, quoting or answering threads of 20 and more sides.
I hope that the mods are not banning me for this
Frustration is grabbing me badly, like for many others on this forum, because even though I can read that ASUS/Gary Key is giving us a hand to solve or improve issues, I think we are getting nowhere.
If the WiFi/BT issue is caused by lousy hardware/software combination, then no fw will solve the issue.
Many of us have still a chance to return the device and get 600€ back, as in my case.
We need an official statement from ASUS telling us in which way they will protect us and their own name from bad publicity, if the issues are not solvable.
ASUS in Denmark knows zero! I have to mention this forum and Gary Key, just to give them an idea of what it is going on.
The only place I managed to get valuable information is in this forum. That's poor for a company like ASUS.
No mention on their support sides in any country, that "they are experiencing" issues with the device.
I bought mine through Amazon DE, and I have 30 days (now only 14) to send it back. It seems that nobody can promise anything, so what do I/we do?
I have no other complaint that poor wifi and BT causing connection break downs or badly signal. The rest is fine!
What are we customers, that were relying on ASUS brand, quality and service, going to do?
Tell me to send it back and I will probably do it, tell me something else, BUT tell us something more that "we are working on XXXXXXXXXXX solution".
Begin to tell us, what is next step either to get a replacement with fixes or money back if the "returm window" is closed.
Thanks in advance and regards.
If you are not happy with your Bluetooth/Wi-Fi the only thing you can do is return it for a refund and wait for another tablet because the design of the Prime is causing every single prime to have a weaker Wi-Fi signal.
... so the thread Gary opened is useless?? I think it does not seem like they gave up yet.
What are they trying to fix then?
Are you saying this because you know more than Asus or "us" do?
Regards
what you said, OP, is perfectly understandable. XDA may have useful info but the company, Asus, needs to address the people more directly or more often. Gary can only do so much at a time. I'm sure he is being bombarded with stuff at the moment. although those who experience BT/wifi combo issues are limited in the way they use the combo, they are those who aren't affected. look at jjvega thread where he made a video showing it wasn't affecting his new tablet. Fixes are in the works. we just tend to be impatient alot of times. if return window is dwindling down, and issue is bothering you that much, then only sensible thing to do is return it. that'll just be Asus loss then. No one should be stuck with a device they unsatisfied with, point blank. good luck on what you decide to do. do what you feel is right. maybe even try to exchange if possible.
plus I don't think you will be banned for your OP. nothing wrong or out of line with what you said. to me, it seems like Gary answers faster to PM than in a thread where people there are even trying to flame or belittle him. I've got some great info or help from Gary. people keep abusing his presence n he will go. then people will out back n will wish he was still around.
Gary mentioned a fix in February, so it will most likely come after your return window. Return it while you can. Purchase it again when you are confident they have fixed this issue.
PrimeTimeBro said:
If you are not happy with your Bluetooth/Wi-Fi the only thing you can do is return it for a refund and wait for another tablet because the design of the Prime is causing every single prime to have a weaker Wi-Fi signal.
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Except for mine and my friends.
redpoint13 said:
Except for mine and my friends.
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Just because WI-FI has a slightly weaker range doesn't mean it doesn't work it just doesnt work quite as good as most other Wi-Fi devices but it should be fine for most in home situations. I am not sure exactly what issue OP is talking about though perhaps some Wi-Fi units truly have issues on same Primes I just known the range on the 3 Primes I have had is exactly the same in my home but not quite as good as my 4 other Wi-Fi devices I have tested ( range is not quite as far)
Hate to rub in. But in Singapore.. I am facing an equally lousy service support and they claim that during Singapore launch, they did not mention abt gps. They are trying every bit to say, no GPS. U want location, u use wifi...
And there is no return policy!
$uck big time. Cost me sgd $700...
That's why I pay with Paypal or credit card, you can get a refund.
It's not as if an answer will follow immediately after a bug is reported. It takes time to discover a bug, confirm it, come up with a fix, test it, obtain more samples, test on those samples, and distribute it, not to mention all the logistical corporate and other engineering steps that I skipped over. If you're unsure you want it, return it and buy it later.
As far as non-US issues, I'd bet that SO FAR there just haven't been as many issues in Germany as in the US, so they just haven't acknowledged it's a WW issue.
..so far issues are:
1) WiFi signal is not good as other WiFi devices (not laptops).
2) BT and WiFi issues when both are used at the same time.
3) Flickering of displays primarely on YouTube and after ICS installation.
4) MicroSD Card slot... as mentionned in another thread in this forum.
What a pity! But I wonder who in the h*** controlled this device before sending out on the market.
Nothing can be perfect, but these issues are not small things, and also very easy to troubleshoot and discover.
I test NetGear stuff, and something like this will be caught by "betatesters" 99.9%
Regards
My WiFi range was pretty good, at least acceptable. However when you move away from the router the speed got very slow. Next to the router I could get 20MB/s, 1 floor down (with full WiFi bars) I got 5 MB/s and another floor down around 2MB/s (still 2 WiFi bars).
GPS worked.. but wasn't good enough for navigation at least in populated area's.
Does anyone know where I can find a standalone email .wgt (I don't want to connect to my phone... it's apple... don't kill me)?
Also, an android launcher .wgt like nova launcher would be really cool! (I don't care about battery life if I'm running this)
The main reason my wife bought me this watch was so I could be sneaky and check my emails while I'm in meetings... that way I'd have more time to spend with her at home rather than answering emails until 8pm... I'm pretty much screwed either way, but my inner geek wants to make this work, and I don't like Samsung limiting what my property can do.
This watch can be a completely stand alone device, but Samsung has crippled it's capabilities in an attempt to force us to buy one of their smartphones. I'm not a big fan of these marketing tactics, and have made it my mission to make this watch do what I want it to do, and know it can do. I will not buy a Samsung phone just so I can play with my watch.
I'm a complete noob at this, but thanks to this forum, I've been able to learn quickly. I've been able to root the watch and sideload all of the apps i can find (and think are useful).
I still don't have access to download registered apps, since I didn't cave in and buy a samsung phone. I'm sure there are a lot of good apps that help increase the functionality of the watch.
I'm hoping there are some geniuses out there who could help me out with the email and android launcher questions.
Email/apps
I'm in the same boat as you are. Not spending the extra cash on an additional phone has left much to be desired with the watch. Being a standalone device I thought I would have at least been able to get emails, so a new app is much needed.
Btw I did several searches but could find how to Sideload apps onto the gear s...do you happen to have a link? What apps were you able to find, and can you post them? Thanks, like you I'm very new but willing to help in any way I can.
Now if we can figure out the pit file/ full android I'd be set!
Thanks again!
weedenrw said:
Does anyone know where I can find a standalone email .wgt (I don't want to connect to my phone... it's apple... don't kill me)?
Also, an android launcher .wgt like nova launcher would be really cool! (I don't care about battery life if I'm running this)
The main reason my wife bought me this watch was so I could be sneaky and check my emails while I'm in meetings... that way I'd have more time to spend with her at home rather than answering emails until 8pm... I'm pretty much screwed either way, but my inner geek wants to make this work, and I don't like Samsung limiting what my property can do.
This watch can be a completely stand alone device, but Samsung has crippled it's capabilities in an attempt to force us to buy one of their smartphones. I'm not a big fan of these marketing tactics, and have made it my mission to make this watch do what I want it to do, and know it can do. I will not buy a Samsung phone just so I can play with my watch.
I'm a complete noob at this, but thanks to this forum, I've been able to learn quickly. I've been able to root the watch and sideload all of the apps i can find (and think are useful).
I still don't have access to download registered apps, since I didn't cave in and buy a samsung phone. I'm sure there are a lot of good apps that help increase the functionality of the watch.
I'm hoping there are some geniuses out there who could help me out with the email and android launcher questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought a cheapo compatible sammy.
Buy a used galaxy running 4.3 (s3 mini on ebay, used ~$50-70) and use it as a relay. Just copy all the apps and mail accounts from your daily driver onto the S3, connect to Wi-Fi, set the notifications, disconnect from Bluetooth, and use the remote as the tether.
crazyshakespeare13 said:
I'm in the same boat as you are. Not spending the extra cash on an additional phone has left much to be desired with the watch. Being a standalone device I thought I would have at least been able to get emails, so a new app is much needed.
Btw I did several searches but could find how to Sideload apps onto the gear s...do you happen to have a link? What apps were you able to find, and can you post them? Thanks, like you I'm very new but willing to help in any way I can.
Now if we can figure out the pit file/ full android I'd be set!
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully someone will come up with a standalone_email.wgt soon.
Right now I'm looking into the feasibility of flashing an Android ROM onto my Gear S.... if that's even possible. Given the limited apps available for Tizen, and all of the built in mess that samsung has provided with this phone, I'm thinking that is the way to go. But, I'm a noob, so haven't had a chance to work with ODIN too much on the ROM flashing side of things.
this is by far the best guide on sideloading apps for Gear S (for your average noob like me):
denvycom.com/blog/how-to-install-wgt-files-gear2
A few wrinkles they don't go over:
Make sure your Java is up to date. If it isn't, Tizen won't install. However, more problematic for me, was getting the developer.samsung.com website to work correctly with my default browser. I uninstalled it and re installed it (and all versions between 6 and 8) quite a few times. If you have the same problems and the website isn't loading java correctly, it's going to be virtually impossible to get your author cert or device profile licenses. I hope you don't run into this problem.
Once you get all of that working, you can scour the Gear S and Gear 2 forums for .wgt files (these .wgt are the "application" files that Tizen uses). There are a lot here on this forum. just download them, copy them to the SDB folder, open up your CMD prompt, find sdb foler, type sdb install xxx.wgt, the press enter.
I'm still not happy with what I've been able to find, pretty much the only .wgt files I've found that are nice are opera mini and a few calculators. Opera mini can't even load flash, so kiss listening to Pandora over your Bluetooth headphones while running.
which brings up another good app request... if anybody is listening... a pandora.wgt would be really really cool!!
Hope this helps
mghtymse007 said:
I just bought a cheapo compatible sammy.
Buy a used galaxy running 4.3 (s3 mini on ebay, used ~$50-70) and use it as a relay. Just copy all the apps and mail accounts from your daily driver onto the S3, connect to Wi-Fi, set the notifications, disconnect from Bluetooth, and use the remote as the tether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's called "getting tricked by the biz"! It's like buying a $50 t-shirt! At least you can wear the t-shirt
Sorry man, not trying to be negative, I know it would be easier to do it this way. The fact that they're making me buy one of their phones to make my watch work makes me want to buy a Samsung even less!
weedenrw said:
That's called "getting tricked by the biz"! It's like buying a $50 t-shirt! At least you can wear the t-shirt
Sorry man, not trying to be negative, I know it would be easier to do it this way. The fact that they're making me buy one of their phones to make my watch work makes me want to buy a Samsung even less!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not saying I don't disagree with you. It's a real BS game these guys play! These two devices are the first and only Sam tech I have, and never found their forced ecosystem tactics tasteful. In the end, i REALLY did try to find a possible alternative...From LG to Umeox to ZGPAX. I struggled with an Omate TS for almost a year...to get what the S does out of box (w/compatible Sam, or course) and more.
For me...i needed a reliable device...function beat out emotion and personal feelings in this case.
weedenrw said:
Hopefully someone will come up with a standalone_email.wgt soon.
Right now I'm looking into the feasibility of flashing an Android ROM onto my Gear S.... if that's even possible. Given the limited apps available for Tizen, and all of the built in mess that samsung has provided with this phone, I'm thinking that is the way to go. But, I'm a noob, so haven't had a chance to work with ODIN too much on the ROM flashing side of things.
this is by far the best guide on sideloading apps for Gear S (for your average noob like me):
denvycom.com/blog/how-to-install-wgt-files-gear2
A few wrinkles they don't go over:
Make sure your Java is up to date. If it isn't, Tizen won't install. However, more problematic for me, was getting the developer.samsung.com website to work correctly with my default browser. I uninstalled it and re installed it (and all versions between 6 and 8) quite a few times. If you have the same problems and the website isn't loading java correctly, it's going to be virtually impossible to get your author cert or device profile licenses. I hope you don't run into this problem.
Once you get all of that working, you can scour the Gear S and Gear 2 forums for .wgt files (these .wgt are the "application" files that Tizen uses). There are a lot here on this forum. just download them, copy them to the SDB folder, open up your CMD prompt, find sdb foler, type sdb install xxx.wgt, the press enter.
I'm still not happy with what I've been able to find, pretty much the only .wgt files I've found that are nice are opera mini and a few calculators. Opera mini can't even load flash, so kiss listening to Pandora over your Bluetooth headphones while running.
which brings up another good app request... if anybody is listening... a pandora.wgt would be really really cool!!
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice...hopefully I can get to installing some later today. After purchasing the gear and soon learning all its limitations I went to Walmart and purchased a prepaid Samsung phone for the first time pairing before returning the phone. While I managed to get a few apps I quickly found out that most are useless without a paired device.
I do have opera install but found after rooting the gear the app opens to a black screen and that's all.
Long story short, until a new rom is created I'm pretty much stuck with a phone and messaging device (which is nice and all...but not for the price we paid)
Thanks again for all the info!
mghtymse007 said:
I just bought a cheapo compatible sammy.
Buy a used galaxy running 4.3 (s3 mini on ebay, used ~$50-70) and use it as a relay. Just copy all the apps and mail accounts from your daily driver onto the S3, connect to Wi-Fi, set the notifications, disconnect from Bluetooth, and use the remote as the tether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the info
mghtymse007 said:
I just bought a cheapo compatible sammy.
Buy a used galaxy running 4.3 (s3 mini on ebay, used ~$50-70) and use it as a relay. Just copy all the apps and mail accounts from your daily driver onto the S3, connect to Wi-Fi, set the notifications, disconnect from Bluetooth, and use the remote as the tether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there!
I am in the same boat as you. iPhone 6 is my primary phone but i also have a twin SIM card that i want to use with the Gear S (standalone). However i still need a (cheap as it can get) Samsung phone for setting up the watch, installing apps and the remote connection.
Can you please confirm that the S3 mini is indeed compatible with the Gear S; What version of Android does it have? Can you post the exact FW name? I was not sure it supported BT 4.0 hardwarewise.
Thank you so much!
gidi said:
Hi there!
I am in the same boat as you. iPhone 6 is my primary phone but i also have a twin SIM card that i want to use with the Gear S (standalone). However i still need a (cheap as it can get) Samsung phone for setting up the watch, installing apps and the remote connection.
Can you please confirm that the S3 mini is indeed compatible with the Gear S; What version of Android does it have? Can you post the exact FW name? I was not sure it supported BT 4.0 hardwarewise.
Thank you so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, this is a great one. Did this for a friend a few weeks ago...an iPhone 6 playing nice with a Samsung! (Think I heard something about Hell and freezing on this subject But all kidding aside, she does get a lot of comments about the phone/watch combo.
To be honest, I think there's a lot more phones that are compatible with the S that Sammy is letting on. At our Main OFFICIAL AT&T store...their little tablets show maybe 7 or so Samsung models that are "officially" compatible. However, I've heard, and read of some folks trying cheap, simple pre-paid models...and all is working.
After doing some quick research, it seems that it's more important to have Android 4.3 or higher to ensure full functionality. It's the additional Gear Mgr software that will handle the S's functions... And their 4.3+/TouchWiz combo seems to be the key.
Hope this helps... Good luck!
Oh, and BTW, I don't have an iPhone... I do have an android based phone, the HTC One M8. I just have never cared for TouchWiz, nor Samsung's designs.
(Please no OEM wars, just stating my personal opinion)
e-mail
Hi! I do not have a Samsung smartphone. I want to send and receive mail at the clock. Need advice.