[Q] Mysterious connector on rear of phone - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi -
Well I picked up my phone sim free from Phones4U today (Portsmouth and they had a few in stock). Very nice indeed... However I have noticed what appears to be an unused connector at the rear of the phone. Could this be a connector to for the future NFS aerial? Or am I completely off the page. Apologies if I am.
Cheers,
Ganza

All galaxy s phones ive seen including my vibrant and nexus s have this
Its a connection for external GPS antenna
http://www.google.com/m/search?site=images&source=mog&gl=us&q=external gps connector#p=1
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Aah, thanks for clearing that up.

I'm a noob here. What is this 'NFS' people are getting excited about?

b33p_ said:
I'm a noob here. What is this 'NFS' people are getting excited about?
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Click to collapse
Need For Speed maybe. The other thing people are "excited" about is NFC... Near Field Communication

NFC is basically a technology that allows your phone to obtain data from something simply by being in close proximity with it. With NFC you can get location data from tags or even transform your phone into a credit card. It's not being implemented in many places at the moment though so getting NFC now is just for the sake of future proofing your phone.

Sounds good, thanks Virtue.

Looks like a mmcx connector. Probably at test port for QA at the factory.
We have previously used these QA ports (on other phone models) for connecting external cellular antennas to use commercial phones for network drive testing.
Unfortunately the mmcx connections are pretty fragile and do not withstand much usage by the "gorillas" we use for data gathering

Related

Need some help, or this has to go back

I travel a lot, and I'm a minimalist. In other words, I'll travel for a week and take a paper lunch bag as my carry-on with hopes that I can get by with wearing the same outfit the entire week. I don't like carrying a full Navigation system and use my phone. This isn't an 'iPhone lovefest' because honestly, I hate everything about Apple, but I never had problems like this on my iPhone.
My problem though is the GPS. I'm on my third phone because of the GPS. The first phone would never get a lock on GPS. I could be sitting outside with a GPS satellite dedicated to me directly above me, and it would still say "Searching for Satellite". That phone went back and I took on another one.
Second phone had a problem where every now and then it would work, then stop working and never start working again until I rebooted the phone and even then it was questionable if it would start working again.
I just got my third phone a couple days ago. I did a stock root w/ no bootloaders, used Entropy's 11/13 Kernel, then threw on UnNamed ROM. This morning, I started up my car to drive somewhere and decided to test the GPS/Navigation. It took it a couple minutes to find the Satellite, then all seemed to be working ok. Then 20 minutes later it dropped the Satellite and it spent the next 40 minutes of my drive into the office saying "Searching for Satellite" no matter what I did.
This is really important to me as is the ability to tether when I want to (hence the reason I want a phone I can Root). So what can I do. At the moment, I've (In my head, so I could be wrong) narrowed it down to a couple things that could be wrong.
1. It's the ROM that's the problem. Though unlikely, it is a factor and it's me messing with the way the phone was designed and distributed.
2. It's the GPS in general. Seems like 95% of the people on here aren't having problems at all. There does seem to be 5% that seem to be having the same problems I am.
3. My region has crappy Satellite Coverage. Doubtful since my iPhone worked fine, and unless Apple did something amazing like put in an entire dedicated Satellite network to work with Jailbroke iPhones then this kinds of negates this though.
4. My cars are interferring. While this is entirely a possibility (I never do think to test this out in the open not in a car, so i can't say for sure) if it is the problem, then the device goes back as it's much cheaper to get a new device than to replace 2 cars. Again, though, my iPhone never had a problem doing this in these cars.
I love the phone, the speed, the Android OS etc... I don't want to go back to an iPhone because I"ll shoot myself. I just want to be able to have GPS work on this as it's the only hold up on the device. Any help anyone can do?
Take it back then. Honestly you say you have tried 3 different phones and all 3 are broken. I call bull****.
Never had a problem with it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
You didn't mention if you've tried in ANY of the three (3) phones if the GPS worked before rooting?? I'm not saying it's the rooting that's causing the problem, but I'm still running stock on my SGSII and have had no issues with GPS? Not saying it's not possible but three phones is kinda stretching it a bit to all have the same issue.
Yes, I know you took it back to STOCK rom with #3 but who knows if the STOCK ROM is really *STOCK*, you should try a new phone #4 stock without ROOT for at least a day or two to determine if it is a DESIGN/HARDWARE issue rule that out first and then try from there... If this still happens with STOCK phone, you may have to switch to another phone (iphone or otherwise)...
Good Luck!
I just took it back to stock and was going to go outside to see if it had problems finding service. Though as mentioned in many other threads on here, it's not so much it finding you when you're standing still. It's when you're driving the streets of Atlanta that things get crazy.
stalked_r/t said:
I just took it back to stock and was going to go outside to see if it had problems finding service. Though as mentioned in many other threads on here, it's not so much it finding you when you're standing still. It's when you're driving the streets of Atlanta that things get crazy.
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Hi Stalk,
Keep in STOCK mode and drive around with it and see if this is still an issue then... Also if you have an aluminum case, this has been a known issue where the TARGUS (SP?) korean made BEAUTIFUL/GORGEOUS case affected the GPS antennae. Try it stock no case on the dash away from DIRECT sunslight and begin troubleshooting there...
UNFORTUNATELY it may boil down to Stock and working GPS or ROOT with Tethering... You ***MIGHT*** not be able to do both...
Good Luck...
If you JUST root, it shouldn't affect GPS - but test without rooting first.
And I agree - if you've got a metal case, DITCH IT.
So far, my experience is that the GPS chipset is almost as good as any standalone GPS chipset I've used - Sirf StarIII, MTKv2, STM Cartesio (the latter being the chipset in my Garmin Oregon, the former being chipsets in various Bluetooth dataloggers I've used for hiking). Actually, the GPS in this phone beats the StarIII and is around on par with the Cartesio. So far nothing I've ever used can touch an MTKv2 though.
I'm used to phones having crappy awful GPS chipsets - this is the first device I would ever consider using for geocaching on its own.
Thanks for the replies. I did test just now on the way to and from lunch with stock everything. I do have a case that's part aluminum (Case-Mate). I didn't try it without the case. didn't even think it could affect this.
Running a stock setup, I attempted to get navigation to my lunch location The drive was about 6 miles each way. When I left the office, I started Navigation. It never found a satellite enroute to the restaurant. I never stopped it during lunch from looking, though I was in a building, so i didn't expect it to find anything. On the way home, same status. Searching for satellites. I'm torn. I want this phone bad, love the Dev support, and there's nothing coming from AT&T that makes me want to use an old Blackberry to wait for. I also don't know what I can do to test this further.
On the way home, I'm going to do something very simple. I'm going to wipe the phone. I'm going to skip all steps of the initial setup, just have service and that's it. I'll start navigation and have it direct me home. If it doesn't work, I'll look at my options. If it works, then I know it's an app that's causing the problem.
Unless someone else can think of something for me to try. I wish this just worked like I know it can.
Ok. So an update. Wiped phone, not even associated with Google, Removed my 32 gig SD card for the heck of it, removed the case. Started nav and INSANTLY inside a building it had me pinpointed and was directing me to the next turn point to get home.
Here's the case I have: http://www.case-mate.com/Samsung-Ga...rsion-Barely-There-Brushed-Aluminum-Cases.asp
In one of the reviews, this is said:
As much as I wanted to love this case, I couldn't. I've used many Case Mate products before and I am just disappointed in them for the lack of quality of this case. There is a noticeable issue with the case fitting the bezel on the top right corner of the phone. The lip of the case fails to properly wrap around the front bezel. There is also the connectivity problems that come with this case. GPS has especially weakened with this case on. Other than that, I like the quality material that this case is built out of and feels very sturdy. Unfortunately though as of this writing, this is really the only choice for a decent case for this phone on the market. Time will tell if better choices come about.
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I'm going to keep this setup through tomorrow, then root the phone if there's no difference in performance and all is well. If that works fine for 2 days, I'll throw the Kernel on and throw UnNamed on. If that works, I'll throw the case on and see what happens. I now feel like this could be the problem. Thanks for the thoughts guys. I'll continue my abuse of the "THANKS" button and thank you all.
ride home was flawless. If ride to work tomorrow is flawless, I'll root and flash.
Entropy512 said:
If you JUST root, it shouldn't affect GPS - but test without rooting first.
And I agree - if you've got a metal case, DITCH IT.
So far, my experience is that the GPS chipset is almost as good as any standalone GPS chipset I've used - Sirf StarIII, MTKv2, STM Cartesio (the latter being the chipset in my Garmin Oregon, the former being chipsets in various Bluetooth dataloggers I've used for hiking). Actually, the GPS in this phone beats the StarIII and is around on par with the Cartesio. So far nothing I've ever used can touch an MTKv2 though.
I'm used to phones having crappy awful GPS chipsets - this is the first device I would ever consider using for geocaching on its own.
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Click to collapse
I haven't gotten enough free time to log the NMEA output, but I don't think our "SirfSTAR IV" chipset is actually even using DGPS/WAAS. Which makes the accuracy it get's even more impressive. The chip definitely supports WAAS, but who knows exactly how the implementation is done between Android & Samsung...
I've also owned a SirfStar III based Bluetooth GPS, a MTK-based GPS (also the best I've found), and several phones with dedicated and integrated GPS chipsets. Have to agree our GS2 is one of the best. I can't exactly wander around the house and have it track my every movement like my Bluetooth pucks can (also having a large ceramic patch antenna helps a bit no doubt), but my GS2 locks fast, and stays locked. What else can you want from a GPS?
Might be worth it to look into WAAS either way though. On any standalone GPS unit, WAAS is the difference between 15-30 meter accuracy, and 3-5 meter (or better) accuracy. That is unless you have a military GPS unit, and the appropriate keys to receive the high accuracy P(Y)/M signals...
If you want to get a good idea of how the GPS is doing, this app will show you the strength of your GPS lock:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2
Also, upon further research, the NMEA output is reporting that WAAS/DGPS is not in use.
Example: "$GPGGA,222520.000,4218.460926,N,07111.901869,W,1,06,1.2,77.1,M,-33.8,M,,*53"
Where the bold "1" should be 2, and the null field right before the checksum "*53" should be the age of the DGPS/WAAS info if it were in use.
The chipset in our phones (http://www.csr.com/products/35/sirfstariv-gsd4e) clearly states that it supports WAAS. And since the choice of DGPS or not is solely in the hands of the chip and software (wiring/antenna connection/configuration is irrelevant) perhaps there is a way to enable the DGPS mode? If so, I'm sure we would all see MUCH better position and accuracy information.
WAAS probably requires modifications to the host processing binary (SIRFHost)
BTW, our chip is a GSD4t, not 4e.
I was having problems with my gps losing its lock for the longest time, i got a replacement phone and it started doing it again AFTER root. Im thinking some app might be causing the issue. I read somewhere that ROM Manager can cause issues. I deleted it and so far my gps has been working. I am really baffled on to what can be causing it.
stalked_r/t said:
ride home was flawless. If ride to work tomorrow is flawless, I'll root and flash.
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Click to collapse
Its the case man. Great looking case, but kills the cell signal and terrible GPS. Mine went back after 3 days.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Yep. Ride into work today lost signal once. After letting it sit for a couple minutes, I rebooted. After reboot it worked flawlessly. Definitely the case at this point. Putting Root/Kernel/ROM on it today and seeing how the drive home is. If it's good, then the case can be tossed and I'll find a different one.
Entropy512 said:
WAAS probably requires modifications to the host processing binary (SIRFHost)
BTW, our chip is a GSD4t, not 4e.
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Click to collapse
Good catch. Interesting. Haven't checked out the sources, but I'm assuming all the GPS binaries are blobs? And source is not available?
Always wondered why mobile phones never have WAAS support... course then again, if the hardware was developed in Korea, that would make a little bit of sense. Seeing as there isn't WAAS coverage there, although I do believe there is an alternate DGPS solution for Asia.

Cold weather Flyer

I'd like to keep my Flyer out in my truck as a perm GPS kinda thing. It gets kinda cold up in NY, so I'm concerned on how cold weather tolerant this thing is. The general rule is not to keep electronics outside when its cold, but come on... have you seen newer cars!! I left my Garmin outside 365/year without issue too.
I'd like to know fact from fiction on this. Maybe Myth Busters did something on it, lol.
If the worst thing to happen to my Flyer is a sluggish screen until it warms up, I'd like to keep it in the truck/car most of the time.
i literally never take my first gen ipod video from 2005 out of my trucks glovebox...in NJ, it gets as cold as single digits in the winter, and hits triple in the summer, and it's always in there, and somehow STILL works..and that's a moving hard drive too lol..i'd think as long as it doesn't move from cold to hot temps really quickly, no condensation should form or anything
Lion batteries tolerate cold better than heat but, I would imagine that there is still a potential for damage to occur.
I doubt the other components would be affected much.. but, just keep in mind there is a chance it will be on life support to actually run the rest of it's life.
If I may also go ahead and point this out.. You can get a Garmin with lifetime updates for about 250$ that doesn't require a cellular data connection and would be more reliable for what your buying it for..
Snow_fox said:
Lion batteries tolerate cold better than heat but, I would imagine that there is still a potential for damage to occur.
I doubt the other components would be affected much.. but, just keep in mind there is a chance it will be on life support to actually run the rest of it's life.
If I may also go ahead and point this out.. You can get a Garmin with lifetime updates for about 250$ that doesn't require a cellular data connection and would be more reliable for what your buying it for..
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I got the Flyer at BestBuy for $99 a few months ago when they messed up the price. I dont have a need for it in the house because I have a GT10.1. I was close to CraigsListing it for $175, but decided to buy the Flyer car dock and use it as device to leave in the truck for GPS and such.
I dont really want another Garmin if the Flyer can work (w/tethering).
While Li ion batteries tolerate cold temperatures better than some other types, they still drain much more quickly in freezing temperatures. If you are leaving your Flyer in screen-off mode (and not powering it down), then you should be careful its not draining until shutoff in cold temps. Full power cycles are not good for Li ion batteries long term. Its also possible that draining the battery until the device shuts off, will render the battery unable to take a charge. (doesn't happen often, but does happen with Android devices).
That said, I completely understand your feeling about wanting to use an Android device instead of a Garmin for car navigation. I haven't used the "latest" Garmins. But the one I have (couple years old) has a crappy unresponsive touch screen, low resolution, and search function is nothing compared to Google.
The only advantage to a Garmin, is that you don't need a data connection. But of course, there are ways around that with Android also, either downloading Google Map sections, or with 3rd party software.
This doesn't answer your question, but I'll just throw this out there:
I've had the Flyer since it's release date at Best Buy. I bought it with full intentions of leaving it in my truck as a GPS/Media Player/Browser.
I built a console for it that goes between my jump seat and dash (the unit basically sits right under my stereo) and I have left it there plugged into a usb charger and line in on my stereo since the day I bought it (I can easily remove it and have on occasion for a few hours at a time.
I live in West Virginia so it probably doesn't get quite as cold as it does in NY but it can get down below zero at night. We have had a pretty mild winter here but that being said - I have never had a single problem out of it. Neither heat nor cold has seemed to have any affect on it whatsoever.
This is not to say that it couldn't and I've wondered the same as you many times... but just as someone who is doing exactly what you plan to do... I have never had a problem with it.
Hope this helps.
Just an FYI regarding the need for a cellular or wifi signal to use the Flyer or View as a dedicated GPS. With the use of a standalone navigation app such as CoPilot Live (no affiliation) or similar, which include built-in maps, your GPS-enabled unit uses only the internal GPS antenna to set a fix, and the on-board maps to get you around. No data connection is required to constantly update maps, as is the case with Google Maps, which is an 'assisted GPS' (aGPS) program.
Once your nav app is loaded, conserve batt power by activating 'airplane mode,' then under 'Location' enable the 'use GPS satellites' function. Make sure your Flyer is securely mounted on windshield or dashboard with a reasonable view of the sky (that's where the satellites are). You'll have no problems getting around in remote areas not served by Sprint et al. Over the past few years we have used my Evo 4g, Evo 3D and Evo View to get around in Europe in just this manner (no phone calls though, these are not international phones).
Regarding cold temperatures, I would remove the device from your vehicle if sub-zero F readings are expected.
procerum said:
No data connection is required to constantly update maps, as is the case with Google Maps, which is an 'assisted GPS' (aGPS) program.
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That is not what assisted GPS (aGPS) means. aGPS uses cell tower triangulation to speed up GPS location. Virtually any usage of the phone's GPS involves aGPS.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_GPS
Also, as I've mentioned previously, Google Maps has the ability to download maps so you can use Maps and Navigation online. You just have to download the maps one area at a time.
I think we're saying the same thing. The Flyer/View will perform GPS (vs. aGPS) duties just fine without tower triangulation (in airplane mode) if your program has built-in maps. No tethering required.
The map caching is in Google Labs, right? I played with that while waiting at an appointment. I tried a Nav to home with it and Nav just spun. I only tried once though. I didn't get a "data connection required" so i know it knew the cached data was there.
I will think about Copilot if GNav doesn't cut it.
I like this thread, lots of good comments!
procerum said:
I think we're saying the same thing. The Flyer/View will perform GPS (vs. aGPS) duties just fine without tower triangulation (in airplane mode) if your program has built-in maps. No tethering required.
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Click to collapse
No, we are not saying the same thing at all. You were saying that Google Maps can't be used without a data connection, since its an "aGPS program", and you seemed to be stating that aGPS had something to do with updating the maps (which it does not). Google Maps is fully functional without a data connection as I stated above.
Also, pretty much any current Android device is going to use aGPS when possible to shorten GPS lock time, regardless of what navigation app you are using (I hate when people call nav software "GPS", as GPS just determines lat/long and elevation and nothing more).
And now you are mis-using the term "tethering". A data connection is not tethering. Tethering is when you share a cell data connection with another device. For instance, tethering a phone to a laptop, means your laptop can use the data connection on your phone.
You really need to get your terms right.
---------- Post added at 08:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:13 PM ----------
kenyu73 said:
The map caching is in Google Labs, right?
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Yeah, that's right. I haven't played around with the feature much myself. But a buddy of mine recently used it during a trip to Europe, so he can navigate the cities on foot without pricey data roaming fees. He said it worked wonderfully.
redpoint73 said:
And now you are mis-using the term "tethering". A data connection is not tethering. Tethering is when you share a cell data connection with another device. For instance, tethering a phone to a laptop, means your laptop can use the data connection on your phone.
You really need to get your terms right.
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Thanks for the suggestion, Captain. I am attempting to help the OP, who used the term 'tethering,' which is unecessary, as is a data connection, if you have maps on your device:
kenyu73 said:
I dont really want another Garmin if the Flyer can work (w/tethering).
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Click to collapse
My comments/methodologies are based upon actual travel experiences with these devices, which I'm sharing with the OP. Why do you feel the need to challenge me? Is this an initiation ritual for a new poster?
procerum said:
Thanks for the suggestion, Captain. I am attempting to help the OP, who used the term 'tethering,' which is unecessary, as is a data connection, if you have maps on your device:
My comments/methodologies are based upon actual travel experiences with these devices, which I'm sharing with the OP. Why do you feel the need to challenge me? Is this an initiation ritual for a new poster?
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Its all good gents. I just wanted to know if the Flyer was ok out in the cold.
Whether or not I'll use GNav or purchase something like Copilot is another story. I appreciated the comments from everyone.
procerum said:
kenyu73 said:
I dont really want another Garmin if the Flyer can work (w/tethering).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My comments/methodologies are based upon actual travel experiences with these devices, which I'm sharing with the OP. Why do you feel the need to challenge me? Is this an initiation ritual for a new poster?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The person your last response is directed at, and the OP are the same person.
No, I'm not trying to pick on you. But if you post something that is incorrect, people here are going to call it out. Or people here may just want to offer up a different opinion. Which brings me to the following.
I completely sympathize with the OP's desire to not want another Garmin navigation unit. I've found them to be crap. Overpriced for what they can do, not well made, and completely unreliable. I paid $399 for a flagship Nuvi unit, and it broke down a year after I bought it. Luckily, it was still on warranty, and they fixed it. But then the power cable failed soon after (out of warranty). Good thing I found a replacement on eBay for less than $10, because Garmin wants to charge you $30 (for something that will probably fail again in a year or so anyway). Both failures happened while I was traveling, and luckily I had my smartphone and Google Maps as backup.
Meanwhile, I have 3 HTC smartphones, and one tablet, from as far back as 4 years, still running fine as the day they were bought (aside from a few cosmetic blemishes from normal wear and tear). As far as I'm concerned, you are better off using a smartphone or tablet as navigation, with a 3rd party nav app with pre-loaded apps, if losing data connection is a concern.
Having a dedicated nav unit is probably a dying business model. Aside from providing software for smartphones, I don't see much of Garmin's business being around in a few years.
This is true, the last one I purchased was in 2003; it's unlikely that I'll ever purchase a dedicated unit again. The Flyer/View's 7-inch screen and robust build make for an excellent navigation device.

[Q] Anyone found a use for NFC in the UK yet?

Anyone found a used for NFC in the UK yet?
Is there any decent banking/payment apps for it or other cool stuff we can be using?
I see wireless credit cards as just another way to steal my money, and with things like this you don't have to mug me but just be in range and have the technology to steal it my details.
HaHa wave my phone around so the turds can grab my bank details .
Thats a good joke who thought it up trhe guys that sell cloned credit cards ??
jje
You can buy and program your own tags and use them to like... turn on wifi when you get home and stuff like that
I've never seen the NFC payment things in Manchester but other cities may have them, I dunno.
demon-knight said:
Anyone found a used for NFC in the UK yet?
Is there any decent banking/payment apps for it or other cool stuff we can be using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony Xperia owners can get those "Smart Tags" - they're NFC enabled, so I'm guessing that perhaps the app they use them with is available?
Edit: looks like it isn't (boo), but there's other ones in the Play store that let you store information on the tags and/or activate actions on the phone by touch the tag to the phone. Check out NFC Task Launcher or NFC Tag Writer & Reader for two examples.
By the way, I'd heard that the range of NFC is in millimetres - so it's going to be difficult for a scum-sucking con artist to scrape your phone. Plus the eBanking apps I've seen discussed all have low limits on "unverified" transactions and anything of note needs you to enter a PIN code first - to authorise it.
Michael_P said:
I see wireless credit cards as just another way to steal my money, and with things like this you don't have to mug me but just be in range and have the technology to steal it my details.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually most credit cards can be read from a distance. They have portable card scanners that can pull your information off of a card inside of your wallet. I remember reading about a year ago that the issue is credit card companies are not supposed to store any information on your card besides the account number, but they often do to "ease" transactions on their end.
BungeBash said:
Actually most credit cards can be read from a distance. They have portable card scanners that can pull your information off of a card inside of your wallet. I remember reading about a year ago that the issue is credit card companies are not supposed to store any information on your card besides the account number, but they often do to "ease" transactions on their end.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it was possible you'd hear about with the billions of cards knocking about, where all it takes with wireless cards is follow someone in a crowd with some kind of scanner, because if it is technically possible them someone's gonna figure it out, and all because people want to save a few seconds putting their card in the machine.
Bus stops have NFC for adverts, I imagine that apps will be advertised like this too.
Soon oyster cards in London will be on your phone. But you really do have to be pushed up against these things, its very short range.
These things won't become mainstream unless they're secure.
Thieving people just by walking past them is a load of ****, don't believe it for a second.
Sent by EVO 3D powered carrier pigeons
dladz said:
Soon oyster cards in London will be on your phone.
Sent by EVO 3D powered carrier pigeons
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I think I'll keep my Oyster separate... A phone is more likely to get stolen but at least I can get home I always try as much as possible to not have the the phone out "on display" in or near stations anyway, and with the roll out of free wifi at stations for the 'lympics it's likely that there is going to be an increase in stuff going walkies I think.
I might get some NFC tags to mess about with for stuff at home though, just to give it a try really.
Sent from my CM9 TouchPad
People who think that it'll be possible to steal your banking details wirelessly from your phone really make me laugh. The ignorance is incredible.
NFC is only activated when your phone's screen is on and unlocked. It's physically impossible for someone to communicate with your Android phone while it's in your pocket.
ive just got the S3 today, and also have an Xperia S LT26i, i can use my Xperia SmartTags on both devices to set things like profiles - switching on/off things like data, bluetooth, wifi and apps etc...
as an example, i have one tag programmed for use in the car on my car keys - it disables my wifi connection, puts the phone on loud settings, enables gps and bluetooth (pairs with stereo in car for handsfree) and launches maps - all by tapping the phone on the tag. i then have another tag on my house keys so i can do the opposite....
you need an app called "liveware manager" and "Xperia smarttags" from Playstore to allow this to be done
hope that helps anyone interested in using NFC
[email protected] said:
ive just got the S3 today, and also have an Xperia S LT26i, i can use my Xperia SmartTags on both devices to set things like profiles - switching on/off things like data, bluetooth, wifi and apps etc...
as an example, i have one tag programmed for use in the car on my car keys - it disables my wifi connection, puts the phone on loud settings, enables gps and bluetooth (pairs with stereo in car for handsfree) and launches maps - all by tapping the phone on the tag. i then have another tag on my house keys so i can do the opposite....
you need an app called "liveware manager" and "Xperia smarttags" from Playstore to allow this to be done
hope that helps anyone interested in using NFC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done this too. You can programme any writable nfc card or sticker to be a Sony Smart Tag. There are instructions on the nfc forum. Then you can get the Smart Tag to change settings automatically for you. It works really well.
Use these with this. Works ace.
I own a mastercard paypass and would certainly feel more secure if it was on my phone, instead of on a piece of plastic. Unfortunately they only have that in the US yet. My phone can read it though (well it only recognizes it as a Mastercard, no other useful info), as well my transport card, a security pass and health card. I think when NFC finds its way to more phones, applications for it will expand (and hopefully my wallet will get less bulky).
I'll be getting some NFC compatible RFID chips to play with from ebay soon.
I wonder whether the anti theft tags in stores are using a compatible frequency. You often get those for free. I Should try.
Again as far as security - indeed it only works when enabled and when phone is 'awake'. It also has a sound notification whenever it communicates via NFC. And it's not a passive chip that can simple be read with a device and somehow duplicated. Payments would require an encrypted two-way communication.
Have ordered some tags off ebay so will have fun finding a use for them.
First will get one in the car to turn Bluetooth on etc.
Shame that the banks are slow on rolling it out, although they are supposed to be giving it a push for the Olympics but I guess only in small numbers at select locations.
[email protected] said:
you need an app called "liveware manager" and "Xperia smarttags" from Playstore to allow this to be done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, when I did a search (for "smart tag") in Play, the Xperia app didn't appear - bl**dy useless Google search.
Liveware I know about, because I think it's the same app as used for the smart watches.
Thanks for putting me straight though.
bluebobx said:
Hmm, when I did a search (for "smart tag") in Play, the Xperia app didn't appear - bl**dy useless Google search.
Liveware I know about, because I think it's the same app as used for the smart watches.
Thanks for putting me straight though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try "xperia smarttags" - smart and tags have no space
I'm hoping 2012 will be the year for NFC - there's been noises around it gaining traction in time for the Olympics, but perhaps that will be London-only with Oyster cards etc.
I've upgraded to a GSIII from a Nexus S, which also had NFC. I rooted that and used Google Wallet to spend my free $10 from Google in the UK - a couple of Big Mac Meals and a coffee later, everything worked fine. All McDonalds have NFC-enabled tills, as do Starbucks I believe. However I won't hack Google Wallet onto my GSIII because I found out after the event that I'd changed some settings in the secure element by reinstalling too much, and now whoever buys my SNS from the secondhand shop will find out at some point it's incompatible with Wallet!
I said back in 2011 that NFC was going to be the next big thing, it's just a shame we're still waiting. It's more secure than debit card (pin for >£15 transactions, plus it's protected by your phone keylock, plus if you lose your phone you can wipe/lock it with Samsung Dive, Avast, or any other product. And as people have said, the range is tiny - 20cm theoretical, 4cm practical. If someone is that close to your pocket, you ought to have more worries than them scanning your NFC chip!!
I did manage to NFC a few contacts and bookmarks over from my SNS to my GSIII, and I have to say it worked really well - very clean implementation of business card swapping. A little "plip" noise and it's there, no need to open any apps first on the target phone.
I know that in the northwest there is a lot of research etc into using nfc within museums and art galleries as I'm leading a team doing so.
Using tags to give further info, images and links about art or subjects by tapping a tag.
I think using it for payment will take sometime to become widespread as the general public are a little scared of new technology like this!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Well Barclaycard have the Pay Tag thingy (though currently only for some of their Visa cards, not Mastercard - I guess that's possibly 'lympics-related) see http://www.barclaycard.co.uk/personal/paytag and http://ask.barclaycard.co.uk/help/brochure/1_pay_tag/ but it doesn't make use of existing NFC capabilities in a phone, it's just a sticker to slap on somewhere which is completely meh really.
Sent from my CM9 TouchPad

Wireless adapter hooked up to cell phone

Hey all, i havent been on this fourm in awhile and I thought Id come on here to talk about an idea i have. Iv been looking for a way to have a better wifi signal on my phone, not just at home but also for public wifi spots. Then i thought of those usb Wifi adapters you can hook into your computer. Is it possible to use your cell phones usb charging cord and plug a wifi adapter into it and increase your cell phones wifi capabilities. I have a new samsung galaxy note , so i was hoping that this phone would be able to do the job. This phone is like a mini computer so i am considering trying it but just wondering if anyone else has had success with this or has any opinions.
Those USB dongles won't yield much, if any, better results then your phones own. I havn't read up much on the internal workings of the Note, but I imagine your best bet would be some sort of antenna...or getting out of your car and going into starbucks to get better signal.
Chief Geek said:
Those USB dongles won't yield much, if any, better results then your phones own. I havn't read up much on the internal workings of the Note, but I imagine your best bet would be some sort of antenna...or getting out of your car and going into starbucks to get better signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea id be okay with using an antenna , im trying to find one on the internet but its very hard to come across something that will work. Has anyone had success using an antenna on a cell phone?
If you take the back cover off of the i717 note, there are 2 different antena ports. Maybe something like this (not recomending seller but has a couple of pictures):
http://www.accessorygeeks.com/wilson-359921-adapter.html
would work to hook up an external antena
I don't know if one of the ports is for wifi though.
Jim Dead said:
If you take the back cover off of the i717 note, there are 2 different antena ports. Maybe something like this (not recomending seller but has a couple of pictures):
http://www.accessorygeeks.com/wilson-359921-adapter.html
would work to hook up an external antena
I don't know if one of the ports is for wifi though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The set by the SD card is for NFC and the contacts line up with antenna contacts located on some phone backs (see some of the highcap hump back packs). The other contacts however look like typical snap on wireless contacts found on many laptop wifi cards. This has potential and I'm curious about this not and I could mod a back to easily rig up an external antenna...damnit now you have me wondering what those contacts do.
someone on another forum is saying its possible and that ill need this adapter, the only problem is im not sure if this is the right adapter and even worst this ebay seller doesnt ship to canada !!
here is my phone and the ports on it, which one is for the wifi adapter?
The ones by your SD is NFC. The ones labeles R1 / R2 may be. But i can't say for sure, its merely a guess. Could be wifi or cellular.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Something with two leads is what I imagine you would need. Take a look at this
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/view...1062010788&index=0&nav=SEARCH&nid=84568821383
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Chief Geek said:
Something with two leads is what I imagine you would need. Take a look at this
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/view...1062010788&index=0&nav=SEARCH&nid=84568821383
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can these two wires work ? please explains some more, as I thought I Would be needing one cord to go to either the R1 or R2 port. How can these two wires be used to connect to one external antenna?
bumping old thread
Chief Geek said:
Something with two leads is what I imagine you would need. Take a look at this
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I own a wilson antenna. Just found it in the garage. Would be sweet to use it. I bought one for a cell phone I had many years ago that people often modified. If you want to guess which one, I'll give you a hint: you could play snake on it.
The wilson antenna takes adapters and the ports actually look the same as the old phone - though now there are more, of course. Know there was that thread where people put wires in some of them blindly and lost wifi forever, etc, but surprised no one has taken more advantage of this. Someone must know how to use those ports. I remember sitting in the middle of a lake, on a boat, in a _remote_ place, plugging in that old antenna, and getting crystal clear cell signal. To have that for the note (at least for a car dock, etc) would be amazing.
Over at the Nexus 7 forum, someone posted a modded Nexus 7 with external antenna for a record breaking wifi, or was it cell, signal distance. I can't remember exactly. Too lazy to search for it myself, lol.
IT was most likely for the cell strength, but I could be wrong....All i know is that when i did a extensive search for a wifi extender for my cell phone I constantly kept finding products and solutions ONLY for the cell phone strength increase. When I talked to company employees about my increasing my wifi strength they seemed puzzled! But im sure its possible for a cell phone to increase the wifi, I just dont know how to do it properly.
shanek17 said:
someone on another forum is saying its possible and that ill need this adapter, the only problem is im not sure if this is the right adapter and even worst this ebay seller doesnt ship to canada !!
here is my phone and the ports on it, which one is for the wifi adapter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read somewhere that R1 is generally for the cellular antenna, and anything with W would be the Wi-Fi, G for the GPS. Since there's an R2, maybe that has something to do with the phone having receive diversity (two antennas for the cell modem). I've heard of a lot of people shorting out their phones by playing with these ports, I'd be careful.
jamesc760 said:
Over at the Nexus 7 forum, someone posted a modded Nexus 7 with external antenna for a record breaking wifi, or was it cell, signal distance. I can't remember exactly. Too lazy to search for it myself, lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember seeing that, I think it was a record (about a mile) for controlling a quadricopter. Pretty awesome :3
Pretty sure R1 and R2 are for Radio. Meaning cell, not WiFi.

Is it possible to use Gear S as wifi hotspot?

Hi! =)
I wonder if there is a way to use the Gear S as a wifi hotspot? I got a SIM card with monthly unlimited data traffic.
Thought it would be nice if one could mount it inside a Gear S, and share internet connection with all other devices around, just as if it was a wifi hotspot/wireless router.
So far, I have figured out a way to share the Wi-Fi. Samsung recently released an update that added the ability to modify the APNs. Which I was surprised happened...due to the rumors that the providers are working on taking over the watch/phone remote features. This is why the prices vary.... ATT wants ONLY ATT phones to work with ATT connected watches.
Right now, that's not the case. The remote notifications are handled by Samsung's servers.
Once we get root, a lot will change.
opiujn said:
Hi! =)
I wonder if there is a way to use the Gear S as a wifi hotspot? I got a SIM card with monthly unlimited data traffic.
Thought it would be nice if one could mount it inside a Gear S, and share internet connection with all other devices around, just as if it was a wifi hotspot/wireless router.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, there is no app or built in features like that. Even it could, the tiny battery inside can't sustain more than 10-minutes.
I'm on a family shared plan. All my phones can be used as wifi hotspot so I know how it works (or not working in case of the watch).
It's not possible/practical due to current state of tech - as mentioned already the battery life wouldn't work out. I'm looking forward to a time where my sole voice and data plan could be just on the watch and I could tether that to any devices as OP is describing.
Imagine your watch is always with you so the crucial communications is always there, but when you need a more comfortable form factor to consume and create you would take the small handset/tablet/laptop with you and the watch shares it's data with those devices. For voice you could use the headset or speakerphone from the watch the way it works now.
Samsung is on the right track for this, but due to the way they've mis-handled their entire Tizen watch platform, I don't have any confidence in them succeeding. I say this as one who owns and loves his Gear 2 Neo and laments that it's potential is held back by poor support and business decisions.
rEVOLVE said:
It's not possible/practical due to current state of tech - as mentioned already the battery life wouldn't work out. I'm looking forward to a time where my sole voice and data plan could be just on the watch and I could tether that to any devices as OP is describing.
Imagine your watch is always with you so the crucial communications is always there, but when you need a more comfortable form factor to consume and create you would take the small handset/tablet/laptop with you and the watch shares it's data with those devices. For voice you could use the headset or speakerphone from the watch the way it works now.
Samsung is on the right track for this, but due to the way they've mis-handled their entire Tizen watch platform, I don't have any confidence in them succeeding. I say this as one who owns and loves his Gear 2 Neo and laments that it's potential is held back by poor support and business decisions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks all of you guys, for your replies with thoughts and info on this! =)
Perhaps someone will one day manufacture a nice looking wristband/bracelet with inbuilt battery powerpack that connects to Gear, wearing it on arm next to the Gear S, that has enough mAh to supply it's hotspot. And someone makes a root hotspot app for it... or not, haha. Maybe not a good idea, but it would for sure be nice if it could be used as a wifi hotspot.
opiujn said:
Thanks all of you guys, for your replies with thoughts and info on this! =)
Perhaps someone will one day manufacture a nice looking wristband/bracelet with inbuilt battery powerpack that connects to Gear, wearing it on arm next to the Gear S, that has enough mAh to supply it's hotspot. And someone makes a root hotspot app for it... or not, haha. Maybe not a good idea, but it would for sure be nice if it could be used as a wifi hotspot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember seeing a KS campaign for wearable battery packs. One of them was a wristband.
So, the idea exists...just a matter of time before they're going to make it to the mainstream market.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
Hopefully Samsung will get together with Seiko at some point & throw some kinetic tech in these watches.. Combine that with something like powerfelt to take advantage of body heat, maybe some photovoltaic paint & we'll have decent battery life. Of course the watch will be pretty ridiculous looking, but I'll prob buy one anyway. Really we just need Elon Musk to start making cell phone batteries & we'll be all good.
opiujn said:
Thanks all of you guys, for your replies with thoughts and info on this! =)
Perhaps someone will one day manufacture a nice looking wristband/bracelet with inbuilt battery powerpack that connects to Gear, wearing it on arm next to the Gear S, that has enough mAh to supply it's hotspot. And someone makes a root hotspot app for it... or not, haha. Maybe not a good idea, but it would for sure be nice if it could be used as a wifi hotspot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sgnl Smartband is self powered with flexible batteries in the band and ability to make calls using your finger touched to your temple by your ear. Works on bone conduction using a Transducer instead of a speaker. You can use it as sort of a smartwatch with a standard watch. But the problem is that Sgnl being a sort of Skunkworks Project in Samsung's R&D Business Incubator and it seems they are so screwed up as a Kickstarter Project that they failed to launch multiple times and we're still waiting for devices to be shipped.
They are indeed using Samsung's newest flexible battery technology. Only because wiring issues it's in a hard stiff case. I tried a prototype on at a tech show and tested it as working. Now we just have to wait for them to ship. I'm not sure if they are including a wireless charger interface with the strap that could actually charge your Gear Smartwatch or not. But this is what I imagine a wrist battery would be like. No links allowed for me.... sorry!
So if they get active charging feature going and it's been requested as a feature in future models...... then you can keep it charging off the wristband batteries. They offer phone wireless charging interfaces on ebay. I would think they could be modified for use behind the back of the Gear Smartwatch with plug in to Sgnl Smartband. Running charging all the time would make capable of being a Wifi hotspot! ........but I wouldn't expect an App until Gear S3 gets rooted!

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