[Q] Bluetooth tethering from an Android tablet to a non-Android phone - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi all.
I have a 3G (HSDPA) mobile phone, not Android nor a smart phone, which has Bluetooth DUN profile: I can already tether my laptop to it via Bluetooth.
I'm planning to buy a WiFi only tablet running Android and would like to tether it to my mobile phone the same way as the laptop.
I've searched through the forums here at XDA with (apparent) no luck.
Is there any application/ROM for Android tablets that supports such a use?
I've tried a few Android phones (both stock and modded), but they don't seem to support Bluetooth tethering.
Is there any hint, reference, link or advice?
I am not scared to eventually do that in command line on the tablet, though.
Please don't suggest WiFi tethering (as the phone has no WiFi) or USB tethering as both the tablet and the phone just work as devices, not host.
Thanks in advance.

No way?

Depends on the tablet you purchase. I have an Archos 101G9 Turbo tablet and an old Nokia E71 phone. I cannot tether the tablet to the phone through the bluetooth settings menu as it just does NOT show any profiles for the phone. I can however tether the tablet to my phone via command line commands. But this requires the tablet to be rooted in order to use such commands.

Djirin said:
Depends on the tablet you purchase. I have an Archos 101G9 Turbo tablet and an old Nokia E71 phone. I cannot tether the tablet to the phone through the bluetooth settings menu as it just does NOT show any profiles for the phone. I can however tether the tablet to my phone via command line commands. But this requires the tablet to be rooted in order to use such commands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, rooting is almost mandatory to have any non-trivial feature on these devices.
I was just wondering whether my "special need" was somehow supported in some tablet with stock or aftermarket ROM.
I do understand that a fairly complete bluetooth stack should be already in place in Android.
What I need to understand is how far my feature is from a simple use.

Well I just happened to install BlueVPN from the market a day or two ago and it works like a charm. No need to open a terminal emulator and do what I've done before.
Using either way to connect to my phone still results in some native apps not recognizing the connection. The web browsers work (stock, opera mobile/mini, firefox, chrome). But native apps like the gmail app, speed test app, and probably a few others just won't recognize the data connection. I wonder if some other properties need to be set for them to recognize it.
Not a huge deal for me since the web browsers work.

Djirin said:
Well I just happened to install BlueVPN from the market a day or two ago and it works like a charm. No need to open a terminal emulator and do what I've done before.
Using either way to connect to my phone still results in some native apps not recognizing the connection. The web browsers work (stock, opera mobile/mini, firefox, chrome). But native apps like the gmail app, speed test app, and probably a few others just won't recognize the data connection. I wonder if some other properties need to be set for them to recognize it.
Not a huge deal for me since the web browsers work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are great news for me.
While email and calendar can be accessed with the browser, SSH (ConnectBot) needs a connection. Could you please check whether this works?
I fear there's some firewalling or NAT in place, this is why it's not working... maybe.

I tried ConnectBot out for at least the telnet portion and that was able to connect but could not send anything from the onscreen keyboard. It just would not recognize anything I typed. I do not have anything to SSH into so could not test that connectivity out.
It connects at least from what I can see. But dislikes the touchscreen keyboard on my tablet apparently.

Related

[Q] how to tether G-tablet?

Before I buy a G-tablet, one of my major requirement is to be able to tether via my WM6.1 phones (htc mogul and htc 8525).
The 3 options from the WM phones are 1) built-in DUN USB 2) built-in DUN BT 3) WMwifirouter.
I've been digging through the xda forums and it seems like there are no standard ways to use any of these 3 options.
Specifically:
For USB method, android does not have the required drivers.
For BT method, android does not have a built-in BT tether profile.
For wifirouter, android does not allow ad-hoc wifi connections.
There are some work around threads, like for ad-hoc wifi tether the kyros tablet is doing this with limited success:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=860489
for BT tether, seems like the archos tablets has a BT profile built-in:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=893589
Do anyone have a work-around or solution for the G-tablet?
Sorry if this thread is a repeat.
btw, its a bit difficult searching for this because most threads are about tether FROM an android device. In this case, we need to tether TO an android device.
I tether with wmwifirouter without problems using a touch pro 2 on sprint.
The G tablet will connect via ad-hoc with an easy fix, if you do a search on the forums there's an update zip you can apply to stock to enable it, or all the custom ROM's have the ability built in. I use mine daily running on my Droid 1 using wireless tether.
I am running stock 3389 with the gapps enhancement, and once I rooted my work droid x and installed wifi tether, my gtab found it with no issues and connected to it once i set up the wep key. Now I have to see what Verizon is going to do if my account on our corporate account exceeds some sort of data limit since we are not paying them for the wifi tethering/high data rate for my one account. Others have been upgraded accordingly as need arises, so I guess I will see what happens.
yelrx8 said:
Before I buy a G-tablet, one of my major requirement is to be able to tether via my WM6.1 phones (htc mogul and htc 8525).
The 3 options from the WM phones are 1) built-in DUN USB 2) built-in DUN BT 3) WMwifirouter.
I've been digging through the xda forums and it seems like there are no standard ways to use any of these 3 options.
Specifically:
For USB method, android does not have the required drivers.
For BT method, android does not have a built-in BT tether profile.
For wifirouter, android does not allow ad-hoc wifi connections.
There are some work around threads, like for ad-hoc wifi tether the kyros tablet is doing this with limited success:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=860489
for BT tether, seems like the archos tablets has a BT profile built-in:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=893589
Do anyone have a work-around or solution for the G-tablet?
Sorry if this thread is a repeat.
btw, its a bit difficult searching for this because most threads are about tether FROM an android device. In this case, we need to tether TO an android device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PdaNet tethering on my jailbroken iPhone 3g works after I flashed VEGAn-TAB GINGEREDITION on my G tab. My G tab had no problem recognizing PdaNet on my iPhone. Woohoo!
I am also looking for a solution tethering my blackberry bold to gtab. I had tried several methods but no luck so far. We probably need BT tether profile for Gtab. Not sure if someone can porting Archos' BT profile to gtab.
Seems I need to set up the android phone to act as a wifi hotspot. I am using a Viewpoint gtab with Vegan 5.1. I am guessing the the gtab is ready to receive/interact, but the phone needs something.
I have DL easy-tether for the phone and it asks me to DL for the "computer" offering Windows, Mac, Unbuntu and Fedora.
If I have easy-tether on my andriod phone (Motorolo Atrexx), is that enough to establish a connection with the gtab? If so, how? If not, what do I need to do?
The phone has not been flashed with a new rom.

[Solved] Gtab android tethering

Hey guys, been away on holidays for about a week, while our little family was away i planned on using my gtab to access facebook and some of the facebook apps i use (and no im not playing mafia wars ). I was not able to do this, ill explain and hope someone may be able to help me sort this out for next time.
To start with i tethered my gtab to my android phone, this worked great for internet access, it wasn't till i tried to access facebook on my gtab as per normal that i ran into trouble.
Now to point out i run facebook normally on my gtab using my home wireless network ok. But as i was using my phone to tether and provide internet access to the gtab, it didnt work out as i planned.
Instead facebook would not load on my gtab, it simply would not fully load, so i tried using the facebook mobile app, this worked the first time i used it while being tethered to my android phone, but it meant i was not able to access other facebook apps, as they r not available in the facebook mobile version, also to top it off, the mobile version only worked once, and would not fully load again from that point on.
Now lucky for me, my wife brought her win7 laptop along on our holiday, so i was able to tether her laptop with my android phone, and to make it more interesting, i was fully able to access facebook and the apps i needed through her windows based laptop.
So what i took from this was as long as my gtab is tethered to a mobile phone for internet access, it acted like a mobile phone and required the use of the facebook mobile phone version instead of the full browser based version.
I need to be able to use the full browser version of facebook to be able to use other apps provided by facebook, so im hoping someone knows how i can configure either my phone or the gtab so i can overcome this issue, any help please ?
What app are you using to tether? Is it the standard 3g hotspots or are you rooted and running something else?
have you changed the user agent to desktop on your Gtab? if not go to settings of your browser and do so.
Thanks guys for the replies.
Im using the default phones tether option under
wireless & networks.
Tethering & portable hotspots
portable wifi hotspot
Ive also tried to find this desktop setting in the browser, but i must be blind, i cant see it anywhere. Im using the default browser that cames with Vegantab 5.1.1
"about:debug" in the browser url window. Settings and scroll to the very bottom. You have to set it every time you reboot
Thanks guys for pointing me in the right direction, once i knew about the desktop setting for the browser, i was able to do a bit of reseach and found out that you can set this permanently in Dolphin HD. So thanks to you guys im now able to do what i need to, thanks heaps.

[Q] Make apps think you're using Wifi

I've searched around for some solid technique or, preferably, app that allows you to trick apps into thinking you are using Wifi when in reality you are still on 3g/4g.
- I am NOT looking for alternatives or workarounds for a specific app
I found it crazy that the iPhone has over a dozen apps, tweaks, etc that can easily do this type of thing, but the only stuff I've found on the subject for android were either ridiculous techniques that don't work, or people questioning WHY you'd want to do this...
If anyone has ANY information on this subject, please tell.
Is there a reason why this is so much harder on Android than on iPhone? I'd be happy to learn exactly what the problem is here.
bump
Im also interested on this. I have unlimited data and i find it ridiculous that devs make apps to only work on wifi. I use to use 3g unrestrictor all the time back when i had my iPhone.
bump
bump again...
Well i know this works with certain android games like zenonia and modern combat which require wifi not data connection so you can try it with other stuff. You have to be rooted.
The first step is to turn your Wi-Fi on and*download Android Wi-Fi tether app*available in Market.
Once you have the app downloaded, launch the app and go to Menu > Settings > Change > Setup Method and select Softap option.
Now start tethering and drag down the notification bar.
In case your Wi-Fi icon is still enabled, it means that you have done it right so far.
Do not press the Wi-Fi toggle icon and launch the game you want to play
-------------
I am a dishonest man, and you can always honestly trust a dishonest man to be dishonest. Honestly it's the honest ones you have to watch out for.
xMrArnoldx said:
Well i know this works with certain android games like zenonia and modern combat which require wifi not data connection so you can try it with other stuff. You have to be rooted.
The first step is to turn your Wi-Fi on and*download Android Wi-Fi tether app*available in Market.
Once you have the app downloaded, launch the app and go to Menu > Settings > Change > Setup Method and select Softap option.
Now start tethering and drag down the notification bar.
In case your Wi-Fi icon is still enabled, it means that you have done it right so far.
Do not press the Wi-Fi toggle icon and launch the game you want to play
-------------
I am a dishonest man, and you can always honestly trust a dishonest man to be dishonest. Honestly it's the honest ones you have to watch out for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It didn't work.. My wifi is turned off as soon as the tethering starts. What app exactly am I supposed to use?
Thanks!
Try wifi tether for root users.
---------------------
Give me a thanks if i helped
Lg Lucid running Cm10
w/ Cm10 Kernel
Asus Tf700 running Cromi-X 4.6.5
w/ Max's v4 kernel
Some Android games and application require a Wi-Fi connection due to the large amount of data that they use. If you don't have Wi-Fi available, however, you won't be able to use the apps or play the games, even if you have a fast 3G connection. You can trick your phone into believing that the Wi-Fi is connected by saving a small text file to your SD card so the phone will play games and apps as if it's on Wi-Fi when it's only connected to 3G.
Things You'll Need
PC
Data cable
Text editing app
Instructions
1) Launch a text editing program on your computer and type "FALSE" in all caps. Save the file and give it the name "qaWifiOnlyMode.txt" exactly with all the lower-case and capital letters duplicated precisely, otherwise the Android operating system won't see the file. Close the text editing program.
2) Plug your Android device into your computer and drag your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification area. Tap "USB Connected" and then confirm that you want to mount your SD card as a drive on the computer.
3) Find the qaWifiOnlyMode.txt file on your computer and click to select it. Press "Ctrl" and "C" to copy the file. Browse to the location of your Android device's SD card on your computer. In the base(root) directory, not in any sub-folder, press "Ctrl" and "V" to paste the text file to the card.
4) Drag down the notification area on your Android device and tap the USB connection to disconnect the device from the computer. Unplug the USB cable. Your device will now play games and apps as if it's on Wi-Fi even if it's only on 3G.
Diablo67 said:
Some Android games and application require a Wi-Fi connection due to the large amount of data that they use. If you don't have Wi-Fi available, however, you won't be able to use the apps or play the games, even if you have a fast 3G connection. You can trick your phone into believing that the Wi-Fi is connected by saving a small text file to your SD card so the phone will play games and apps as if it's on Wi-Fi when it's only connected to 3G.
Things You'll Need
PC
Data cable
Text editing app
Instructions
1) Launch a text editing program on your computer and type "FALSE" in all caps. Save the file and give it the name "qaWifiOnlyMode.txt" exactly with all the lower-case and capital letters duplicated precisely, otherwise the Android operating system won't see the file. Close the text editing program.
2) Plug your Android device into your computer and drag your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification area. Tap "USB Connected" and then confirm that you want to mount your SD card as a drive on the computer.
3) Find the qaWifiOnlyMode.txt file on your computer and click to select it. Press "Ctrl" and "C" to copy the file. Browse to the location of your Android device's SD card on your computer. In the base(root) directory, not in any sub-folder, press "Ctrl" and "V" to paste the text file to the card.
4) Drag down the notification area on your Android device and tap the USB connection to disconnect the device from the computer. Unplug the USB cable. Your device will now play games and apps as if it's on Wi-Fi even if it's only on 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this whole text file thing didn't work for me. Do you have to be rooted for this to work?
It didn't work for me either and I'm rooted
Work for anyone
Did the above fix work for anyone?
.txt thing didn't work for me either and I'm rooted]
I am having a rooted phone with busybox and this text file trick doesn't work.
Sent from my GT-S5360 Gadget of Mass Destruction using xda-app
Using CWM........Busybox Commands........No I use my hands
I've been searching for a way to fool apps into thinking their on WiFi. No luck.
I hate to beat the dead horse but I switched from an iPhone to a HTC One and its turning out to be a bad deal. Your telling me all these yrs and no one has been able to make one of the most basic apps the iPhone can get via cydia yet.
We should start a bounty ...
I'll throw in 100 to start it off with.
omf05 said:
I've been searching for a way to fool apps into thinking their on WiFi. No luck.
I hate to beat the dead horse but I switched from an iPhone to a HTC One and its turning out to be a bad deal. Your telling me all these yrs and no one has been able to make one of the most basic apps the iPhone can get via cydia yet.
We should start a bounty ...
I'll throw in 100 to start it off with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's pretty pathetic really
I'll be abroad next week and wanted to catch a bit of the French Open Tennis but one of the TV apps I'm using requires a wifi connection. The fact there is no workaround yet is almost as idiotic as the morons who implement this "feature" in their apps.
Why should I care if someone is dumb enough to rinse their 1GB Data limit when I have unlimited 4G internet?
I asked about this in the Xposed forum, since it seems like an Xposed module might be the way to trick apps into thinking you're on wi-fi.
For me, the issue is with PdaNet+. I have unlimited data with T-Mobile, and I can pair my tablet via bluetooth and use my phone's data on my tablet. However, some apps don't work because they don't detect a data connection (ie: wi-fi), even though there is one. I can browse the internet. I can browse Google Play. But I can't download anything from Google Play, because it keeps waiting for a network connection. I can use Facebook, but I can't use the Facebook Messenger.
The work-around I can use at home is to use a virtual wi-fi router program on my laptop, connect my tablet to my laptop's wifi, and then connect my tablet via PdaNet+ bluetooth. Even there's no data going through the wi-fi, it still "tricks" my tablet into thinking there's a network connection, and it proceeds to download through bluetooth. Of course, this only works at home or if I have my laptop with me.
Yeah, I can always just tether my phone to my laptop and run my tablet off the laptop's virtual wi-fi router (which I typically do), but that's slower, and again, only works when my computer is with me.
Planterz said:
I asked about this in the Xposed forum, since it seems like an Xposed module might be the way to trick apps into thinking you're on wi-fi.
For me, the issue is with PdaNet+. I have unlimited data with T-Mobile, and I can pair my tablet via bluetooth and use my phone's data on my tablet. However, some apps don't work because they don't detect a data connection (ie: wi-fi), even though there is one. I can browse the internet. I can browse Google Play. But I can't download anything from Google Play, because it keeps waiting for a network connection. I can use Facebook, but I can't use the Facebook Messenger.
The work-around I can use at home is to use a virtual wi-fi router program on my laptop, connect my tablet to my laptop's wifi, and then connect my tablet via PdaNet+ bluetooth. Even there's no data going through the wi-fi, it still "tricks" my tablet into thinking there's a network connection, and it proceeds to download through bluetooth. Of course, this only works at home or if I have my laptop with me.
Yeah, I can always just tether my phone to my laptop and run my tablet off the laptop's virtual wi-fi router (which I typically do), but that's slower, and again, only works when my computer is with me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you provide a little more detail in how to do this? What program are you using on your laptop? So the phone is running PDANet and then you connect it to your laptop via Bluetooth. Then after that you connect your tablet to the laptop's virtual wifi router?
Don't know if I understood completely but thanks in advance.
taino211 said:
Could you provide a little more detail in how to do this? What program are you using on your laptop? So the phone is running PDANet and then you connect it to your laptop via Bluetooth. Then after that you connect your tablet to the laptop's virtual wifi router?
Don't know if I understood completely but thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have T-Mobile's Unlimited plan, which has unlimited data and 5gb free hotspot. My phone is a T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy Light SGH T399. On my phone I have PdaNet+ installed, with the full unlock key purchased ($8).
There's a free one to try, to make sure it works with your phone; whether it works or not depends on the phone itself, the version of Android it runs, and the provider from which you got it (if you didn't get an unlocked version). For example, a particular phone might work fine with T-Mobile, but the Sprint version of that phone might not. That's why there's the free version - to test before purchasing. The limitation with the free version is that it times out after about ~10 minutes and you have to reconnect.
PdaNet can connect to your computer in 3 ways. Wifi, Bluetooth, or USB tethering. Again, depending on your phone, carrier branding, and Android version, some methods may work while others won't.
Wifi works just like any wifi hotspot. However, depending on the afore mentioned conditions, wifi hotspot might not work the way you want it to. For example, on my T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy Light SGH-T399, using the wifi hotspot on PdaNet also loads up the pre-installed T-Mobile hotspot, which drains the 5gb mobile hotspot allotment. I haven't found a way to break that on this phone. On other phones (like Nexus devices), I know there are ways to only use your phone's data, and not the hotspot allotment, but frankly, these are very complicated and need a VPN subscription (ie: more money) to work. Wifi hotspot use is often broken anyway, depending on your carrier and Android version.
Bluetooth and USB tethering work differently than wi-fi, but otherwise work essentially the same way as each other. Both require a companion program to be installed onto your computer. A good idea is to keep a copy of this program on your phone, so you can install it on other people's computers if necessary (and perhaps the USB drivers for your phone as well).
I haven't messed around with Bluetooth much, because the Bluetooth on my laptop (via a dongle) is glitchy as $#@!, and I've never been able to get PdaNet to work with it properly except for a couple times which didn't last. Actually, I've never gotten anything to work properly with Bluetooth on my laptop, so this is probably just a problem with my computer/dongle/drivers, and YMMV. On the few times I've gotten PdaNet or other internet via Bluetooth (which some phones have built-in, and don't require PdaNet at all), speeds have been much, much slower, and I'd rather tether via USB anyway.
I connect my phone's internet to my laptop with USB tether. Make sure USB debugging is enabled, and plug it in. Make sure it's set as a Mass Storage device (4.1 or earlier), or as a Media Device (4.2+). Then on your phone, open PdaNet+ and Activate USB Tether (you can do this before plugging it in, it doesn't matter). On your computer, load PdaNet, and select Connect Internet (USB). If everything has been set up correctly, it should say "Connected", and you can now use your phone's internet on your computer.
Here's the important part:
If you don't have an Unlimited plan, tethering (via any method) will suck down your data. If you do have an unlimited plan, there's an option in PdaNet's settings (on your computer) to "Hide Tether Usage". This uses a proxy or VPN (not sure which) to fool your provider into thinking you're on your phone, and not on your computer. This works for me, with my phone, on T-Mobile. No guarantees that this will work with other phones, or other providers. Try the free version first, monitor your data usage (use your provider's account app, not the built-in Android one), and see if it works for you.
As for the virtual wifi network, there are a couple ways to do this. The PdaNet program for your computer actually has this built into it. Once you're connected, select the "WiFi Share" option, and it'll set up a wi-fi network that you (and others) can use on other devices, like other phones, tablets, computers smart-TVs, etc. Obviously, the computer you're tethered to needs to have wi-fi capability for this to work. But as long as you have a wi-fi modem, it can be turned into a wi-fi router with this option. It's not as strong as a real wi-fi router, but you don't have to buy and network a different piece of equipment either.
There are also stand-alone virtual wi-fi router programs. The one I've used mainly is Virtual Router Manager beta 0.9. A while ago, I tried a newer, non-beta version, but it was extremely unstable, so I went back to the 0.9 beta. I haven't tried any newer version in quite some time. I used this when I had proper internet (cable) in my apartment, but wanted to use wi-fi instead of my phone's data to do downloads or updates on my phone.
Neither the Virtual Router Manager or the WiFi Share option on PdaNet are 100% stable. Every once in a while, something glitches out, and I have to reboot my computer (I usually reboot my phone at the same time, just to be sure). But hey, apart from the $8 for PdaNet+, I get unlimited mobile and home internet for $80/month, so I can't complain.
To recap, I have my phone USB tethered to my laptop (which is plugged into a 42" HDTV) via PdaNet+. I use a virtual wi-fi router option to give wi-fi to my tablet. One internet connection, 3 devices connected.
My problem is that, even though I own a laptop, it practically never goes with my anywhere. It sits on a cooling pad, plugged into 2 external HDDs and my 42" HDTV, and I sit at my couch with a wireless mouse/keyboard. But when I'm away from my apartment, and I have my tablet, there's certain things I can't do on the tablet connected via PdaNet and Bluetooth, because it doesn't have a wi-fi connection, and these certain apps don't detect a network connection.
Planterz said:
I have T-Mobile's Unlimited plan, which has unlimited data and 5gb free hotspot. My phone is a T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy Light SGH T399. On my phone I have PdaNet+ installed, with the full unlock key purchased ($8).
There's a free one to try, to make sure it works with your phone; whether it works or not depends on the phone itself, the version of Android it runs, and the provider from which you got it (if you didn't get an unlocked version). For example, a particular phone might work fine with T-Mobile, but the Sprint version of that phone might not. That's why there's the free version - to test before purchasing. The limitation with the free version is that it times out after about ~10 minutes and you have to reconnect.
PdaNet can connect to your computer in 3 ways. Wifi, Bluetooth, or USB tethering. Again, depending on your phone, carrier branding, and Android version, some methods may work while others won't.
Wifi works just like any wifi hotspot. However, depending on the afore mentioned conditions, wifi hotspot might not work the way you want it to. For example, on my T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy Light SGH-T399, using the wifi hotspot on PdaNet also loads up the pre-installed T-Mobile hotspot, which drains the 5gb mobile hotspot allotment. I haven't found a way to break that on this phone. On other phones (like Nexus devices), I know there are ways to only use your phone's data, and not the hotspot allotment, but frankly, these are very complicated and need a VPN subscription (ie: more money) to work. Wifi hotspot use is often broken anyway, depending on your carrier and Android version.
Bluetooth and USB tethering work differently than wi-fi, but otherwise work essentially the same way as each other. Both require a companion program to be installed onto your computer. A good idea is to keep a copy of this program on your phone, so you can install it on other people's computers if necessary (and perhaps the USB drivers for your phone as well).
I haven't messed around with Bluetooth much, because the Bluetooth on my laptop (via a dongle) is glitchy as $#@!, and I've never been able to get PdaNet to work with it properly except for a couple times which didn't last. Actually, I've never gotten anything to work properly with Bluetooth on my laptop, so this is probably just a problem with my computer/dongle/drivers, and YMMV. On the few times I've gotten PdaNet or other internet via Bluetooth (which some phones have built-in, and don't require PdaNet at all), speeds have been much, much slower, and I'd rather tether via USB anyway.
I connect my phone's internet to my laptop with USB tether. Make sure USB debugging is enabled, and plug it in. Make sure it's set as a Mass Storage device (4.1 or earlier), or as a Media Device (4.2+). Then on your phone, open PdaNet+ and Activate USB Tether (you can do this before plugging it in, it doesn't matter). On your computer, load PdaNet, and select Connect Internet (USB). If everything has been set up correctly, it should say "Connected", and you can now use your phone's internet on your computer.
Here's the important part:
If you don't have an Unlimited plan, tethering (via any method) will suck down your data. If you do have an unlimited plan, there's an option in PdaNet's settings (on your computer) to "Hide Tether Usage". This uses a proxy or VPN (not sure which) to fool your provider into thinking you're on your phone, and not on your computer. This works for me, with my phone, on T-Mobile. No guarantees that this will work with other phones, or other providers. Try the free version first, monitor your data usage (use your provider's account app, not the built-in Android one), and see if it works for you.
As for the virtual wifi network, there are a couple ways to do this. The PdaNet program for your computer actually has this built into it. Once you're connected, select the "WiFi Share" option, and it'll set up a wi-fi network that you (and others) can use on other devices, like other phones, tablets, computers smart-TVs, etc. Obviously, the computer you're tethered to needs to have wi-fi capability for this to work. But as long as you have a wi-fi modem, it can be turned into a wi-fi router with this option. It's not as strong as a real wi-fi router, but you don't have to buy and network a different piece of equipment either.
There are also stand-alone virtual wi-fi router programs. The one I've used mainly is Virtual Router Manager beta 0.9. A while ago, I tried a newer, non-beta version, but it was extremely unstable, so I went back to the 0.9 beta. I haven't tried any newer version in quite some time. I used this when I had proper internet (cable) in my apartment, but wanted to use wi-fi instead of my phone's data to do downloads or updates on my phone.
Neither the Virtual Router Manager or the WiFi Share option on PdaNet are 100% stable. Every once in a while, something glitches out, and I have to reboot my computer (I usually reboot my phone at the same time, just to be sure). But hey, apart from the $8 for PdaNet+, I get unlimited mobile and home internet for $80/month, so I can't complain.
To recap, I have my phone USB tethered to my laptop (which is plugged into a 42" HDTV) via PdaNet+. I use a virtual wi-fi router option to give wi-fi to my tablet. One internet connection, 3 devices connected.
My problem is that, even though I own a laptop, it practically never goes with my anywhere. It sits on a cooling pad, plugged into 2 external HDDs and my 42" HDTV, and I sit at my couch with a wireless mouse/keyboard. But when I'm away from my apartment, and I have my tablet, there's certain things I can't do on the tablet connected via PdaNet and Bluetooth, because it doesn't have a wi-fi connection, and these certain apps don't detect a network connection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the great explanation! This helps quite a bit. I'll give this a shot to see how it goes.

Help Rooting Azpen A727

Should be easy as others have found this:
https://zepinventory.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/how-to-root-azpen-a727-tablet/
EDIT:
Must download the SDK for ADB drivers. No other generic ADB drivers worked. I tried a ton.
You can boot into stock Recovery by holding Volume+ when booting.
Google Root Genius. Worked like a charm on an AzpenA727 tablet. Had to try a couple of times but it was the simplest, quickest way to root. After rooting you'll have to go to the play store and get Root Checker and SU. To increase battery life get SetCPU which allows you to set CPU policy so that when the screen is off the cpu runs at a couple of hundred MHz, plus you can slow down the processor while it's in use also. Experiment to find the optimal settings between performance and battery life. You can also overclock the cpu but this may lockup the tablet. There are youtube videos explaining how to reset a locked up Android tablet.
I figured it out. I downloaded the SDK and used its drivers. Those were the only drivers that worked. None of my million ADB drivers worked in Android. So that did work. I actually manually pushed all the su files from adb shell. Just needed the missing link.
So follow the directions specifically.
Also, I'm rather impressed with the stock zippiness and battery life.
Microcenter is giving these away for $20. Worth every penny. I already have a Nexus 7 2013 and a HiSense Sero Pro. Couldn't pass up.
After I rooted. I installed Xposed and Gravity box. The screen sucks but I found lighter colors are better because the horrible viewing angles distort the darker colors. Changed the status/nav bar to white and its Much better.
sent from my Verizon G2
Thanks for the information folks. I just got one a few days ago from Microcenter as well. I was unhappy to find I could not set the External SD as the default download location for applications. Nor can I move apps to the external SD. I called customer service and was told the device was not able to do that because of how the developer set it up. Upon hear that I figured someone here if not a few would know how to do that. I'd really appreciate the information. Thanks
is there 4.4 for this tablet or any way to make it look like its 4.4
No 4.4 upgrade, but there's an app to make it look like it.
haldi15 said:
is there 4.4 for this tablet or any way to make it look like its 4.4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no 4.4 upgrade for it. If you install the Xposed framework and Gravity Box, there is an Android 4.4 KitKat app in the Play Store that claims to make it look like 4.4. I haven't tried it yet, and can't say how well it does.
The Xposed installer is here: http://dl.xposed.info/latest.apk
There's a thread on XDA Developers discussing a Gravity Box version for Jellybean here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/app-gravitybox-v2-9-1-tweak-box-android-t2316070
There are a boatload of Xposed addons in the Play store.
---------- Post added at 02:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:01 PM ----------
Lexx Diamond said:
Thanks for the information folks. I just got one a few days ago from Microcenter as well. I was unhappy to find I could not set the External SD as the default download location for applications. Nor can I move apps to the external SD. I called customer service and was told the device was not able to do that because of how the developer set it up. Upon hear that I figured someone here if not a few would know how to do that. I'd really appreciate the information. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, limited System Memory on this device is the biggest PITA.
There's an app on the Play Store called FolderMount that looks like it might be able to address the problem. (At a guess, it's creating symlinks pointing to the external card.) A search for FolderMount reveals several similar apps.
I have FolderMount downloaded, but haven't played with it yet. I want to make sure I understand the implications before I fiddle.
Curious to see how you make out with the folder mount bit. I just picked one of these up from Microcenter with coupon to get it for $20 and was wondering the same thing... but I'd rather not be the guinea pig
P.S. Used method in OP link to root no problem (Kingo method)
DMcCunney said:
There's no 4.4 upgrade for it. If you install the Xposed framework and Gravity Box, there is an Android 4.4 KitKat app in the Play Store that claims to make it look like 4.4. I haven't tried it yet, and can't say how well it does.
The Xposed installer is here: http://dl.xposed.info/latest.apk
There's a thread on XDA Developers discussing a Gravity Box version for Jellybean here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/app-gravitybox-v2-9-1-tweak-box-android-t2316070
There are a boatload of Xposed addons in the Play store.
---------- Post added at 02:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:01 PM ----------
Yeah, limited System Memory on this device is the biggest PITA.
There's an app on the Play Store called FolderMount that looks like it might be able to address the problem. (At a guess, it's creating symlinks pointing to the external card.) A search for FolderMount reveals several similar apps.
I have FolderMount downloaded, but haven't played with it yet. I want to make sure I understand the implications before I fiddle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
frieked said:
Curious to see how you make out with the folder mount bit. I just picked one of these up from Microcenter with coupon to get it for $20 and was wondering the same thing... but I'd rather not be the guinea pig
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get yours? In my case, they opened locations in Brooklyn and Queens in NYC, and the Brooklyn store was a convenient subway trip for me.
If FolderMount is creating symlinks (and it's hard to imagine what else it could be doing), it shouldn't be too dangerous. You can get a system mightily confused with symlinks, but what you want to do here is mount a directory on /mnt/extsd to an appropriate location in the root file system.
I have to look around some more, as FolderMount seems to be sparsely documented. I want to make sure I understand what it's doing.
The other thing I don't know yet is external keyboard support. The device doesn't have Bluetooth, so a USB keyboard would be required. The FAQ says it can't use one, but I don't know it that's a limitation of the factory install that can be addressed by rooting, or if it's a hardware issue and USB host mode simply isn't supported, (Like no Bluetoioth, that may be a "design to cost" move.)
The device is useful enough as is that I'll live if I can't use a keyboard with it, but it would be nice. If nothing else, it's a good way to learn about Android in preparation for the sort of device I plan to get down the road.
Meanwhile, I've been having fun, and it's certainly worth what I paid for it.
Agree, totally worth the $20 even if I use it for nothing else than letting the kids watch netflix and play angry birds.
Got mine at the Long Island Microcenter.
I also found this thread which talks about swapping the mount points of sdcard and extsd but I dunno if I'm ready to take that step
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2263436
DMcCunney said:
Where did you get yours? In my case, they opened locations in Brooklyn and Queens in NYC, and the Brooklyn store was a convenient subway trip for me.
If FolderMount is creating symlinks (and it's hard to imagine what else it could be doing), it shouldn't be too dangerous. You can get a system mightily confused with symlinks, but what you want to do here is mount a directory on /mnt/extsd to an appropriate location in the root file system.
I have to look around some more, as FolderMount seems to be sparsely documented. I want to make sure I understand what it's doing.
The other thing I don't know yet is external keyboard support. The device doesn't have Bluetooth, so a USB keyboard would be required. The FAQ says it can't use one, but I don't know it that's a limitation of the factory install that can be addressed by rooting, or if it's a hardware issue and USB host mode simply isn't supported, (Like no Bluetoioth, that may be a "design to cost" move.)
The device is useful enough as is that I'll live if I can't use a keyboard with it, but it would be nice. If nothing else, it's a good way to learn about Android in preparation for the sort of device I plan to get down the road.
Meanwhile, I've been having fun, and it's certainly worth what I paid for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Swapping mount points
frieked said:
Agree, totally worth the $20 even if I use it for nothing else than letting the kids watch netflix and play angry birds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My use case is eBook viewer. I have a lot of eBooks. I had been reading them on a Palm TX (yes, I still use a Palm OS PDA), but a bigger screen and more storage capacity is nice. I use the Android version of FBReader, an open source program by a Russian developer. It handles both Mobi (Amazon Kindle) and ePub (B&N Nook, Kobo Reader) formats, and I have books in both forms. (It doesn't handle DRM, but I don't get DRM protected books.)
I use a beta Android port of VLC for video, with video files stored on the external card.
Got mine at the Long Island Microcenter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't know they'd open one there. Where is it on LI?
I also found this thread which talks about swapping the mount points of sdcard and extsd but I dunno if I'm ready to take that step
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2263436
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the pointer. I'll go and look.
I'm an old *nix admin, who started on AT&T System V Unix long before Linux existed, so I grasp the concepts, and I've done stuff like that on larger machines. I just proceed very carefully. I prefer not to shoot myself in both feet...
This one, it's been there for years: http://www.microcenter.com/site/stores/westbury.aspx
DMcCunney said:
Didn't know they'd open one there. Where is it on LI?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might try the mount point thing tomorrow. In theory it shouldn't break too much since it wouldn't be touching the system partition.
DMcCunney said:
Didn't know they'd open one there. Where is it on LI?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Merrick Ave. in Westbury. It's been there for at least 10 years.
Got my tablet yesterday as well, but can't seem to get either my Linux box or my Windows laptop to recognize it in ADB.
frieked said:
I might try the mount point thing tomorrow. In theory it shouldn't break too much since it wouldn't be touching the system partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The question is what you'll gain.
The scarce resource is System Memory. There's 787MB of it, and 1GB seen as SDcard. That hack lets you vastly expand the area seen as SDcard, but that's not the problem.
With my current set of apps loaded, and everything that can live on the SDcard moved there, the A727 thinks I have 118MB of System Memory free, and 728MB of the SDcard. I need more System Memory, but I don't believe that hack will provide it.
I'm still figuring out how the tablet divides up resources. I already had a case where there was a Google+ app upgrade, but it wouldn't install without a Google Play Services upgrade, and that wouldn't install because there was insufficient system memory. (How much system memory it wanted wasn't mentioned.) The fix was to uninstall Chrome (which can't be on the card.) That freed sufficient system memory to let me install the Google Play Services and the Google+ updates. After that, I could re-install Chrome. (I use Firefox as my usual browser, so could live without Chrome if need be, and Firefox can be moved to the card.)
If I can implement a hack that increases System Memory, I'll be a happy camper.
---------- Post added at 02:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:38 PM ----------
gotroot801 said:
Merrick Ave. in Westbury. It's been there for at least 10 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My S.O. used to live in Bellmore, but I haven't had cause to be on LI for years. I missed MicroCenter opening there.
Got my tablet yesterday as well, but can't seem to get either my Linux box or my Windows laptop to recognize it in ADB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which flavor of Windows? The rooting method I used apparently can't be done from Linux.
I grabbed the 32bit version of the Android SDK, but couldn't get Windows to recognize the tablet from XP. It claimed it couldn't find the software to install the drivers, even though they were where I pointed. I grabbed the 64 bit version of the SDK and tried again from the SO's Win7 laptop, and it worked. From there, I could use Kingo Root to root the device.
Rooted, now can't connect to Internet
Went yesterday the new Microcenter in Flushing (actually Kew Garden HIlls) and Got the A727.
It worked fine with the store's wifi. Rooted it this morning now can't connect to internet at all through my home wifi. Other devices connect fine and I get a good private IP address on the A727, but I get the message " web page not available" in the browser and no other app can connect to the internet .
I tried everything including resetting, unrooting, restarting, turning off developer, nothing works.
thanks
You're probably connecting to your network but not authenticating.
thecensor said:
Went yesterday the new Microcenter in Flushing (actually Kew Garden HIlls) and Got the A727.
It worked fine with the store's wifi. Rooted it this morning now can't connect to internet at all through my home wifi. Other devices connect fine and I get a good private IP address on the A727, but I get the message " web page not available" in the browser and no other app can connect to the internet .
I tried everything including resetting, unrooting, restarting, turning off developer, nothing works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think rooting has anything to do with it. My A727 connected fine with my home network before and after rooting. In your case, it worked fine at the store because they run an open network with no authentication required.
What router do you have, and what security do you use? In my case, it's a Belkin router, and I use WPA2 encryption.
If I had to make a guess, your A727 is connecting to your network, but your network wants you to authenticate with a password, and you aren't seeing it.
Tap Settings, and select Wifi. If Wifi is off, you'll be prompted to turn it on. When Wifi is on, the A727 will scan for networks and display those it sees in range. Do you see your network SSID? Tap on it. You ought to be able to get to a place where you can provide your network password and properly authenticate.
DMcCunney said:
I don't think rooting has anything to do with it. My A727 connected fine with my home network before and after rooting. In your case, it worked fine at the store because they run an open network with no authentication required.
What router do you have, and what security do you use? In my case, it's a Belkin router, and I use WPA2 encryption.
If I had to make a guess, your A727 is connecting to your network, but your network wants you to authenticate with a password, and you aren't seeing it.
Tap Settings, and select Wifi. If Wifi is off, you'll be prompted to turn it on. When Wifi is on, the A727 will scan for networks and display those it sees in range. Do you see your network SSID? Tap on it. You ought to be able to get to a place where you can provide your network password and properly authenticate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use connectify on Windows 8.1 as the internet source.
I don't think it's an authentication issue. When I deliberately enter a wrong password authentication takes forever and connectify says no cliet connected. when I put the correct password it connects almost emmidietly and says 1 client connected, but still not able to load web pages or have any other app connect to the internet.
Try using an actual wireless router
thecensor said:
I use connectify on Windows 8.1 as the internet source.
I don't think it's an authentication issue. When I deliberately enter a wrong password authentication takes forever and connectify says no cliet connected. when I put the correct password it connects almost emmidietly and says 1 client connected, but still not able to load web pages or have any other app connect to the internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm. So your Win 8.1 box connects directly to your ISP feed, and you use Connectify to create a wifi hotspot and the Windows box as a wireless router?
According to Techend, at http://techzend.com/create-ad-hoc-wifi-hotspot-windows-81/ "I have read that many Android phones do not support ad-hoc connections, created by tools like connectify.", and you might be running into one of those cases. My wifi router isn't creating an ad hoc network, and I had no problems connecting to it with the A727 before or after routing.
You may need to get an honest-to-God external wireless router instead of trying to get your Windows machine to serve the purpose. (I'd recommend that in any case - your machine should be behind your router, not serving as your router.)
DMcCunney said:
Hmmm. So your Win 8.1 box connects directly to your ISP feed, and you use Connectify to create a wifi hotspot and the Windows box as a wireless router?
According to Techend, at http://techzend.com/create-ad-hoc-wifi-hotspot-windows-81/ "I have read that many Android phones do not support ad-hoc connections, created by tools like connectify.", and you might be running into one of those cases. My wifi router isn't creating an ad hoc network, and I had no problems connecting to it with the A727 before or after routing.
You may need to get an honest-to-God external wireless router instead of trying to get your Windows machine to serve the purpose. (I'd recommend that in any case - your machine should be behind your router, not serving as your router.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, my 8.1 is connected to a cable modem via Ethernet. I don't need a router because I don't connect other devices that often.
Connectify can create an encrypted access point, so that's not the issue. my Galaxy note 2 can connect withouth a problem to it, but not the ad-hoc.
Like I said, you may need a real router
thecensor said:
Yes, my 8.1 is connected to a cable modem via Ethernet. I don't need a router because I don't connect other devices that often
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have multiple devices connecting here: my desktop, my SO's laptop, a netbook, an ancient notebook on occasion, my PDA, the A727 tablet, and one or two other things once in a great while. The desktop, notebook, and netbook connect via CAT5 cable to ethernet ports on the router, and the laptop and tablet connect via wifi.
But I'd want the router even if I just had one device. As a matter of security if for no other reason, I want my interface to my cable provider to be separate from the machines that connect through the interface.
While it's all very well Win8.1 machines can b used that way, I wouldn't want to. (And I multi-boot Linux, too, which leaves solutions like Connectify out even if I were inclined to use them.)
Connectify can create an encrypted access point, so that's not the issue. my Galaxy note 2 can connect without a problem to it, but not the ad-hoc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is why I think you may need to use an actual router if you want to connect with the A727. Routers are cheap. You can get a serviceable one for about the price of a Connectify Hotspot license. My Belkin N150 was under $40.
---------- Post added at 03:30 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:19 AM ----------
thecensor said:
Yes, my 8.1 is connected to a cable modem via Ethernet. I don't need a router because I don't connect other devices that often
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have multiple devices connecting here: my desktop, my SO's laptop, a netbook, an ancient notebook on occasion, my PDA, the A727 tablet, and one or two other things once in a great while. The desktop, notebook, and netbook connect via CAT5 cable to ethernet ports on the router, and the laptop and tablet connect via wifi.
But I'd want the router even if I just had one device. As a matter of security if for no other reason, I want my interface to my cable provider to be separate from the machines that connect through the interface.
While it's all very well Win8.1 machines can be used that way, I wouldn't want to. (And I multi-boot Linux, too, which leaves solutions like Connectify out even if I were inclined to use them.)
Connectify can create an encrypted access point, so that's not the issue. my Galaxy note 2 can connect without a problem to it, but not the ad-hoc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is why I think you may need to use an actual router if you want to connect with the A727. Routers are cheap. You can get a serviceable one for about the price of a Connectify Hotspot license. My Belkin N150 was under $40.
DMcCunney said:
I have multiple devices connecting here: my desktop, my SO's laptop, a netbook, an ancient notebook on occasion, my PDA, the A727 tablet, and one or two other things once in a great while. The desktop, notebook, and netbook connect via CAT5 cable to ethernet ports on the router, and the laptop and tablet connect via wifi.
But I'd want the router even if I just had one device. As a matter of security if for no other reason, I want my interface to my cable provider to be separate from the machines that connect through the interface.
While it's all very well Win8.1 machines can b used that way, I wouldn't want to. (And I multi-boot Linux, too, which leaves solutions like Connectify out even if I were inclined to use them.)
Which is why I think you may need to use an actual router if you want to connect with the A727. Routers are cheap. You can get a serviceable one for about the price of a Connectify Hotspot license. My Belkin N150 was under $40.
---------- Post added at 03:30 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:19 AM ----------
I have multiple devices connecting here: my desktop, my SO's laptop, a netbook, an ancient notebook on occasion, my PDA, the A727 tablet, and one or two other things once in a great while. The desktop, notebook, and netbook connect via CAT5 cable to ethernet ports on the router, and the laptop and tablet connect via wifi.
But I'd want the router even if I just had one device. As a matter of security if for no other reason, I want my interface to my cable provider to be separate from the machines that connect through the interface.
While it's all very well Win8.1 machines can be used that way, I wouldn't want to. (And I multi-boot Linux, too, which leaves solutions like Connectify out even if I were inclined to use them.)
Which is why I think you may need to use an actual router if you want to connect with the A727. Routers are cheap. You can get a serviceable one for about the price of a Connectify Hotspot license. My Belkin N150 was under $40.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but nevertheless I'd like a solution to this issue. I will try with a regular hotspot to see if that makes a difference.

A doubt about wifi

I'm planning to buy a G Watch but i heard it doesnt have wifi, so, can i pair my phone with the smartwatch via bluetooth to get wifi on it?
The watch does not have wifi but you can pair it with your phone via bluetooth.
You will not be able to use the connected features of the watch if it is not in bletooth range of your phone.
Watches with wifi can communicate with the phone remotely, using wifi for the watch and wifi/3G on the phone.
(I'm not really sure to understand your question so I hope I answered)
supermamie said:
The watch does not have wifi but you can pair it with your phone via bluetooth.
You will not be able to use the connected features of the watch if it is not in bletooth range of your phone.
Watches with wifi can communicate with the phone remotely, using wifi for the watch and wifi/3G on the phone.
(I'm not really sure to understand your question so I hope I answered)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you kinda answered, so if my watch is paired via bluetooth and i open chrome (or any browser) the connection will work?
Syzew said:
Yeah, you kinda answered, so if my watch is paired via bluetooth and i open chrome (or any browser) the connection will work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's pretty much it good luck browsing on such a small screen though
No. You will not be able to open Chrome at all. The best you'll get is sideloading Firefox for Android over to the /system/priv-app folder. You do NOT get an internet connection in standard sideloaded applications unless you have them in priv-app.
Other than that, Applications have no internet access unless the application on the phone-side preforms the functions that require networking and send resulting data over through the Android Wear application.
EDIT: I wanted to clarify. Chrome does not run at all on Android Wear because of the ActionBar it uses for it's address bar and menu button. It will crash upon attempting to start it, as will most standard Android applications that use said ActionBar.
that's true but there exists a browser for wear
nicolahaye said:
that's true but there exists a browser for wear
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There does indeed. I found it's performance to be lacking however. As opposed to using the same amount of controls and having multiple tabs inside Fennec for Android (which does run and it runs well as long as you have a keyboard. You just don't get add-ons, favorites or a back button unfortunately because Android Wear refuses to render the menu.

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