It looks like latest TNT Lite (retired ) does not require to instal CWM in order get TNT Lite run.
Does it mean gtab warranty will not be void?
Does it mean going back to original firmware much easy?
Does itmean you can apply 3588 on top to TNT lite the same way we did on top to 3589 in order to get it vanilla?
TNT Lite is based on original android 2.2..?!?
Does it mean it use all hardware properly ( like HD video hardcoding, light sensor, camera, home buttons, etc.)?
Honestly, I would call Viewsonic / US Merchants and ask, and here's the reason why -- initially, I would have told you "yes, it voids the warranty".
However, their CS department has been using gojimi's downlevel update.zip for users on 4349 who are complaining about high-def video playback (which is a problem on that ROM). I have confirmed this TWICE. So, in effect, they are suggesting a hacking solution to fix a problem -- I actually called them a few weeks ago and asked them flat-out if this hack was supported and they told me "YES".
So, in you are concerned about your warranty, you should ask them directly because they seem to be picking what they will support, hacking wise.
Could please someone clarify for me what is build 4349? I got my Gtab a few weeks ago and it came with 3589 and instantly offered update to 3588 no more updates and notifications. so what is it 4349 and should I try to get it or not?
4349 was a firmware update that Viewsonic / US Merchants offered for 24 hours, back in mid April. It was a major update in that it updated the bootloader on the device to a newer development branch. This was their first "1.2" based ROM, and you'll see that terminology scattered throughout this forum ("1.1" being the old branch, and "1.2" being the newer branch).
The 1.1 branch and 1.2 branch do not play nice with each other - stock to stock updating is fine, but when using clockworkmod, the device will soft-brick. So we've seen a lot of issues with this here, and on Slatedroid.
Even though 4349 was pulled, there are reports that the new devices from TigerDirect are being sold with 4349. And 4349, although it has some good enhancements, is buggy. In particular, it has sleep issues, battery issues and also high-def video playback issues. So, when someone calls Viewsonic / US Merchants customer service to complain about that, their department has actually been directing users HERE, to gojimi's downlevel script. That's why I said "voiding the warranty" is a tough question to answer, because the vendor themselves are picking and choosing what they consider to be supported. So, I would say that it's best to ask them, directly.
Roebeet, didn't you say back in April you called them and they directed you here and then when you asked them if doing any hacking would void the warranty they said yes?
Seems pretty cut and dry to me. They are directing people HERE because they don't know anything about the gtab and they have no official support for the gtab. On the other hand, they have to keep their policy that any modding = voiding warranty.
goodintentions said:
Roebeet, didn't you say back in April you called them and they directed you here and then when you asked them if doing any hacking would void the warranty they said yes?
Seems pretty cut and dry to me. They are directing people HERE because they don't know anything about the gtab and they have no official support for the gtab. On the other hand, they have to keep their policy that any modding = voiding warranty.
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Click to collapse
I actually got into an argument with their CS area - that was the same week that they flipped over to the new CS department and dropped the Saturday hours. I was told by a person who works at Viewsonic themselves that the actions of the CS department were not correct and would be dealt with. This was in mid April, right after 4349 was pulled.
However, and I will be very blunt here, Viewsonic has either purposely done NOTHING to stop these actions, or is somehow unable to - I don't know which it is. I called the their CS area two more times, asking how to fix 4349 video playback issues. And both times I was given gojimi's XDA link. The last time this was given to me, which I believe was mid-May, I flat-out asked them if they would support me if this ROM from a known hacking site bricked my tablet, and I was told "yes". Maybe they were just yessing me to death, to get me off the phone. It's certainly possible.
What does this all mean? I think it means that one hand doesn't know what the other is doing. Before mid-April, I had a certain level of trust with Viewsonic that they were supporting us and would continue to support us. But after the CS area switched over, my feelings on that slowly changed to the point where I just don't trust anything they tell me anymore.
I know Viewsonic actually used to scan these forums and when I made comments like this, they took it serious enough that they actually PM'd me (this actually happened in March). But I don't think they're doing that anymore - I don't think they honestly care about the device in any way. I think they've abandoned it and just want it to go away like a bad dream. I would be nice for them to chime in on why USM is still offering up gojimi's downlevel ROM as a way of backing out of 4349 and saying that it's supported - but I don't think they will.
roebeet said:
I know Viewsonic actually used to scan these forums and when I made comments like this, they took it serious enough that they actually PM'd me (this actually happened in March). But I don't think they're doing that anymore - I don't think they honestly care about the device in any way. I think they've abandoned it and just want it to go away like a bad dream. I would be nice for them to chime in on why USM is still offering up gojimi's downlevel ROM as a way of backing out of 4349 and saying that it's supported - but I don't think they will.
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Click to collapse
You have a guess as to why they never cared for the gtab? They have sold more gtabs than pretty much everything else they got.
Related
It would seem reasonable that you could buy a replacement power supply for a current product from the manufacturer wouldn't it? Start on Viewsonic's web site. Try using the store - ha-ha. Now call the number. Get referred to another number. Call that number - get referred to another number. rinse and repeat. Go to their website to the gtablet page. Read call this number 866-501-6405 for anything you need. Get referred to another number call that number - get referred to another number - rinse and repeat. Get frustrated - call their corporate headquarters in Wlanut, CA. Ask for the name of the president so you can send a letter. Get told they can't give it to you for security reasons - but it is on the web. Get hung up on. Sadly, I really like my g-tablet but this is an awful company to deal with. I wonder what will happen if I need a replacement battery - will I be told to go to Radio Shack to find something that fits (like I was told to do for the power supply)? I'm really enjoying the g-tab but I can tell you that when it comes time to replace it, it won't be with another Viewsonic product. Anyone can sell you something - it is how they support it that separates the good companies from the bad. I feel better posting this and maybe someone has had a better experience but looking at the struggles here to get power supplies and docking stations, I'm going to guess that no one has much good to say about dealing with Viewsonic. Surprise me!
Unfortunately I will have to agree. Since day one the support has been far less than you would expect. There have even been times when they have referred to XDA to help out. Basically US Merchants buys from China, Viewsonic buys from US Merchants, and no one really know who's supposed to support it. I will have to say that's the beauty of open source and some of the people that are here. More times than not you can get support right here if you don't mind doing a little digging. I've only been playing with android's for about 8 months now and know more than I ever needed or wanted to all because of XDA.
But honestly, isn't that the way we've become accustomed to support? No one ever calls Microsoft anymore, we use Google.
It's truly a shame that you can't get a straight forward answer when trying to replace something so simple. I apologies on behalf of the business owners that still give a s**t.
it2steve said:
But honestly, isn't that the way we've become accustomed to support? No one ever calls Microsoft anymore, we use Google.
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That is because half the tech notes for MS are "Can not be found" when it comes to errors and such
Google search allows you to reach out to users who no these things first hand. That is why I always make a point if I can not find an answer to a question, even on line and I finally figure it out myself to post it somewhere so someone else can be helped by it.
I did that here on XDA and getting ADB to work on my win 7 64bit system. All the help was on 32b this and that. I finally figured it our myself and wrote a tutorial for others that "will" need it.
Viewsonic is a very big company that is dabbling in android based tablets that at least with thegtab did not design. I would also argue that the cost/price is such they don't really know where this is going.
same with all the other tab makers save on, the apple. Think about apple's model with iTunes, what I call a consumption model. They can actually give away the ipad at cost because they can get it from the model.
now in order for company's like viewsonic to compete they need to provide all accessories and have a hook. We know from the official viewsonic Rep that they are thinking about some kind of development site, makes no money and meanwhile Steve has to bring in accessories because viewsonic dropped the ball. So yes, basically unsupported. A lot cheaper for the hardware though.
I don't see another development site as a good thing. Viewsonic needs to spend its energies on marketing the apple way or just stick with monitors. Maybe they look at the gtab as a monitor. But we know that can't be because the screen is not in usual viewsonic quality. I'm sure they saw the ztab as quick entry and OEM'd, it.
I've got to agree..
I've been trying to find a source for the mini-vga cable for the ViewPad 10. Support told me to go to Best Buy. When I pressed them on exactly what to purchase they admitted they did not know and that Besy Buy probably did not carry them. Support handed me off to the parts dept.
Parts pointed me to a cable designed for the Viewpad 100, which was a product released in 2001. When I asked if he was sure if they cable would work, he said "probably". When I noted the website said the product was 'out of stock' he said "order it anyway, that will tell us we need more". Since the conversation did not exactly instill my confidence in the parts dept I did not order the $20 cable.
I'm still looking for a mini-vga cable for the ViewPad 10 if anyone can point me in the right direction.
Craig
Roebeet said in a different post that Viewsonic has released a press release about the 4349 upgrade and that makes him feel that the 4349 OTA will be re-released at some point by Viewsonic.
I wolud like to read the press release but I cannot find it posted anywhere.
Roebeet, could you provide a link to the press release?
I don't doubt your information at all, I would just like to read it.
Thank you for your help and all your good work.
Anyone else know where to find this press release?
Thanks, Gary
not Roe, but I could only assume that the update will be re-released, since it appears that all Woot tablets are now being shipped with 4349 pre-installed. If they didn't release it, users that never come here could get upset that the newest firmware isn't available to them.
It was back in mid April - they had a notice here: http://www.viewsonic.com/gtablet/news.htm
Initially it talked about the new update, and that it had Flash, the extra languages etc. But 24 hours later they pulled the update, and then the notice a few days later (I actually had something to do with that as I had a VS contact and mentioned that pulling that notice might be a good idea).
I have no idea what their plans are, or why their remaining stock is being shipped with 4349 - this is all a mystery to me. I've personally given up on them and I assume that we'll never see another OTA update. Every time I've called their CS department about 4349, they've given me the gojimi XDA link on how to downlevel to 3588. What a mess.
roebeet said:
why their remaining stock is being shipped with 4349
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Click to collapse
Can we really assume that this is their remaining stock? It seems that every time we think this, there is another Woot sale, or Tiger Direct surplus that's selling.
Right now, I'd estimate that the G-Tablet unit sales total surpasses iPad's sales by a landslide. These newest tablets were obviously manufatured after 4349 was released, right? That means that they are merely 2 months old, at most. souns like they are still in production to me.
TJEvans said:
Can we really assume that this is their remaining stock? It seems that every time we think this, there is another Woot sale, or Tiger Direct surplus that's selling.
Right now, I'd estimate that the G-Tablet unit sales total surpasses iPad's sales by a landslide. These newest tablets were obviously manufatured after 4349 was released, right? That means that they are merely 2 months old, at most. souns like they are still in production to me.
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Click to collapse
Umm. No. From Wikipedia:
Apple released the first iPad in April 2010, and sold 3 million of the devices in 80 days.[13] During 2010, Apple sold 14.8 million iPads worldwide,[14][15][16] representing 75 percent of tablet PC sales at the end of 2010.[17]
By the release of the iPad 2 in March 2011, more than 15 million iPads had been sold[18]— more than all other tablet PCs combined.[citation needed] In 2011, it is expected to take 83 percent of the tablet computing market share in the United States.[19]
I think the first 'big woot rush' of G-tabs was like 10K.
Zaphod-Beeblebrox said:
Umm. No. From Wikipedia:
Apple released the first iPad in April 2010, and sold 3 million of the devices in 80 days.[13] During 2010, Apple sold 14.8 million iPads worldwide,[14][15][16] representing 75 percent of tablet PC sales at the end of 2010.[17]
By the release of the iPad 2 in March 2011, more than 15 million iPads had been sold[18]— more than all other tablet PCs combined.[citation needed] In 2011, it is expected to take 83 percent of the tablet computing market share in the United States.[19]
I think the first 'big woot rush' of G-tabs was like 10K.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, our little tablet buddy is (and always will be) in the minor leagues, sales-wise. However, Woot and TigerDirect seem to have bought most of what was left and a Woot-off is underway now.
I would guess (and it's only a guess) that we are talking MAYBE 60,000 at most. The November run was a thousand, and then the new stock came in but then Staples pulled their inventory. So there was probably a lot of devices sitting on a shelf, somewhere.
The devices from Woot! / Amazon / TD / J&R are probably from the second run, again that's my guess. And, at some point in the last two months, someone made the decision to put 4349 on them - I assume to get Flash pre-installed. It's much easier to do that using a process like nvflash versus someone physically installing it on each device manually. I doubt very highly that these new devices are actually two months old, or newer - more likely they are from December / January.
Flash was promised.
One of the reasons for my original question was that Viewsonic's web site promises official Flash support "anticipated sometime in May" and May has already passed. (The web site does not say May of what year).
If I remember right Flash Player Logo was shown as supported on the box as sold by Viewsonic through Sears, Office Depot, and probably at Staples although they were already pulled before I bought mine.
It seems like this would be a good case for a Law Firm to look into and should probably be a class action law suit.
Now I wonder: When will this official Flash support be available?
From their web site!
"Adobe Flash Support:
The Viewsonic gTablet hardware fully supports the Adobe Flash Player. An automatic firmware update will offer gTablet users the option to install the Flash Player plug-in, and is anticipated in May, 2011.
Advanced users may download and install Adobe Flash Player available here. Access the download link from your gTablet browser to install directly to the device. For best performance, make sure to fully power down and reboot the system before accessing Flash content.
(Please note that ViewSonic cannot provide technical support for unofficial installations of Flash players. We will fully support the Adobe certified Flash Player when it is released for the gTablet.)"
If 4349 has been pulled, what future OTA will allow the option to install the Flash Player plug-in, and where is that support?
roebeet said:
It was back in mid April - they had a notice here: http://www.viewsonic.com/gtablet/news.htm
Initially it talked about the new update, and that it had Flash, the extra languages etc. But 24 hours later they pulled the update, and then the notice a few days later (I actually had something to do with that as I had a VS contact and mentioned that pulling that notice might be a good idea).
I have no idea what their plans are, or why their remaining stock is being shipped with 4349 - this is all a mystery to me. I've personally given up on them and I assume that we'll never see another OTA update. Every time I've called their CS department about 4349, they've given me the gojimi XDA link on how to downlevel to 3588. What a mess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link. I remember when the site still had the reference to 4349 even though the OTA had already ended.
I thought maybe there was a seperate press release.
GaryHypnosis said:
One of the reasons for my original question was that Viewsonic's web site promises official Flash support "anticipated sometime in May" and May has already passed. (The web site does not say May of what year).
If I remember right Flash Player Logo was shown as supported on the box as sold by Viewsonic through Sears, Office Depot, and probably at Staples although they were already pulled before I bought mine.
It seems like this would be a good case for a Law Firm to look into and should probably be a class action law suit.
Now I wonder: When will this official Flash support be available?
From their web site!
"Adobe Flash Support:
The Viewsonic gTablet hardware fully supports the Adobe Flash Player. An automatic firmware update will offer gTablet users the option to install the Flash Player plug-in, and is anticipated in May, 2011.
Advanced users may download and install Adobe Flash Player available here. Access the download link from your gTablet browser to install directly to the device. For best performance, make sure to fully power down and reboot the system before accessing Flash content.
(Please note that ViewSonic cannot provide technical support for unofficial installations of Flash players. We will fully support the Adobe certified Flash Player when it is released for the gTablet.)"
If 4349 has been pulled, what future OTA will allow the option to install the Flash Player plug-in, and where is that support?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had forgotten that it wasn't supported except with 4349 -- that's true. So, seven months after I purchased my Gtablet, I still don't have a stock ROM that has an "official" Flash version (not counting 4349 since I could have easily missed that update - 24 hours isn't a long time).
"Anticipated" is the key word, on their site. Don't think that wasn't added accidentally - gives them leeway to delay things yet again.
Here is a fun act. On the support page, where it says software update back in April there's a link that's called "please see news for more info". If you click on that link, it takes you to the news page where the gtablet software update link takes you back to the support page. Look at the parts of screen shots that I took. The top part is the support page and the bottom is the news page.
That's because they don't care.
How are the beta testers doing today? Are you feeling like you paid $500+ to beta test the prime for Asus/Nvidia/Google? Well me too!!
At this point, I have been through several firmwares that have both broken and fixed specific issues that I have run into. I just want things to get resolved with every new update, that is not the case currently.
I am terribly frustrated after giving my beautiful prime to my dad to see how amazing this tablet is, only to have him give it back a few minutes later after several things he tried either crashed, or did not respond to input at all!
This is not the first time I have given it to someone who wanted to be wowed-- and wasn't!!!
After trying really hard to remain an Asus fan through all of this, I am starting to feel like just an unpaid beta tester.
I know that Asus is trying really hard to make it's prime the device it was promised to be but I am getting less convinced by the day that we will ever get this.
I am not claiming that Asus is entirely at fault, but ultimately, it is their product and their decisions to use the hardware and software that they did- as well as to make those components work together properly.
I WANT TO KNOW WHAT I GET FOR BEING A BETA TESTER!!!
We should all be asking this question of Asus at this point. Even those of us who have had decent experiences with the prime have still run into issues....
(yes, even demandarin has had issues despite professing his undying admiration)
Get a refund...
Sounds like you have a defective tablet. Your post is unlikely to be well accepted for two reasons. The first is that you're not disclosing what you've done to resolve this issue for yourself. The second is that you've only come here to complain rather than obtain help for yourself.
Aye, really didn't need another thread about a four month running old joke.
Yes, a lot about the Prime's life up to now has sucked ridiculously hard and there are some very obvious issues with ASUS in general. But they haven't abandoned anyone (maybe Italy and Greek with the GPS dongle) and, as mentioned, you'd likely succeed in getting a refund if you're really not happy with the device; then you really almost did get to beta test for ASUS because you've used the hell out of the device and come out no poorer for having the opportunity after returning it to them.
Good luck with your Prime adventures, sorry it's not working out as well for you as it is me. Yes I experience some issues (especially when I'm dumb enough to blindly update), but nothing so far has stopped this thing from wow'ing everyone around me.
Cappurnikus said:
Sounds like you have a defective tablet. Your post is unlikely to be well accepted for two reasons. The first is that you're not disclosing what you've done to resolve this issue for yourself. The second is that you've only come here to complain rather than obtain help for yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to know how it is possible that the tablet is defective when everyone(even those who say they have no other issues) have issues still. And I have been here since the launch trying to get help for my poor prime(mostly reading the helpful posts since I don't have a lot of time to post myself).
As for issues, I will cite the games that will no longer work properly after the .21 update, also the touchscreen issues(without root and calibration), and the overall lack of real system stability, force closes, browser freezes, stutters when opening apps, browser scrolling is crappy at best. Wifi--- should I even mention the fact that no prime I have ever worked with maintained a reliable wifi connection. Frequent forget/re-learn or disconnect/reconnect required to get it back!!
Maybe coming off a fresh reset, it is snappy, but it lags after using it for a small period of time. I have used 6 primes at this point from b-c up to #3 and none of them were without these issues.
In addition to all of that, I was looking forward to unlocking (not partial unlocking) and anticipation of some rom play. I refuse to unlock, obviously unlocking without allowing the proper recovery methods is not wise at this point.
I don't want to find out that my favorite hardware maker is not up to the task, and had some renewed faith with the GPS dongle, but I am really having a hard time. I love the prime in idea, but the device itself has not lived up to the promises and I just want them to do something more than an ugly add on to an otherwise beautiful device to resolve the months of frustration that so many have had. It does address the GPS issue, and I appreciate that they did address it, BUT that does not make up for the other issues that even the good primes have.
Show me a "good" prime and I will show you why it has issues, and you will be sad too. I have done this with 2 different owners who said theirs were "perfect". They were just not using the device to do the same things and assumed everything was working properly.
If you don't want to "Beta test" a product that costs so damn much, shut the **** up and buy products that have already been on the market for enough _years_ (and I mean like > 5) to be fully beta tested instead of something shiny and new.
Guess what? This isn't an Original Droid or a G1, it's a new device. Live with it or return it for a refund 'cuz this isn't a place for whining.
Now back to your regularlly scheduled beta tests....
Spidey-- apparently you don't have a very good grasp on what a beta tester is, and the cost was never the issue-- it was that there was a cost at all to beta test a product!!!
Beta Tester: someone who tests a product before it is released. Product testers help companies identify weak points in their products which could cause consumer frustration, and they also identify specific issues which need to be corrected before a product can be released. Typically, beta testers test several incarnations of a product, until it is deemed ready for release. Most commonly, beta testers work with electronics and software.
SURE SOUNDS LIKE ASUS NEEDED SOME OF THOSE GUYS... and never found them until they released the device to US, the unwitting consumers.
To be clear, I would not have minded being one of those beta testers, but we should not have had to pay so damn much for that honor.
btw spidey, stfu? really? Is it really that under your skin?
jordanmw said:
How are the beta testers doing today? Are you feeling like you paid $500+ to beta test the prime for Asus/Nvidia/Google? Well me too!!
At this point, I have been through several firmwares that have both broken and fixed specific issues that I have run into. I just want things to get resolved with every new update, that is not the case currently.
I am terribly frustrated after giving my beautiful prime to my dad to see how amazing this tablet is, only to have him give it back a few minutes later after several things he tried either crashed, or did not respond to input at all!
This is not the first time I have given it to someone who wanted to be wowed-- and wasn't!!!
After trying really hard to remain an Asus fan through all of this, I am starting to feel like just an unpaid beta tester.
I know that Asus is trying really hard to make it's prime the device it was promised to be but I am getting less convinced by the day that we will ever get this.
I am not claiming that Asus is entirely at fault, but ultimately, it is their product and their decisions to use the hardware and software that they did- as well as to make those components work together properly.
I WANT TO KNOW WHAT I GET FOR BEING A BETA TESTER!!!
We should all be asking this question of Asus at this point. Even those of us who have had decent experiences with the prime have still run into issues....
(yes, even demandarin has had issues despite professing his undying admiration)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jordanmw, I know how you feel. I was feeling the same way when I had my prime. Just return it pal you'll feel much better with no regrets. I'm done after trying two but major props to you for sticking with them and went through six (6) and still not satisfied.
ps. these fanboy's I'm telling you, LMFAO.
Crazy, my tablet and the three friends who also bought one all work perfectly!
theoner1 said:
Jordanmw, I know how you feel. I was feeling the same way when I had my prime. Just return it pal you'll feel much better with no regrets. I'm done after trying two but major props to you for sticking with them and went through six (6) and still not satisfied.
ps. these fanboy's I'm telling you, LMFAO.
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Click to collapse
I am actually a fanboy myself, that is why this is so frustrating for me. I did not RMA 6 times or anything but had 6 different ones, each for a week at a time- used as my personal tablet. It was for work-- I still have my personal one that I bought back in the beginning of Feb. C0 serial. That is the one that I bought for myself and all the others are being used by company users. Two of those have been RMA'd for different reasons and came back with the exact same issues that they were sent for.
Cool story Bro!
Okay, we really don't need another one of these...
OP, please search the forum first. There are plenty of other threads where you could have expressed your feelings.
Closed before this produces any serious issues among the users.
I want to do something with 13.3.2.8, if I can...
I was running 13.3.2.1 before, and everything was working fine but one day the OTA update showed up and messed up everything.
I know in previous threads about 13.3.2.8 they have said you can't do anything with it (root, TWRP) , but is there any way I can go back to 3.2.1?
You can still root and install Safestrap (as well as ggow's HDX Nexus ROM) on x.3.2.8.
EncryptedCurse said:
You can still root and install Safestrap (as well as ggow's HDX Nexus ROM) on x.3.2.8.
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Click to collapse
after i install the HDX Nexus ROM can I install TWRP then upgrade to CM11?
Iamreallybadwithusernames said:
after i install the HDX Nexus ROM can I install TWRP then upgrade to CM11?
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Click to collapse
No, you're stuck with Safestrap (which means no TWRP or CyanogenMod).
Iamreallybadwithusernames said:
I want to do something with 13.3.2.8, if I can...
I was running 13.3.2.1 before, and everything was working fine but one day the OTA update showed up and messed up everything.
I know in previous threads about 13.3.2.8 they have said you can't do anything with it (root, TWRP) , but is there any way I can go back to 3.2.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a "legitimate" excuse for what was messed up, you could consider complaining to Amazon and see if they will roll you back (as they have done for people from 4.x to 3.2.8. They probably won't want to, and will probably lie to you and say it can't be done (as they said to many people asking for 3.2.8)... but, again, if you have a good reason, you could get away with it. I'd suggest reading up on the 3.2.8 rollback threads to see what worked for those people.
If you DO come up with a way to have them roll you back, I'm sure others would love to do this as well, so I'd also advise you to read up on how to "capture" the OTA rollback, so that you can share it with others here... just like people did with 3.2.8. We would all be very appreciative!
schwinn8 said:
If you have a "legitimate" excuse for what was messed up, you could consider complaining to Amazon and see if they will roll you back (as they have done for people from 4.x to 3.2.8. They probably won't want to, and will probably lie to you and say it can't be done (as they said to many people asking for 3.2.8)... but, again, if you have a good reason, you could get away with it. I'd suggest reading up on the 3.2.8 rollback threads to see what worked for those people.
If you DO come up with a way to have them roll you back, I'm sure others would love to do this as well, so I'd also advise you to read up on how to "capture" the OTA rollback, so that you can share it with others here... just like people did with 3.2.8. We would all be very appreciative!
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I don't believe Amazon agents intentionally 'lie'. Recently there has been little/no pushback on downgrading thor (7") devices from 4.x to 3.2.8. At least not reported in the forums. The confussion came with 8.9" devices as Amazon attempted to distinguish between and develop policies for Apollo and Saturn. A few users with 8.9" devices got rolled back; most others were denied until things got sorted. That created an uproar. Today Apollo (older 8.9") devices can be rolled back; Saturn (newer 8.9" w/2.5GHz processor) can not. Of course, individual agents understanding of the policy will vary. Sometimes it's just easier to call back and hope the next agent is a little more knowledgeable.
There is no need to capture the rollback file for thor; done quite some time ago.
Hey, I am no Amazon fanboy. They got dem warts like everyone else. But I do believe Amazon tries hard to make things right (when reasonable) and generally provide a level of service far superior to almost any other device manufacturer. Apple might be the exception. Oh wait, they don't roll back either ...
@Iamreallybadwithusernames: If you got upgraded to 3.2.7/3.2.8 you can not roll back. There is no evidence Amazon has ever rolled a user back from these versions. If you got upgraded to 4.x you can probably roll back to 3.2.8 ... but no further.
Davey126 said:
I don't believe Amazon agents intentionally 'lie'. Recently there has been little/no pushback on downgrading thor (7") devices from 4.x to 3.2.8. At least not reported in the forums. The confussion came with 8.9" devices as Amazon attempted to distinguish between and develop policies for Apollo and Saturn. A few users with 8.9" devices got rolled back; most others were denied until things got sorted. That created an uproar. Today Apollo (older 8.9") devices can be rolled back; Saturn (newer 8.9" w/2.5GHz processor) can not. Of course, individual agents understanding of the policy will vary. Sometimes it's just easier to call back and hope the next agent is a little more knowledgeable.
There is no need to capture the rollback file for thor; done quite some time ago.
Hey, I am no Amazon fanboy. They got dem warts like everyone else. But I do believe Amazon tries hard to make things right (when reasonable) and generally provide a level of service far superior to almost any other device manufacturer. Apple might be the exception. Oh wait, they don't roll back either ...
@Iamreallybadwithusernames: If you got upgraded to 3.2.7/3.2.8 you can not roll back. There is no evidence Amazon has ever rolled a user back from these versions. If you got upgraded to 4.x you can probably roll back to 3.2.8 ... but no further.
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You're too peaceful for an internet forum, Davey126 But, seriously, you are correct. They may not intentionally lie, but I do take offense when people answer something without being 100% sure and/or asking if they are even a little unsure. Too often, CS agents take the shortcut and just keep following the script even when presented with contradictory evidence. As for the lack of training/forwarding of the "new" information, I can't blame anyone but Amazon for that. Yes, they do a better job than others, but that's not saying much as I think we both agree... so setting the bar that low isn't good enough and I feel they should be called out on these issues when they appear. In the end, I think we are on the same page... just wanted to clarify my point there.
As for the rollback, IF (and that's a big IF) this person can get them to perform a rollback to an earlier version, then great. I just hope they can learn the capture process and share it with others. Fact is, there is nothing technically preventing Amazon from providing an older rollback... they just don't want to for their own reasons (ie, they want to keep the device locked down). Frankly, I hate the fact that any of these devices are locked down at all. Consumers ran into this back in the early days of computers, where we were "locked down" to the OS provided, hardware originally sold, etc, which was absolute crap. Heck, remember when telephones were similarly locked down? Ridiculous. These devices should similarly not be "allowed" to be locked down.... and it's annoying to see such a backwards step in technology "policy" especially when there's no reason for it.
Lastly, regarding the Amazon customer service. Normally, I agree, they are pretty good. In the case of this device, I am VERY disappointed. I bought this device with the intent of using a specific app on their appstore. They have since removed the app from their store (it's still available on other appstores) with no explanation to me or the app maker. Furthermore, the app-maker says Amazon will likely be blocking some of the app's functionality in the near future, thereby breaking it. The device is still under warranty and I have spent many hours with Amazon support on this matter (phone, chat, and email) and I just get a runaround, repeated suggestions that I've already told them do not work, etc... and keep getting no answers (much less solutions) to anything. So, I'm rather annoyed and upset with Kindle support on this one.... hence my (hopefully understandable) attitude on the matter....
schwinn8 said:
You're too peaceful for an internet forum, Davey126
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Lol! There is a pretty heavy filter between brain and fingers. We are probably further apart than you might think. As a consumer I wish all devices came unlocked. From a business perspective this makes little sense. In Amazon's shoes I would behave the same way, although I might release an unlocked 'developer' edition at a premium price point to help quell the small but vocal enthusiast community. I also understand your frustration with Amazon support. Having managed a call center (not boasting; just part of my portfolio) trying to keep agents on the same page is akin to herding cats. There are a host of reasons behind this which I won't delve into here for fear of offending someone. It's a tough job - especially given the economic pressures facing both employer and employee. That does not mitigate your personal experiences; I'd be a bit miffed too.
Ignore this post, didn't quote accidentally
Davey126 said:
Lol! There is a pretty heavy filter between brain and fingers. We are probably further apart than you might think. As a consumer I wish all devices came unlocked. From a business perspective this makes little sense. In Amazon's shoes I would behave the same way, although I might release an unlocked 'developer' edition at a premium price point to help quell the small but vocal enthusiast community. I also understand your frustration with Amazon support. Having managed a call center (not boasting; just part of my portfolio) trying to keep agents on the same page is akin to herding cats. There are a host of reasons behind this which I won't delve into here for fear of offending someone. It's a tough job - especially given the economic pressures facing both employer and employee. That does not mitigate your personal experiences; I'd be a bit miffed too.
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Iamreallybadwithusernames said:
Sorry. had some complications on my side figuring out how to log back in when I initially made this account with my google account....
Anyways, some users have tried manually downgrading with the 3.2.5 file, and have failed (in some cases even bricked their devices). So it actually isn't possible (someone probably could hack the device to figure out how to allow it to roll back from 3.2.8, but that would probably take longer than figuring out TWRP & other root things for 4.5.3)
My device DID come with 13.3.1.0, I wanted to stay on stock (a mistake) so I used one of those OTA disablers, which (as the title states) didn't work.
but amazon decided that they didn't care that I got rolled back, and one morning when I turned it on, I was back on 4.5.3.
I wonder if I could make up some drama about my device having some issues or whatever, and they would replace it and maybe it would come with 13.3.1.0? (it actually has been picky about WiFI, so maybe I would actually legitimately get it replaced)
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Sorry for double posting, I accidentally didn't quote you.
schwinn8 said:
You're too peaceful for an internet forum, Davey126 But, seriously, you are correct. They may not intentionally lie, but I do take offense when people answer something without being 100% sure and/or asking if they are even a little unsure. Too often, CS agents take the shortcut and just keep following the script even when presented with contradictory evidence. As for the lack of training/forwarding of the "new" information, I can't blame anyone but Amazon for that. Yes, they do a better job than others, but that's not saying much as I think we both agree... so setting the bar that low isn't good enough and I feel they should be called out on these issues when they appear. In the end, I think we are on the same page... just wanted to clarify my point there.
As for the rollback, IF (and that's a big IF) this person can get them to perform a rollback to an earlier version, then great. I just hope they can learn the capture process and share it with others. Fact is, there is nothing technically preventing Amazon from providing an older rollback... they just don't want to for their own reasons (ie, they want to keep the device locked down). Frankly, I hate the fact that any of these devices are locked down at all. Consumers ran into this back in the early days of computers, where we were "locked down" to the OS provided, hardware originally sold, etc, which was absolute crap. Heck, remember when telephones were similarly locked down? Ridiculous. These devices should similarly not be "allowed" to be locked down.... and it's annoying to see such a backwards step in technology "policy" especially when there's no reason for it.
Lastly, regarding the Amazon customer service. Normally, I agree, they are pretty good. In the case of this device, I am VERY disappointed. I bought this device with the intent of using a specific app on their appstore. They have since removed the app from their store (it's still available on other appstores) with no explanation to me or the app maker. Furthermore, the app-maker says Amazon will likely be blocking some of the app's functionality in the near future, thereby breaking it. The device is still under warranty and I have spent many hours with Amazon support on this matter (phone, chat, and email) and I just get a runaround, repeated suggestions that I've already told them do not work, etc... and keep getting no answers (much less solutions) to anything. So, I'm rather annoyed and upset with Kindle support on this one.... hence my (hopefully understandable) attitude on the matter....
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This is the third one of the same, I meant to quote you and dave but accidentally quoted myself and dave instead. oops.
Sorry. had some complications on my side figuring out how to log back in when I initially made this account with my google account....
Anyways, some users have tried manually downgrading with the 3.2.5 file, and have failed (in some cases even bricked their devices). So it actually isn't possible (someone probably could hack the device to figure out how to allow it to roll back from 3.2.8, but that would probably take longer than figuring out TWRP & other root things for 4.5.3)
My device DID come with 13.3.1.0, I wanted to stay on stock (a mistake) so I used one of those OTA disablers, which (as the title states) didn't work.
but amazon decided that they didn't care that I got rolled back, and one morning when I turned it on, I was back on 4.5.3.
I wonder if I could make up some drama about my device having some issues or whatever, and they would replace it and maybe it would come with 13.3.1.0? (it actually has been picky about WiFI, so maybe I would actually legitimately get it replaced)
Iamreallybadwithusernames said:
I wonder if I could make up some drama about my device having some issues or whatever, and they would replace it and maybe it would come with 13.3.1.0? (it actually has been picky about WiFI, so maybe I would actually legitimately get it replaced)
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If the device is still under warranty and you are having troubles with WiFi then I would not hesitate to engage Amazon on remediations which likely will entail swapping out for a refurbished unit. I think it unlikely the replacement will arrive with 13.3.1.0. Not what you wanted to hear but 13.3.x.x is getting long in the legs. Amazon would rather you be on 13.4.x.x and likely is imaging refurbished units accordingly.
just had kindle fire hdx replaced
Davey126 said:
If the device is still under warranty and you are having troubles with WiFi then I would not hesitate to engage Amazon on remediations which likely will entail swapping out for a refurbished unit. I think it unlikely the replacement will arrive with 13.3.1.0. Not what you wanted to hear but 13.3.x.x is getting long in the legs. Amazon would rather you be on 13.4.x.x and likely is imaging refurbished units accordingly.
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Amazon just replaced my kindle fire hdx about a week ago and the reverb unit I received had 13.3.2.1 on it. This is the second referb I have gotten from amazon with 13.3.2.1 so there is at least a chance if they send you a replacement that it will have a 13.3.2.1 on it just be sure to keep WiFi off cause it will try to update as soon as it connects to wifi. Until you get root with towel root and use hdxposed to prevent updates. Good luck
ja49902 said:
Amazon just replaced my kindle fire hdx about a week ago and the reverb unit I received had 13.3.2.1 on it. This is the second referb I have gotten from amazon with 13.3.2.1 so there is at least a chance if they send you a replacement that it will have a 13.3.2.1 on it just be sure to keep WiFi off cause it will try to update as soon as it connects to wifi. Until you get root with towel root and use hdxposed to prevent updates. Good luck
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Alternatively, use HDX Toolkit which offers both root and OTA blocking along with several other features. Hdxposed it it can become disabled (including the OTA blocker) if, for whatever reason, xposed framework doesn't load properly at boot. HDX toolkit disables and/or renames OTA services. I have yet to hear of a Kindle auto-updating after applying this blocker.
BTW - great to hear a Amazon is still distributing refurbs with 3.2.1! Kinda amazing given the aggressive steps (efuse) Amazon took in later versions to block rollbacks.
It's definitely bricked. I messed up the recovery, then proceeded to mess up the boot trying to fix the recovery without researching the possible side effects. Constant loop now.
Is there a way to utilize any standard warranty to replace my device? I've read that some people have good experiences with Amazon customer service with their HD Fire's. Is there anything I should omit about what's been done to the device or something I should say that has been done?
Obviously don't want to use the R word. Last paragraph here apparently works: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=63012306&postcount=90
DoLooper said:
Obviously don't want to use the R word. Last paragraph here apparently works: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=63012306&postcount=90
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I just wanted to update this by saying the night I posted this, I went ahead and contacted Amazon via chat (don't ask me how, getting personalized customer service is like finding a diamond in the rough there). I mixed a small amount of flattery and spruced it up by sounding completely out of my element. I started by saying something along the lines of "Hey, I know I may have stretched beyond my technical prowess, and I know warranties have limitations, but I had heard that you guys have been very gracious and forgiving in the past and am just reaching out to see if there's still any help for me"...I don't remember, but it was something along those lines. I did leave out the "R" word , but I did say pretty much what I put into my OP, and the guy was like "This isn't normally covered, but I have gone ahead and sent you a replacement, please return the malfunctioning...." etc etc. So A+++ to customer service. I was expecting the worse and got much better results than I had hoped.