How to tell if world phone bands are activated? - Motorola Droid RAZR

I'm looking a buying a Droid RAZR (or RAZR M or RAZR MAXX). I'm going to flash it because I want to use it with the Talk For Good MVNO for cheaper service. I plan on paying $10 and using the CyberFlashing software so I don't have to spend all day getting the thing working.
In reading about this phone, I noticed an update was sent out after the phone was released to make it a Verizon world phone. Was this update a firmware update or was it just an Android update that enabled the world bands?
Just with me flashing the phone myself, I want to make sure there are no weird conflicts or anything and I don't get the world phone bands enabled. I am going to South America for several months later this year and not being able to use the phone down there would be bad, very bad.

Don't worry!
Don't worry just update it to ICS or JB and it will work on any GSM carrier outside US.

Will you get 3G using CyberFlashing to the RAZR MAXX to Page Plus ?
levander said:
I'm looking a buying a Droid RAZR (or RAZR M or RAZR MAXX). I'm going to flash it because I want to use it with the Talk For Good MVNO for cheaper service. I plan on paying $10 and using the CyberFlashing software so I don't have to spend all day getting the thing working.
In reading about this phone, I noticed an update was sent out after the phone was released to make it a Verizon world phone. Was this update a firmware update or was it just an Android update that enabled the world bands?
Just with me flashing the phone myself, I want to make sure there are no weird conflicts or anything and I don't get the world phone bands enabled. I am going to South America for several months later this year and not being able to use the phone down there would be bad, very bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

bamx2 said:
Will you get 3G using CyberFlashing to the RAZR MAXX to Page Plus ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are supposed to. But when I got the phone I wanted to flash in the mail, I tried Cyberflashing and abandoned it. Starting the software up and trying to get it to communicate with the phone didn't work right off. Then in troubleshooting, I noticed there were some things missing from the Cyberflashing instructions that seemed odd. Like other instructions I'd seen all said you needed a SIM card in the phone to flash it.
I successfully flashed my phone with instructions from snoop at Howard Forums. I would describe his instructions as "friendly for experienced hackers who are new to flashing phones". His instructions are here:
http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...ivation-TXT-MMS-3G-ROOT-TETHERING-on-PagePlus
Another guy posted instructions here:
http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...oid-Bionic-on-Pageplus-no-root-or-custom-roms!
The difference between the two instruction sets are that the 1st one, snoop's is written more for the newb, does OTA programming so you don't have to download your own PRL, and requires a new blank SIM card (probably need to purchase from Ebay before starting the flash).
The 2nd set of instructions doesn't look confusing to me, but is supposed to be not so much for newbs, you download and program your own PRL, and you can use a SIM that's been used before. This 2nd set of instructions is written by a guy named Capii and doesn't seem as active on Howard Forums, which I consider a negative to following his guide. E.g., what are you going to do if you need help?
After finishing snoop's instructions, I was left with more questions as to how the Cyberflashing software would ever work. Like the Cyberflashing instruction never told me to boot the phone into BP Tools mode or anything like that.

Related

[Q] Running un-released radio and your warranty

I'm definitely excited that this new radio firmware has been leaked, but my dilemma is thus:
My wife and I both have Thunderbolts. I've rooted mine, thrown on custom ROMs, kernels, etc, but hers is stock. Her battery life is MUCH worse on stock than mine, even with the brightness, sync, etc turned down, so she's about to the point of wanting me to root/flash hers too.
Unfortunately, we may have to return her phone as the speakerphone is all but unusable due to feedback/noise issues while in a call. I know it's fairly simple to return a phone to stock, and Verizon can't tell over the air what ROM or kernel you're using, but from what I can gather, they CAN tell what radio version you're using. If I have to return her phone for warranty issues, will they see that she's had the leaked radio firmware and thus deny the claim?
if you are going to return it why go through the hassle of rooting and what not just return it then root the new one and install the new radio version.
ckochinsky125 said:
if you are going to return it why go through the hassle of rooting and what not just return it then root the new one and install the new radio version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Just return the phone now if you are having problems.
I concur, but Verizon is giving me the runaround as I have yet to be able to reproduce the issue for them over the phone or in store. My main concern wasn't so much with rooting and flashing, but more of whether to use the "unauthorized" radio firmware update.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt using Perfect Storm themed XDA App
Veridor said:
I concur, but Verizon is giving me the runaround as I have yet to be able to reproduce the issue for them over the phone or in store. My main concern wasn't so much with rooting and flashing, but more of whether to use the "unauthorized" radio firmware update.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt using Perfect Storm themed XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my experience, the employees at the Verizon stores know less about the Thunderbolt than I do. I had to get my SD card replaced (twice), and though my phone wasn't rooted I doubt they would have noticed, and I would bet that they wouldn't notice a different radio on your wife's device.
Also, didn't Jcase release an unmodified/signed RUU of the new radio? Sounds to me like that would be indistinguishable from an "authorized" radio update. (Disclaimer: I am not an expert and this is pure speculation which would very well be 100% false.)
Bibble13 said:
In my experience, the employees at the Verizon stores know less about the Thunderbolt than I do. I had to get my SD card replaced (twice), and though my phone wasn't rooted I doubt they would have noticed, and I would bet that they wouldn't notice a different radio on your wife's device.
Also, didn't Jcase release an unmodified/signed RUU of the new radio? Sounds to me like that would be indistinguishable from an "authorized" radio update. (Disclaimer: I am not an expert and this is pure speculation which would very well be 100% false.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will have to look in to that. Guess I'm paranoid about them flagging my account as "teh haxx!" from using an unreleased radio.
If you plan to do a lot of tethering, wired or wireless, I don't suggest you flash it. Other than that you really have nothing to worry about.
Just call tech and tell them the phone wont boot, they cant get you to trouble shoot a phone that wont boot up. They never check the phones you warranty out. I've warrantied out phones with cracked screens, water damage, you name it.
g00s3y said:
If you plan to do a lot of tethering, wired or wireless, I don't suggest you flash it. Other than that you really have nothing to worry about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you recommend not flashing the new radio if you are tethering?
Because, it isn't released yet. There have been reports (i.e. claims) of VZW cracking down on people who tether a lot and are running the unreleased radio. True or not, it's your decision.
When the ThunderBolt came out I had the iPhone 4. I had just gotten it from my sister's line 14 days before. I was going to upgrade from the 16gb to the 32gb but then I saw the ThunderBolt and changed my mind. Since I've had the BlackBerry Storm (CrackBerry was my favorite site), the iPhone 3GS (Jailbroken) Moto Droid OG (Rooted), Incredible (Rooted), I have had a long line of never leaving my phone stock. My iPhone 4 was no different. I was at work and didn't have time to un-Jailbreak it so I left it that way and brought it to the store. The reps took back the phone and I got the ThunderBolt. Needless to say, the reps are all about making money and trying to up sell you on accessories. They barely ever check the software of the phone.
related but a bit off topic
Dumb question.. This is related but, a bit off topic, since I'm gonna wait and root once gingerbread arrives (yeah yeah, i know), if I install the new UNROOTED Ruu will I still be able to receive the OTA version incase anything is different or changed in it? Also, will it affect getting OTA gingerbread??? Thanks to all!
When I got my Thunderbolt the rep told me about this site and we had a discussion about rooting. He had an iPhone4 which was jailbroken. He was going to get a Thunderbolt and he was looking forward to rooting it and trying some ROM's.
Another rep came over and joined the discussion. They obviously are 'unofficially' fine with it.
Your mileage may vary with reps. They aren't supposed to activate or look at any phone with third party software. But after activating my t-bolt and talking to a rep about rooting it he mentioned he turned away a kid with a X with liberty1.5. Just don't come in like and asshole. Think of your job, you're more than willing to go above and beyond for someone thats 'cool' and not looking for something for nothing.
Worse comes to worse, if you purchased the monthly warranty for your phone just tell them you lost it and pay the fee to get another one. That way they have no clue about anything.
Just pull the battery incase you have the find my android activated with them
Unless I'm mistaken, you can head over to this XDA thread and download the stock radio (1.12.605.6 = stock CDMA radio & 1.16.00.0223r = stock LTE radio)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1045081
---
(The following text is re-posted from the above URL) :
Lastly (for now), we have the 1.12.605.6 CDMA/LTE radio combo.
CDMA Radio version: 1.16.00.0223r
LTE radio version that came with 1.12.605.6
http://www.multiupload.com/J0K4DL6SMQ
or
http://dougpiston.com/ThunderBolt/Radios/1.12.605.6_CDMA_1.13.605.7_LTE_radio-PG05IMG.zip
(rename to PG05img.zip)
MD5 - A740031D09FC97D1B48FBEDFE73FDD24
---
I hope that helps you with your decision regarding your wife's phone.
Best,
M.

[Q View] view with no sprint = bad idea?

Hi
First please pardon my english
I'm new in all these android things, and i'm interested in buying Evo view 4g because of it's price and all it's positive review
but since i live outside us/europe (FYI i live in indonesia) i wont be able to get sprint contract
there's this 1 negative review, i'll paste it here
IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO SIGN UP FOR A TWO YEAR SPRINT PLAN READ THE NEXT PARAGRAPH !
If you intend to use this without connecting it to a Sprint Account there are some things you should consider before making this purchase:
1: You will NOT ever be able to update the Profile, Firmware or PRL of this device. This is very bad.
2: The Cellular network radios will always be on. They will create a SIGNIFICANT drain on your battery as they will be in constant scan mode unable to connect. There are ways around this. There is some software available on the Official Android Marketplace called "Network" that can take you to a page where you can modify the radio settings. It is not 100% reliable, and if you read through the comments on that Applications Review page you will see that it is not working for everyone. There are more permanent ways to deal with cell radios if you are willing and able to root your Evo View 4g. That is a complicated process and as of now many of the "fixes" for cell radios are PERMANENT meaning once you disable them , you can never get them back.
3: You are going to get nagged to death. Each time you boot the tablet you will be presented with a Sprint screen that urges you to activate the device. You will not be able to set your own homepage in the default browser, as, until you have activated the phone Sprint spams bloat at you instructing you to contact a Sprint Rep asap. This will happen during use as well, though it seems to happen randomly, and not very often, but it will happen if you do not disable the Radios.
4: Sprint will often interrupt whatever you are doing on the tablet to remind you that you have not activated it yet..........
5: The screen is not as sharp, vivid or responsive as that of the Best Buy Flyer.
This tablet may not "REQUIRE" a Sprint account for "use" but the features and functionality of this tablet are greatly lessened if you do not have a Sprint Account.
If you want to use this as a wifi only device this is a very poor choice of purchase. You are MUCH better off snagging a wifi only Flyer.
Bottom line the View / Flyer are great tablets, but, if you do not plan to sign up for a Sprint account this is NOT the right tablet for you. Sprint has purposefully built in crippling features to those who use it without a Sprint Account.
I am very sorry I purchased this. I really wish I had just gone with another Flyer.
I am pretty ticked off at the merchant too.......... Claiming that this does not "REQUIRE" a Sprint account to use is the same thing as saying that a Honda Civic does not "REQUIRE" headlights to drive.
Think this over very carefully...... The price really isn't that great.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because this 14th of march my friend who lives in US will come to indonesia, it's $100-$200 cheaper to buy in US than in indonesia, so i have less than 2 weeks to decide on what tablets to buy
in indonesia CDMA have better internet quality compared to GSM, that's why i'm considering view to be my 1st android tablet, since i can't use sprint service, i'll have to inject the tablet with indonesian CDMA provider, will i miss a lot of things like the review above stated? especially #1
1: You will NOT ever be able to update the Profile, Firmware or PRL of this device. This is very bad.
Thank you
Wow, that reviewer doesn't know a thing about the tablet. All of that is completely false. Pretty much everyone around here doesn't use the device on Sprint.
1. The firmware updates come from HTC via the internet. While Sprint has a hand in approving them, they don't actually send them out. I had no problems downloading, installing, and using the OTA Honeycomb update without any Sprint service. You don't need any PRL updates if you're not using it on Sprint.
2. You can easily turn the cellular radios off - it's called airplane mode. You can still use WiFi/Bluetooth/GPS in airplane mode. There are also other simple ways to deactivate them discussed in this thread.
3. When you boot up the tablet from being turned completely off, you get a prompt to activate it, which you can quickly dismiss. There are no other Sprint prompts at any time. There's no "nagging" whatsoever. And you can even get rid of that activation prompt with root or without root.
4. There are never any interruptions to activate the tablet after the first one when booting it up.
5. The screen is exactly the same as the screen on the Flyer.
Now, as far as being able to use it on an Indonesian CDMA provider, that's something I can't authoritatively give an answer on. In the U.S., it can be successfully flashed to be used on only one other CDMA carrier - Boost - and that's because Boost uses Sprint's network. I'd say there's a good chance you may not be able to use it with any Indonesian CDMA carrier, but I can't say for sure.
bsweetness said:
Wow, that reviewer doesn't know a thing about the tablet. All of that is completely false. Pretty much everyone around here doesn't use the device on Sprint.
1. The firmware updates come from HTC via the internet. While Sprint has a hand in approving them, they don't actually send them out. I had no problems downloading, installing, and using the OTA Honeycomb update without any Sprint service. You don't need any PRL updates if you're not using it on Sprint.
2. You can easily turn the cellular radios off - it's called airplane mode. You can still use WiFi/Bluetooth/GPS in airplane mode. There are also other simple ways to deactivate them discussed in this thread.
3. When you boot up the tablet from being turned completely off, you get a prompt to activate it, which you can quickly dismiss. There are no other Sprint prompts at any time. There's no "nagging" whatsoever. And you can even get rid of that activation prompt with root or without root.
4. There are never any interruptions to activate the tablet after the first one when booting it up.
5. The screen is exactly the same as the screen on the Flyer.
Now, as far as being able to use it on an Indonesian CDMA provider, that's something I can't authoritatively give an answer on. In the U.S., it can be successfully flashed to be used on only one other CDMA carrier - Boost - and that's because Boost uses Sprint's network. I'd say there's a good chance you may not be able to use it with any Indonesian CDMA carrier, but I can't say for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow thank you for the answer, i think i'll get this baby then
is the offer from amazon $289 the best offer atm in US? i'm planning on buying the stylus and screen guard also
when i tried to search in google about where to buy, all i got is reviews with no store that sells this product except for amazon, and yes i have no knowledge about international stores
One thing that kept me away from the view was the updates such as possible ICS will have to be pushed by sprint. I would assume just like a phone that the updates are controlled by the carrier and if they want you to have it. This alone makes the flyer a better deal in my opinion. This is am assumption of course. Also with out having a sim slot this becomes very limited on what carriers it can be used on. I know the flyer comes without sim access but the view is locked to sprint. The 32gb model looked very appealing at 250 but the negatives out weigh the positives.
Jjday7 said:
One thing that kept me away from the view was the updates such as possible ICS will have to be pushed by sprint. I would assume just like a phone that the updates are controlled by the carrier and if they want you to have it. This alone makes the flyer a better deal in my opinion. This is am assumption of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I mentioned in my post, this isn't true. While Sprint does approve the updates, the updates are actually built and sent out by HTC. This is the case with Android phones as well - the manufacturers build and send out the updates with the carrier's approval. The carrier does not push them out. My View has never been activated on Sprint, and I received the OTA update to Honeycomb shortly after I purchased it. It all works via the internet and has nothing to do with cellular connectivity. You'll still get any and all official updates on the View even if it's never been activated with Sprint.
---------- Post added at 12:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:59 AM ----------
callmeanoob said:
wow thank you for the answer, i think i'll get this baby then
is the offer from amazon $289 the best offer atm in US? i'm planning on buying the stylus and screen guard also
when i tried to search in google about where to buy, all i got is reviews with no store that sells this product except for amazon, and yes i have no knowledge about international stores
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The lowest I can find for current prices via a quick search is $274.94 on eBay. It's been down as low as $239 brand new a few times over the past three months, so it will probably drop again. But if you're operating in a specific time frame for the purchase, that range seems to be what they're currently going for.

Moto Does It Again!! (People are not gonna be happy)

Well, I hear the 2.3.5 update is coming for the MoPho. If you want to be able to flash custom roms, kernels, etc. you should read here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1620905 It appears if you flash this you may have the same issue the Electrify users had after they flashed 2.3.5.
Way to keep, I mean, break a promise Moto!
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
I actually have 4G at my office and thats why unlocking has been a deal breaker for me. This is also the reason I wont buy another Motorola device. I bought this device, I own it. Motorola said they would unlock the bootloaders and now its pretty apparent they arent going to. I wont make the mistake of buying another Motorola phone. They need to just go back o Verizon and stay there.
LexLuger82 said:
<MOD EDIT>
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe. I guess I can consider myself lucky. I mean, IMHO, Moto's hardware is better than most. They are well built, my reception is top notch, and I do have an unlocked device.
The part that makes Moto suck is the software end. They said they would unlock things, but it appears this is not the case. And who's to say that Sprint doesn't have a hand in this, either? I mean, if we unlock, flash, etc. we are using our devices how WE want, not how THEY want.
Just saying..............
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
Yeah,I kind of feel the same way.I was digging around in the ICS system dump for the Razr.I almost think id rather have AOSP ICS over what Moto offers,if its gonna look like the Razrs.With ICS,they have to "theme" the AOSP Holo theme,not rework it completely per Google.And looking through the apps,no more Universal Mail Box,my personal favorite.
FernBch said:
Maybe. I guess I can consider myself lucky. I mean, IMHO, Moto's hardware is better than most. They are well built, my reception is top notch, and I do have an unlocked device.
The part that makes Motor suck is the software end. They said they would unlock things, but it appears this is not the case. And who's to say that Sprint doesn't have a hand in this, either? I mean, if we unlock, flash, etc. we are using our devices how WE want, not how THEY want.
Just saying..............
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i love the hardware... seriously it's the best! i hate the locked bootloader. after this phone it's nothing but Nexus phones for me here on out.
For me, Motorola's superior radio is more important than the bootloader. I live out in the country, and I use US Cellular because the Big Four don't consider service to my neck of the woods to be profitable. Even so, US Cellular service with a Samsung or HTC means I have to put my phone in the windowsill to get reception. With Motorola, I can have the phone at my desk or in bed, or in the bathroom which is practically a Faraday cage, and still get calls and messages.
I thought Sprint was abandoning the Photon. Are they still doing so?
Also, thanks for the heads up. My brother has a Photon. I'll make sure he doesn't upgrade to 2.3.5. I've tried to get him to sign up here and learn how to change up his phone. Pretty sure he just has everything stock. (He lives in another state, I've never actually seen his phone.)
Give it time guys. Once Motorola has released their ics update and sprint stops supporting the moto(EOL catches up) then I see no reason why they wouldn't unlock it or at least give us north America at&t so I could "lose" my phone and get its replacement and continue to use this phone as a prepaid go phone after I get my upgrade
Sprints keeping it locked down because its still a high selling phone. You would figure they would want to keep there entire north American nation on their network as long as they are still selling this phone. Sounds like good business to me while also helping the people out that do actually travel the world and still able to use their only world phone to do so. Sprint is being smart with this phone. I would do the same if I were them and if anyone complained to me I would tell them "we gave you a world phone so you could travel. You want a phone you can't leave the US with in exchange for an unlocked bootloader then get one of our many other amazing androids with unlocked restricted to north America only. Either way were getting your money and so does Motorola"
This phone already has more to offer than most high end androids out there. Top notch radios, solid design, superb CPU with nvidia graphics technology, only sprint Android to be unlocked for other country's" it does not have 3D if you want that get the evo 3D.
Please people appreciate what Motorola and sprint has offered us and stop complain so much. Sure I hate that its still locked and i can't use it for At&t but I also understood this before I bought the phone and dealt with it for what it is. Everyone here seems to knows Motorola's past about promises but yet you still purchased this device anyway...
Sent from my I9300 using XDA
tsdeaton said:
Give it time guys. Once Motorola has released their ics update and sprint stops supporting the moto(EOL catches up) then I see no reason why they wouldn't unlock it or at least give us north America at&t so I could "lose" my phone and get its replacement and continue to use this phone as a prepaid go phone after I get my upgrade
Sprints keeping it locked down because its still a high selling phone. You would figure they would want to keep there entire north American nation on their network as long as they are still selling this phone. Sounds like good business to me while also helping the people out that do actually travel the world and still able to use their only world phone to do so. Sprint is being smart with this phone. I would do the same if I were them and if anyone complained to me I would tell them "we gave you a world phone so you could travel. You want a phone you can't leave the US with in exchange for an unlocked bootloader then get one of our many other amazing androids with unlocked restricted to north America only. Either way were getting your money and so does Motorola"
This phone already has more to offer than most high end androids out there. Top notch radios, solid design, superb CPU with nvidia graphics technology, only sprint Android to be unlocked for other country's" it does not have 3D if you want that get the evo 3D.
Please people appreciate what Motorola and sprint has offered us and stop complain so much. Sure I hate that its still locked and i can't use it for At&t but I also understood this before I bought the phone and dealt with it for what it is. Everyone here seems to knows Motorola's past about promises but yet you still purchased this device anyway...
Sent from my I9300 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't hold your breath. Moto has not unlocked any device in the past and the Photon will probably be no different. People have been begging for unlock for the first Droid X and a few others for quite some time.
It was taken away from Electrify users and now Photon users. It will not be given back.
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
tsdeaton said:
Give it time guys. Once Motorola has released their ics update and sprint stops supporting the moto(EOL catches up) then I see no reason why they wouldn't unlock it or at least give us north America at&t so I could "lose" my phone and get its replacement and continue to use this phone as a prepaid go phone after I get my upgrade
Sprints keeping it locked down because its still a high selling phone. You would figure they would want to keep there entire north American nation on their network as long as they are still selling this phone. Sounds like good business to me while also helping the people out that do actually travel the world and still able to use their only world phone to do so. Sprint is being smart with this phone. I would do the same if I were them and if anyone complained to me I would tell them "we gave you a world phone so you could travel. You want a phone you can't leave the US with in exchange for an unlocked bootloader then get one of our many other amazing androids with unlocked restricted to north America only. Either way were getting your money and so does Motorola"
This phone already has more to offer than most high end androids out there. Top notch radios, solid design, superb CPU with nvidia graphics technology, only sprint Android to be unlocked for other country's" it does not have 3D if you want that get the evo 3D.
Please people appreciate what Motorola and sprint has offered us and stop complain so much. Sure I hate that its still locked and i can't use it for At&t but I also understood this before I bought the phone and dealt with it for what it is. Everyone here seems to knows Motorola's past about promises but yet you still purchased this device anyway...
Sent from my I9300 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You misunderstand, what they are talking about here is the bootloader. It needs to be unlocked to flash custom roms and kernels. Right now unlocked bootloader means no 4g. After update it means unable to unlock bootloader at all. Has nothing to do with using on att.
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2
The OP is right. The next release for the Photon for now is a GB maintenance update. Here is a link to Moto's explanation that defines the terms "update" and "upgrade". On the SOAK test page it says that they are looking for users to test the pre-release "update". I hope the Photon doesn't have the same issues as the Electrify. I have no doubt that ICS upgrade is in the works and will be released in Q3 and this update is a side thing.
posted April 25, 2012 by Remy
ericchan3 said:
"New call for SOAK testers for an upcoming release. Look at the sticky thread for the update posted today. I am hoping its for the ICS update."
This is not going to be an ICS release for a couple of reasons:
1) It does not match up with the timeline posted here on the upgrades page.
2) Terminology; Update = maintenance update, fixes. Upgrade = OS upgrade, ie: ICS.
I hope this helps clear things up.
Thanks,
J
https://forums.motorola.com/posts/25829baf50
bricky23 said:
You misunderstand, what they are talking about here is the bootloader. It needs to be unlocked to flash custom roms and kernels. Right now unlocked bootloader means no 4g. After update it means unable to unlock bootloader at all. Has nothing to do with using on att.
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your saying that Motorola(or sprint telling moto what's up) has decided to Bork 4G if bootloader is unlocked? Kinda makes sense. If your not going to use software provided by the hard working people over at moto then why should they give you everything? Makes sense wouldnt give us an unlocked bootloader. Because they know that no matter what we will still be able to unlock it ourselves or still find a way to install custom roms and kernels. This isn't their first rodeo obviously. They worked hard to bring us this wonderful phone why would they make it easy for us to replace it?
I understand what you guys are saying. I just thought I would add a bit more to it before it was debated later. Motorola all around still has some of the highest selling android phones most of which have locked bootloaders but somehow still attract the same people that always say "I will never buy a Motorola again!"
Im just trying to get the people to understand that its just like when you were a kid and you touch a hot stove for the first time. You don't touch it again right? Why get the photon if you could have gotten a different high end device? Maybe one with an unlocked bootloader.
Sent from my I9300 using XDA
tsdeaton said:
Give it time guys. Once Motorola has released their ics update and sprint stops supporting the moto(EOL catches up) then I see no reason why they wouldn't unlock it or at least give us north America at&t so I could "lose" my phone and get its replacement and continue to use this phone as a prepaid go phone after I get my upgrade
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Moto/Sprint has to do is make the claim of "network security concerns" and all petitions and laws related to unlocking can be ignored. Just look at Verizon and devices on Block C frequencies. Now if nobody purchased Moto devices for on release cycle then Moto may reconsider but that will never happen so our phones stay locked by the manufacturer.
True, but someone sooner or later will get an anti trust action or whatever you call it. Microsoft tried that crap and were eventually shot down. Your phone is basically a mini PC. What they are doing is trying to limit software to what they can control.
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
I had used HTC phones for years, but wanted to give Moto a shot.
I'll probably go back to HTC.
But - important - I now no longer see the need to upgrade every year. I got to that point a few years ago with my laptop, and think I'm there with my tablet also.
I quit upgrading every year. There's really no need to. My first was the Moto Q, had it for over a year then I got it wet. My next was a HTC Ozone, grew tired of the WinMo thing after almost two years. Next was a Droid X, I really liked it, even renewed my contract, but Big Red really pissed me off. Now I have the MoPho and it's here to stay. Being able to get ICS from these awesome devs just cements it's place. But Moto does need to either quit making promises they don't intend to keep and/or get with the program.
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
FernBch said:
I quit upgrading every year. There's really no need to. My first was the Moto Q, had it for over a year then I got it wet. My next was a HTC Ozone, grew tired of the WinMo thing after almost two years. Next was a Droid X, I really liked it, even renewed my contract, but Big Red really pissed me off. Now I have the MoPho and it's here to stay. Being able to get ICS from these awesome devs just cements it's place. But Moto does need to either quit making promises they don't intend to keep and/or get with the program.
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After a year in India, one year ago I made the jump from WinMo to Android - have had 3 Android phones in that year. Happy with the Photon for at least another year+ with ICS coming.
FernBch said:
True, but someone sooner or later will get an anti trust action or whatever you call it. Microsoft tried that crap and were eventually shot down. Your phone is basically a mini PC. What they are doing is trying to limit software to what they can control.
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly! if i buy a laptop and it comes with windows 7 on it and i want windows xp i can do that. why the heck can't i do the same with my phone that costs more than my laptop?
like i stated in another thread.... all my devices for now on will be Nexus'. hopefully it will be a motorola one cause i love their hardware but i feel that i should be able to put what ever the hell i want to on my phone. i have a huge problem with the fact that companies won't allow me to do that. so for now on either the phone already has a unlocked bootloader (by the manufacturer or by another means) or i'll just buy a Nexus phone.
Somehow I'm still surprised that this update they are testing is ONLY the 2.3.5 gingerbread update. Somehow I had some sort of hope that this would be the ICS update. Not sure how I was that optimistic about it, I guess I just figured they wouldn't be just now testing an update for the Photon that came out on the electrify over a month ago.
Hey, you know how it is. They have to lay the "ground work"............
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
FernBch said:
Maybe. I guess I can consider myself lucky. I mean, IMHO, Moto's hardware is better than most. They are well built, my reception is top notch, and I do have an unlocked device.
The part that makes Moto suck is the software end. They said they would unlock things, but it appears this is not the case. And who's to say that Sprint doesn't have a hand in this, either? I mean, if we unlock, flash, etc. we are using our devices how WE want, not how THEY want.
Just saying..............
My MoPho's in the kitchen sink!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you 100%. Motorola phones have been very good to me. I need something that's durable with my job, and the way my Motorola phones have held up has been more than acceptable. I am actually scared to try another manufacture's device because of how much luck I've had with Motorola.

Advice for best simple short term option for Verizon Razr international traveler

Like many, I'm a relative noob waiting for ICS OTA to drop. I'm travelling to London for a month, and need to use a UK sim card on my Razr. The easiest solution was waiting for ICS through Verizon, but its seeming less likely it will drop before I leave on Sunday. But I have limited free time before the trip to "mess around" with my phone.
I know installing ICS 4.04.209 would be the most useful option, since it would allow use of a UK sim and give me a great ICS experience- but I'm a noob and really don't have the time to even re-install all of my programs, let alone troubleshoot when I make a silly mistake as a first time flasher (that sounds bad, doesn't it.)
I know there is an older work around for unlocking international sims on GB, but did that ever get to a stage where it works simply and smoothly? Or is there another option?
So basically, is using Matt's Razr tool my best option? With zero flashing experience, if I just go through the steps how long would it take and is there any way to do it without uninstalling everything (the OTA typically works without removing all of your programs.) Is there a way I can just clear my cache but leave the programs?
Thanks for your help.
BTW, I realize it is a bit sad being a "noob" who joined XDA forums Sept 2008- but I'm a relatively recent Android convert after Microsoft let winmo 6.5 die. I had my old phone dual booted to android...
Buy a cheap candy bar phone when u get there. Use it for voice.
Use RAZR wifi-only
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA
That was my initial plan prior to hearing about the Razr global features getting unlocked. I already have Fring/Sipdroid working so that I can make call over wifi. So if a voice only phone is cheap enough, I might opt for that.
I bought a Nokia candy bar phone for 17 euros the last time I was in France, its also worked in UK, Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, Czech Republic and Spain.
I know they use pounds in the UK but I think the costs will be similar. Cell markets are a lot more wide open in the EU than over here. Cheap phones and cheap SIMs abound.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA
As above, cheap phone @ £15 and it'll probably come with £5-10 credit so really good value.
Sent from my XT910 using xda premium

[Q] Motorola Photon unlocked for *domestic* carriers?

Okay, so here's the deal. I Bought this Photon in March, unlocked the bootloader, got CM7.2 running on it, set up the dock so it works with an external HD and runs shows and movies on my TV. Then, last month Sprint up and cancelled my phone with no warning. I'm on Verizon now with the Droid X2, which I noticed is startlingly similar to the Photon. I already know the Photon can be unlocked for international use, but how would I convince it that it's now a Verizon phone? I've got a couple really simple "You can't do it" with no explanation, but I've seen them for sale on ebay claiming to be usable on Verizon domestic, and in this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1664212 - which I cannot post on, there are a couple posts towards the end saying that a couple people managed to get theirs up and running on Verizon, albeit with a few bugs.
Now, I'm not expecting miracles, but these two phones are so alike it's not even funny. I don't care about 4G, need 4G, or even *want* 4G access. If flashing my phone somehow irrepairably damages 4G, I really could care less. They're both CDMA/EVDO networks, so there's *got* to be a way to make this work. I know that's an oversimplification, but it's basically true.
As a side note, since the two phones are so similar, is there a way to use the sbf file (it's like, ten meg) that unlocked my Photon to unlock my X2? *edit* Tried it, didn't work. Oh well, worth a shot.
Caboose27 said:
Okay, so here's the deal. I Bought this Photon in March, unlocked the bootloader, got CM7.2 running on it, set up the dock so it works with an external HD and runs shows and movies on my TV. Then, last month Sprint up and cancelled my phone with no warning. I'm on Verizon now with the Droid X2, which I noticed is startlingly similar to the Photon. I already know the Photon can be unlocked for international use, but how would I convince it that it's now a Verizon phone? I've got a couple really simple "You can't do it" with no explanation, but I've seen them for sale on ebay claiming to be usable on Verizon domestic, and in this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1664212 - which I cannot post on, there are a couple posts towards the end saying that a couple people managed to get theirs up and running on Verizon, albeit with a few bugs.
Now, I'm not expecting miracles, but these two phones are so alike it's not even funny. I don't care about 4G, need 4G, or even *want* 4G access. If flashing my phone somehow irrepairably damages 4G, I really could care less. They're both CDMA/EVDO networks, so there's *got* to be a way to make this work. I know that's an oversimplification, but it's basically true.
As a side note, since the two phones are so similar, is there a way to use the sbf file (it's like, ten meg) that unlocked my Photon to unlock my X2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to get Verizon to activate the ESN on their network. Which is not likely to happen. But if you can the rest is simple.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA
na7q said:
You need to get Verizon to activate the ESN on their network. Which is not likely to happen. But if you can the rest is simple.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, what is "the rest"? I don't honestly know what needs to happen for this to work, which is what I'm trying to find out.

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