Related
https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=sony_z_ultra
So now there's a Z Ultra Google Play Edition with pure android 4.4.
How do we get that rom?
Brilliant! now to just wait for someone to buy it.
It´s a huge step forward for Sony and the community. Looking forward to see some nice ROMs!
I can't decide which to order. Will any of the Sony stuff be on the Google Play edition? "bravia engine" and the sort
wrxdrunkie said:
I can't decide which to order. Will any of the Sony stuff be on the Google Play edition? "bravia engine" and the sort
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
X-Reality for Mobile should be available as long as you don't unlock the phone. And as far as I know it'll only be active for hardware accelerated video, not for photos.
Wow, did not see that coming!! This ROCKS. :good: Can't wait to get this rom on my phone.
Ambroos said:
X-Reality for Mobile should be available as long as you don't unlock the phone. And as far as I know it'll only be active for hardware accelerated video, not for photos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you think the Playstation Mobile app will still come on the device? If it doesn't, do you think Sony would give some way to install like for that one HTC device? Hmm. Likewise for the Walkman app.
Shít only avalaible in the USA
Google should give us europeans some love too
Sent from my Xperia Z-back to stock
Other play editions are vanilla android, I think its a fair assumption this will be too - I doubt Sony will roll out both 4.3 and 4.4, with sony apps/engines at the same time. Pure Vanilla 4.4 or Sony 4.3 most likely the plan (in my humble opinion)
Stil great news for XZU 4.4 drivers, libs etc
Sent from my C6802 using Tapatalk
gnomePrestidigitator said:
Do you think the Playstation Mobile app will still come on the device? If it doesn't, do you think Sony would give some way to install like for that one HTC device? Hmm. Likewise for the Walkman app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great question, I actually have both versions on the way. Gonna play with both of em and decide which one I want. If I can't use the the dual shock 3 natively I might go with the Sony version.
Sony: Pure class. Kitkat AOSP so fast
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app
Guys brace yourselves for the influx of custom roms
you could very easily convert the HTC One from the Sense version to a GPE one, once the ROM is out, anyone will be able to move theirs to the GPE version!
This is the best news! Yet one more positive point about my decision to get the ultra over the note 3!
This is great news! My Ultra LTE C6806 from the Sony Store is on the Fedex truck for delivery today. I really wanted as-close-to-ASOP phablet as I could get, and the Ultra fit the bill. Hopefully I will be able to turn this into a Google Edition device!
Better start researching how to root this baby!
I'm so excited but this is soooo weird... I thought this massive massive phone was a niche device. Why didnt they do the Z1? I guess I understand why though, they already have the N5, the S4 And the ONE, so instead of adding another 5 inch google play phone, or a slightly larger note 3, they figure why not go with the biggest.
I'm not complaining it just seems so random.
So how does this help us? and It won't really be helping for a few weeks/ months no?
I like I want the gpe rom.
mottyengel said:
I'm so excited but this is soooo weird... I thought this massive massive phone was a niche device. Why didnt they do the Z1? I guess I understand why though, they already have the N5, the S4 And the ONE, so instead of adding another 5 inch google play phone, or a slightly larger note 3, they figure why not go with the biggest.
I'm not complaining it just seems so random.
So how does this help us? and It won't really be helping for a few weeks/ months no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will help us as soon as Google releases the factory images. When? It could happen an hour from now or a week. We don't know.
Wow this is fantastic news, i really wanted stock android in a phablet....since i already own xperia z ultra C6802, does anybody knw how complicated it would be to flash stock android form the Google edition phone?
trellva25 said:
Wow this is fantastic news, i really wanted stock android in a phablet....since i already own xperia z ultra C6802, does anybody knw how complicated it would be to flash stock android form the Google edition phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's as easy as walking (god, i hope you're not in a wheelchair). We just need Google to release the factory images, which can take everything between now and a week or so. We don't know.
As far as I can tell both are the same as far as bands go.
However, my question lies in, which is more favorable to get in terms of user experience? Which would you prefer? I hear the "bloatware" that Sony includes is actually pretty useful in the Sony version and rather unobtrusive. But at the same time, I thought that the Google play edition was supposed to be more easy to load custom roms. I also understand that the Google play edition is supposed to get the updates faster, but is it really that bad with Sony?
If you had the choice between the two, which would you go for? They are both about the same price, so it's not an issue, it's just a matter of which would be more preferable out of the box.
From Sony Store
http://store.sony.com/xperia-z-ultr...atid-All-Unlocked-Phones?vva_ColorCode=000000
Or...
Google play edition:
https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=sony_z_ultra
ssnova said:
As far as I can tell both are the same as far as bands go.
However, my question lies in, which is more favorable to get in terms of user experience? Which would you prefer? I hear the "bloatware" that Sony includes is actually pretty useful in the Sony version and rather unobtrusive. But at the same time, I thought that the Google play edition was supposed to be more easy to load custom roms. I also understand that the Google play edition is supposed to get the updates faster, but is it really that bad with Sony?
If you had the choice between the two, which would you go for? They are both about the same price, so it's not an issue, it's just a matter of which would be more preferable out of the box.
From Sony Store
http://store.sony.com/xperia-z-ultr...atid-All-Unlocked-Phones?vva_ColorCode=000000
Or...
Google play edition:
https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=sony_z_ultra
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the GPe but ordered it before Sony dropped their price. The GPe ROM has been ported over to Sony so if you get Sony you can run that. From what I have seen they can both be unlocked and rooted fairly easily. As for the update I would expect it to be ported to Sony rather quickly. Lots more Roms for Sony but there is work going on with a tool to convert Sony Roms to GPe. I would lean towards Sony but get as many opinions as you can before deciding.
I also have the gpe and would've preferred the xperia version. All the native xperia apps are missing obviously and the Google alternatives aren't that great IMO.
Get the cheapest one and root it (maybe even unlock it) and try the rom that fits you.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
adfurgerson said:
I have the GPe but ordered it before Sony dropped their price. The GPe ROM has been ported over to Sony so if you get Sony you can run that. From what I have seen they can both be unlocked and rooted fairly easily. As for the update I would expect it to be ported to Sony rather quickly. Lots more Roms for Sony but there is work going on with a tool to convert Sony Roms to GPe. I would lean towards Sony but get as many opinions as you can before deciding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, thanks for all the replies from everyone guys.
Second, @ adfurgerson, in order to port the GPe ROM over to the Sony, I"d have to root and unlock right?
I find it interesting that ROMs for the Sony won't work on the GPe. I was under some impression it'd be practically the same, and that the GPe version would be easier to root and unlock, but didn't know the real story behind it.
I whisked through some threads on here that gave me the impression that rooting and unlocking and loading custom roms was quite challenging on the Z Ultra, is this true?
Because of this, I thought I'd just keep it headache free and stick with stock.
On that note, how is the Z Ultra stock? Or is it really that desirable to root/unlock/load custom rom? FOr example, I have an ASUS Transformer TF700, stock, the thing is frustratingly slow/laggy/buggy, IMO, you MUST root/unlock/load custom ROM on that device to make it "functional"/ really appreciate the machine. Another example is the GS3 and GS4, I know plenty of people who are ok with stock.
THanks again to all. Looks like I'm leaning towards the Sony edition, the two grips I had with the z Ultra in general were: lack of LED flash(I like having a "flashlight" on my phones), and perhaps the "small" battery for such a large device.
The Sony Edition is the best option in this case.
The problem with the GPe is that the partitioning has been changed, something that make it very problematic to cross-flash between GPe and Sony and no solution has been offered as of yet. The result is that the ROM selection for the Sony Edition is much better.
Since the GPe ROM has been ported and there are a couple of options including Sony based ones to choose from, the best route is to go with the Sony Edition. Even if you decide to run the GPe ROM (like I do for now), the better selection of ROMs such as Paranoid Android, PAC, SlimKat, CarbonROM etc favors the Sony Edition.
It is also worth to mention that the Sony Edition came out a couple of months before the GPe - the availability of it is also superior since it is being sold worldwide while the GPe can be sourced only from Google in the US. This means that more developers and users have the Sony version, hence more development of ROMs.
When it comes to Sony Editions, I would go for the C6802 (no LTE) or either C6806 or C6833 depending on location and the importance of LTE bands. I have the C6802 since I consider US LTE to be of no importance to me. If I would be in Sweden, I would take the C6833.
The reason for my LTE stance is the fact that decent data plans are cheaper in Sweden than in the US. I don't see any benefits of having 2 GB of LTE data since Internet browsing etc works great on the HSPA+ network of AT&T. I would not start going on Netflix etc with 2 GB of data.
ssnova said:
First, thanks for all the replies from everyone guys.
Second, @ adfurgerson, in order to port the GPe ROM over to the Sony, I"d have to root and unlock right?
I find it interesting that ROMs for the Sony won't work on the GPe. I was under some impression it'd be practically the same, and that the GPe version would be easier to root and unlock, but didn't know the real story behind it.
I whisked through some threads on here that gave me the impression that rooting and unlocking and loading custom roms was quite challenging on the Z Ultra, is this true?
Because of this, I thought I'd just keep it headache free and stick with stock.
And for more controll rom i Installed App Ops
On that note, how is the Z Ultra stock? Or is it really that desirable to root/unlock/load custom rom? FOr example, I have an ASUS Transformer TF700, stock, the thing is frustratingly slow/laggy/buggy, IMO, you MUST root/unlock/load custom ROM on that device to make it "functional"/ really appreciate the machine. Another example is the GS3 and GS4, I know plenty of people who are ok with stock.
THanks again to all. Looks like I'm leaning towards the Sony edition, the two grips I had with the z Ultra in general were: lack of LED flash(I like having a "flashlight" on my phones), and perhaps the "small" battery for such a large device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im using the Sony ultra (c6833) stock and rooted with unlocked bootloader . After i tried almost all of them rom i got back to stock sony rom and installed xposed and changed some stuff . I even have the DooMKernel kernel on it and works awsome
@ssnova the GPe was very much usable stock and I tried to convince myself to leave it that way. Unlocking , rooting and recovery was easy enough. I must admit I am unsure on which methods are current for Sony so won't comment there. I plan to do more testing of this over the weekend, if it works it would take one factor out of the equation.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2746562
E90 Commie said:
The Sony Edition is the best option in this case.
The problem with the GPe is that the partitioning has been changed, something that make it very problematic to cross-flash between GPe and Sony and no solution has been offered as of yet. The result is that the ROM selection for the Sony Edition is much better.
Since the GPe ROM has been ported and there are a couple of options including Sony based ones to choose from, the best route is to go with the Sony Edition. Even if you decide to run the GPe ROM (like I do for now), the better selection of ROMs such as Paranoid Android, PAC, SlimKat, CarbonROM etc favors the Sony Edition.
It is also worth to mention that the Sony Edition came out a couple of months before the GPe - the availability of it is also superior since it is being sold worldwide while the GPe can be sourced only from Google in the US. This means that more developers and users have the Sony version, hence more development of ROMs.
When it comes to Sony Editions, I would go for the C6802 (no LTE) or either C6806 or C6833 depending on location and the importance of LTE bands. I have the C6802 since I consider US LTE to be of no importance to me. If I would be in Sweden, I would take the C6833.
The reason for my LTE stance is the fact that decent data plans are cheaper in Sweden than in the US. I don't see any benefits of having 2 GB of LTE data since Internet browsing etc works great on the HSPA+ network of AT&T. I would not start going on Netflix etc with 2 GB of data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, your post clears up a lot from a technical standpoint. I'd probably go with the C6806 since I live in the US and we have LTE in my areas.
Ended up stumbling upon this, thanks to your post.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2451590
I guess the Sony edition it is.
As a person learning to develop android I would choose the GPe, as a consumer it's 50 / 50.
The Sony stock firmware is quite good and the only thing that lags in 4.4 seems to be the live wallpaper, and blote is a minimum - and usefull.
Unlocking either is exactly the same, the only difference ifs if you want to keep your TA partition (DRM keys). You can only do this on the Sony version by doing the downgrade/root exploit/backup dance.
As for ROMs for the GPe there is CM, Carbon, LiquidSmooth and Slimkat, and I believe that if someone would test the flashable zip I wrote we could convert any (I even think stock) ROM to run on the GPe - but no one wants to have developers making thing for their phone by the looks*
* this could easily develop into a rant so I'll stop there
blueether said:
As a person learning to develop android I would choose the GPe, as a consumer it's 50 / 50.
The Sony stock firmware is quite good and the only thing that lags in 4.4 seems to be the live wallpaper, and blote is a minimum - and usefull.
Unlocking either is exactly the same, the only difference ifs if you want to keep your TA partition (DRM keys). You can only do this on the Sony version by doing the downgrade/root exploit/backup dance.
As for ROMs for the GPe there is CM, Carbon, LiquidSmooth and Slimkat, and I believe that if someone would test the flashable zip I wrote we could convert any (I even think stock) ROM to run on the GPe - but no one wants to have developers making thing for their phone by the looks*
* this could easily develop into a rant so I'll stop there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you're pretty close to making it work for the GP-e, only a matter of time and testers,
I guess I'll lean towards the Sony edition though, since I'll be using it more than developing, though I do play around once and a while.
Slightly astray, but what makes the Google play edition better for learning to develop on android?
nothing really, although I believe it has a much better bootloader/recovery
blueether said:
nothing really, although I believe it has a much better bootloader/recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to confirm
1) if we use the GPE rom on a Sony, will we be able to restore the TA partition and still use the Xperia-specific display enhancements?
2) Even though the partitioning is different, one can flash specific partitions and not the entire ROM, yes? Or are the wires truly crossed: for instance, the bootloader located is in boot?
christcentric said:
Just to confirm
1) if we use the GPE rom on a Sony, will we be able to restore the TA partition and still use the Xperia-specific display enhancements?
2) Even though the partitioning is different, one can flash specific partitions and not the entire ROM, yes? Or are the wires truly crossed: for instance, the bootloader located is in boot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No, we can't restore the partition while on a custom kernel, but we still get the image processing without the DRM keys intact (aka TA partition) on KitKat builds.
The DRM keys are only important to have in case you have to send your device in for repairs.
2. You can flash the GPe ROM on the Xperia Ultra. You can't run a dully functioning stock Sony ROM on the Ultra GPe (yet), due to partitioning issues and what not. You van flash "everything" on the regular Ultra, not on the GPe, which makes the regular Ultra a better device if you plan to flash a lot of ROMs and you want the option to cross-flash between Sony ROMs and GPe (AOSP ROMs).
Bought mine from Sony, best stock firmware I've ever used, of course mod the hell out of it, but I am very pleased
Sent from my C6806 using Tapatalk
I have multiple Bluetooth devices with Apt-X baked in. GPe does not support it, and I don't think that is going to change anytime soon.
So for me, stock is the only option. Not even CM.
I have tried out most of the alternatives, but keep coming back to stock - the audio quality improvement with apt-x is noticeable. Especially while listening to FLAC, using a player like Neutron.
I prefer gpe, because it feel smoother, simpler, less batt consumption. But yes the gpe is very limited at features and option.
billyliem said:
I prefer gpe, because it feel smoother, simpler, less batt consumption. But yes the gpe is very limited at features and option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, but the GPe ROM is available for the stock Xperia Ultra.
LordManhattan said:
Sure, but the GPe ROM is available for the stock Xperia Ultra.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i use gpe rom 4.4.4 at my 6802, i like it.smoother than gpe 4.4.2. And more responsive too. How about the price on the hardware? Stock sony vs the gpe? Is it different?
billyliem said:
Yes i use gpe rom 4.4.4 at my 6802, i like it.smoother than gpe 4.4.2. And more responsive too. How about the price on the hardware? Stock sony vs the gpe? Is it different?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
only ~$10 in it
http://www.expansys-usa.com/sony-xperia-z-ultra-c6833-unlocked-lte-16gb-purple-251965/
http://www.expansys-usa.com/sony-z-ultra-google-play-edition-unlocked-lte-16gb-black-263504/
Hell, can even get the GPe in nz now http://www.expansys.co.nz/sony-z-ultra-google-play-edition-unlocked-lte-16gb-black-263504/
Hello!
I was thinking about buying the LG G R Smartwatch, but it needs android 4.3 and the HTC one x+ (no carrier) I have is 4.2 - What would be a recommended way of upgrading? I'm happy enough with the 4.2, the only specific reason to upgrade would be to get the smartwatch thing going. So a 4.3 (or later) that is closer (and stable) to the default that comes with the HTC One X+ would be best.
Thank you very much.
Hi,
Have you ever flashed a rom before?
Did you look around the android development section for a rom?
I do recommend going with something like Cyanogenmod 11 but its a lot different from stock.
I have the LG G watch r and its great definitely worth it if you want to spend a bit more money compared to the others.
Hi, thanks for the reply.
I have installed custom roms in my HTC desires, rooted my nexus tablet, etc... While I have next to no knowledge of these things, usually the procedures are very well explained in xda and if I follow the instructions carefully and everything ends up working, even when I don't necessarily understand what I'm doing.
I'm quite happy with my HTC One X+, there's no real feature I'd be missing (usually I play a little bit more with phones that are near the end of their life cycle) so the only reason to do this would be to be compatible with the LG Smartwatch.
I too have the same problem. I'll be receiving my Moto 360 pretty soon, and I need to find a stable 4.3/4.4 ROM for the One X+. Until now, I must say that nothing runs as smooth as a Sense ROM... Not to mention the battery life. I'm now running the latest version of CarbonROM, and while it's fast most of the time, is does lag from time to time.
I'll try CM11 and OmniROM, but I'm afraid I'll end up disappointed and in need of purchasing another phone, just to be able to use a smartwatch. It's such a pity HTC didn't at least give us 4.3 with Sense 5...
Maybe it will be realistic to wait for the android L to come to the x+ ?
Given that 4.3/4.4 ROM run as they do, I highly doubt any 5.0 ROM would run better in any way. Call me pessimistic, but the device was left running on 4.2.2, which is 3 generations behind Lollipop. So I won't hold my breath for great performance on 5.0.
But I really hope I am (proven?) wrong.
Well to be honest I don't really want a lot of change, just the things that make it possible to use a smartwatch - maybe Lollipop will attract more people and good things will come? I really only needed those notifications things and bluetooth low power to communicate better with the watch, I'm very happy with the one x+ otherwise, and can't find a reason to upgrade to another phone...
If I had an android wear device, it would make my life easier...Anyone know where I can get a cheap one? We will get L, just not sure in what shape yet....
Wel Lloir, I think LG G Watch and the Samsung Gear Live are kind of cheaper now. I paid 249.99$ + taxes for the Moto 360 (aprox. 273$), I am now waiting for it to come from the US (a friend is visiting, and she bought it). The G Watch should be around 150$.
I reiterate my statement above, I am pretty sure we will get L (either from you, or other developer), but it still won't run like Sense 5 on 4.2.2. I so hate HTC for not giving us a 4.3 ROM, just for Wear support.
geojoking said:
Wel Lloir, I think LG G Watch and the Samsung Gear Live are kind of cheaper now. I paid 249.99$ + taxes for the Moto 360 (aprox. 273$), I am now waiting for it to come from the US (a friend is visiting, and she bought it). The G Watch should be around 150$.
I reiterate my statement above, I am pretty sure we will get L (either from you, or other developer), but it still won't run like Sense 5 on 4.2.2. I so hate HTC for not giving us a 4.3 ROM, just for Wear support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What other developer? Pippo won't do it because he doesn't have the device (And blind deving with a new source is painful) it's just me.....
Though I can't see me getting an Android wearable at that price :/ I'll see what I can do for you though.
I guess I'll go the cyanogenmod 10.2 route for now, seems stable enough and with 4.3. It would be a lot nice if HTC would do a 4.3 upgrade for the one x+ but I really don't see that coming
Didn't CM 10.2 have some sort of a Bluetooth issue on the One X+?
LastCaressss said:
I guess I'll go the cyanogenmod 10.2 route for now, seems stable enough and with 4.3. It would be a lot nice if HTC would do a 4.3 upgrade for the one x+ but I really don't see that coming
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try PureAosp 4.3 if you want super stability.
Isn't it the pureaosp 4.3 that has bluetooth issues?
LastCaressss said:
Isn't it the pureaosp 4.3 that has bluetooth issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what bluetooth issue I updated it last week when I remembered about said issue
Alrighty then, pure aosp4.3 it is. I'll have to try it tomorrow because the instructions don't seem so easy for my sleep deprived brain right now The audio is the only thing that no custom rom has managed at 100% right? Anyway many thanks for the good work!
Tried CM 10.2 yesterday after I posted the above message, and I must say I am impressed with the speed and stability.
No offence Lloir about your work on 4.4.4, but 4.3.1 is so much better and stable on the HOX+. I'll try Pure ASOP 4.3 in the following days.
For a moment there, I was already thinking of buying a used One M7, but after seeing the stability of 4.3 I will definitely hold off.
So, if I get the Xperia model, NOT the Goole Stock Android version, can I still flash the Stock firmware? Or does it have some limitations in terms of hardware?
PS: In my current situation, I am considering to get one. I was thinking about the LG G Flex, but the 720 screen is a no-no. I would much rather have a Xperia than LG. I had the Nexus 4 once upon a time, and never developed a taste for LG's (rather cheap) hardware.
Thanks.
X0LARIUM said:
So, if I get the Xperia model, NOT the Goole Stock Android version, can I still flash the Stock firmware? Or does it have some limitations in terms of hardware?
PS: In my current situation, I am considering to get one. I was thinking about the LG G Flex, but the 720 screen is a no-no. I would much rather have a Xperia than LG. I had the Nexus 4 once upon a time, and never developed a taste for LG's (rather cheap) hardware.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you got a non GPE Z Ultra you could flash ported GPE version but not the stock firmware. There's already ported version for version 4.4.4 kitkat and version 5 lollipop for the non gpe z ultra. Vice versa, the gpe version can't flash the non-gpe firmwares as it will permanently destroy your device due to different partitioning in both gpe and non gpe version of z ultra.
I did not like LG at first but i fell in love with the LG G3 korean version but with the price i would rather get z3
wtfhax said:
If you got a non GPE Z Ultra you could flash ported GPE version but not the stock firmware. There's already ported version for version 4.4.4 kitkat and version 5 lollipop for the non gpe z ultra. Vice versa, the gpe version can't flash the non-gpe firmwares as it will permanently destroy your device due to different partitioning in both gpe and non gpe version of z ultra.
I did not like LG at first but i fell in love with the LG G3 korean version but with the price i would rather get z3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. As I started off by saying, "in my current situation", I need a big device, with Movies+games+ Reading+ browsing capabilities that need to be top notch. Along with the hardware (inside as well as on the outside). And Z Ultra fits into all those categories well.
But, my concern was the OS. And since we had the same device out with a "gpe" which I assume is Google Play Edition, I thought flashing a GPE on an Xperia model would have been achieved.
But now that you are saying it will damage my device, I wonder what should I do?
Comments?
X0LARIUM said:
Thanks for your reply. As I started off by saying, "in my current situation", I need a big device, with Movies+games+ Reading+ browsing capabilities that need to be top notch. Along with the hardware (inside as well as on the outside). And Z Ultra fits into all those categories well.
But, my concern was the OS. And since we had the same device out with a "gpe" which I assume is Google Play Edition, I thought flashing a GPE on an Xperia model would have been achieved.
But now that you are saying it will damage my device, I wonder what should I do?
Comments?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Z ultra is too thin. I think oldies Nexus 7 is good, the price should be a lot of cheaper today. I wish myself not to get brand new device anymore. The Price of smartphone went down so much within 9 months since released. Better get 1 year old device with half Price....
x1123 said:
Z ultra is too thin. I think oldies Nexus 7 is good, the price should be a lot of cheaper today. I wish myself not to get brand new device anymore. The Price of smartphone went down so much within 9 months since released. Better get 1 year old device with half Price....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I have the old Nexus 7. Makes me want to tear my hear out every time I see it. It's one device I would never recommend to any Android first-timer. They would just never return.
Anyways, the fact that Z Ultra is thin is a plus for me.
X0LARIUM said:
Thanks for your reply. As I started off by saying, "in my current situation", I need a big device, with Movies+games+ Reading+ browsing capabilities that need to be top notch. Along with the hardware (inside as well as on the outside). And Z Ultra fits into all those categories well.
But, my concern was the OS. And since we had the same device out with a "gpe" which I assume is Google Play Edition, I thought flashing a GPE on an Xperia model would have been achieved.
But now that you are saying it will damage my device, I wonder what should I do?
Comments?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't cross flash the firmwares between the Sony ZU and the GPe devices due to differing sizes of partitions. However there are fully functioning ports of the GPe ROMs, it does not convert the phone nor will it receive OTA updates.
adfurgerson said:
You can't cross flash the firmwares between the Sony ZU and the GPe devices due to differing sizes of partitions. However there are fully functioning ports of the GPe ROMs, it does not convert the phone nor will it receive OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh cool. SO I assume the ports are just as close to the GPe ROMs as possible?
X0LARIUM said:
Oh cool. SO I assume the ports are just as close to the GPe ROMs as possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used either one of these but they are both stable for daily use according to everything I have read.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/development/scrubber-t2961315
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2800414
X0LARIUM said:
Oh cool. SO I assume the ports are just as close to the GPe ROMs as possible?
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As i've mentioned the ported version is exactly the same rom/firmware as GPE by google modified to fit the non gpe without breaking it. What i mean is you can't flash the official firmware provided directly from google without modification to the firmware hence the ported version.
wtfhax said:
As i've mentioned the ported version is exactly the same rom/firmware as GPE by google modified to fit the non gpe without breaking it. What i mean is you can't flash the official firmware provided directly from google without modification to the firmware hence the ported version.
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Awesome man... You made my day.. Thanks a lot to everyone who replied...
BTW .. anything I need to be cautious about as a new user?
X0LARIUM said:
Awesome man... You made my day.. Thanks a lot to everyone who replied...
BTW .. anything I need to be cautious about as a new user?
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Click to collapse
The main thing I stress is the need to back up TA partition (which holds the DRM keys) after rooting, but BEFORE you unlock your bootloader.
Edit.... Should mention the 4.4.4 GPe port can be used with locked bootloader, not so for 5.0 port.
adfurgerson said:
The main thing I stress is the need to back up TA partition (which holds the DRM keys) after rooting, but BEFORE you unlock your bootloader.
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Thanks man but I meant in terms of the device ...any drawbacks..shortcomings ...?
X0LARIUM said:
Thanks man but I meant in terms of the device ...any drawbacks..shortcomings ...?
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Camera.is poor and lacks flash. I have never carried it in a pants pocket out of fear of cracking screen or back glass. I
broke the charge port flap but it was my fault for forgetting to close it before slipping it into holster/case for carrying it on my belt. If you get a third party magnetic charging cord be sure to attach it in the right direction.
X0LARIUM said:
Awesome man... You made my day.. Thanks a lot to everyone who replied...
BTW .. anything I need to be cautious about as a new user?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing you need to be cautious about. If you want the gpe experience, the ported gpe ROMs work great, we have several android lollipop based ROMs as well. It is a very good device, and if you have any trouble for some reason, I'm sure someone will be eager to help you out here. Its a very friendly community. The only down side is the flash for the camera, there is none.
X0LARIUM said:
Thanks. I have the old Nexus 7. Makes me want to tear my hear out every time I see it. It's one device I would never recommend to any Android first-timer. They would just never return.
Anyways, the fact that Z Ultra is thin is a plus for me.
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If the thin were your wish. ZU is right choice. ZU is strong device with good waterproof feature. 5.0 gpe port rom work nicely on ZU. I put 4.4.4 on my ZU due to most banking apps Not work on L. For me "her" thiness is bit problem on holding it, made our palm tired to hold. 2nd all z series xperia will be better with dock ( magnetic charger ) otherwise we need to open charging port everytime to charge it will easily tearing the cover and loss the waterproofing. I used D48 dock magnetic charger for my ZU and Z3c.
x1123 said:
If the thin were your wish. ZU is right choice. ZU is strong device with good waterproof feature. 5.0 gpe port rom work nicely on ZU. I put 4.4.4 on my ZU due to most banking apps Not work on L. For me "her" thiness is bit problem on holding it, made our palm tired to hold. 2nd all z series xperia will be better with dock ( magnetic charger ) otherwise we need to open charging port everytime to charge it will easily tearing the cover and loss the waterproofing. I used D48 dock magnetic charger for my ZU and Z3c.
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http://uae.souq.com/ae-en/sony-dk31...ging-dock-charger-stand-pod-cradle-6594643/i/
Would this one work?
Also, which other docking charging ports work in that case?
Thanks for the headsup BTW/...
X0LARIUM said:
http://uae.souq.com/ae-en/sony-dk31...ging-dock-charger-stand-pod-cradle-6594643/i/
Would this one work?
Also, which other docking charging ports work in that case?
Thanks for the headsup BTW/...
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I find it is hard to find a dock for Z Ultra. Z Ultra unable to fit in the Z1 dock, i've tried but maybe others have better luck. One more thing to be aware is if you ever gonna use magnetic charger please get a genuine sony magnetic charger. Reason being if you use it the opposite way, it will damage your device. With original sony magnetic charger it won't allow you to plug in if its the wrong way.
Hopefully there is no country variant i don't have to worry about. Some of the phones have a country variant (G Flex for example), where one version works better than another. Hopefully there is only one Z Ultra. I am in the UAE.
Had a Z Ultra, now a Z2 and it bugs me to get back to the Ultra.
Sony does have brazil country specific models and non-LTE variants for each of their device (or most of them)
What I know about the ZU variants is this:
LTE Model is C6833
Non-LTE is C6802
Hopefully I did not mess up the numbers here.
Saikyo_San said:
Had a Z Ultra, now a Z2 and it bugs me to get back to the Ultra.
Sony does have brazil country specific models and non-LTE variants for each of their device (or most of them)
What I know about the ZU variants is this:
LTE Model is C6833
Non-LTE is C6802
Hopefully I did not mess up the numbers here.
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And how do they vary apart from the LTE bit? Hopefully everything else is the same....
I have no experience with flashing on sony devices but I have on just about everything else. Any particular version (google play or stock) that I should pick over the other for flashing roms and potentially (hopefully) marshmallow? Any stock version numbers I should make sure I am not on to avoid being unable to get past rooting security, etc? Thanks in advance!
I would recommend you to get the Non-Gpe version over the gpe version because there are more developers supporting ROM development for the Non-Gpe version. And also there are GPE ROMs for Non-Gpe version. So there is no specific need to get the GPE version.
Sent from my Xperia Z Ultra C6802
Also, be sure to get one with an unlockable bootloader, or else you're screwed, so you should pretty much stay away from carrier version of it. Gaining root on an unlocked bootloader isn't an issue. Just flash or hootboot a kernel with recovery (since Sony devices do not have an integrated recovery), and flash SuperSU. That's it.
Other than that, nothing particular you should look out for. The GPe version might get 6.0 soon (we have no idea if it'll actually get upgraded to 6.0), and we'll be able to easily port it over to our regular Ultra. There are also AOSP 6.0 builds out there, but they are not daily driver material yet.
Ive flashed,rooted and romed a ton to. I just recently got the z ultra. To me its hands down the best device ive owned. Ive had htc,note,note2,3,and 4,lg g3 and 4,tablets of the same above....z ultra is just as snappy. That being said,the cons are,its kinda fragile,dont stick it in your back pocket then jump in a car/truck. Well,not fragile,huge..sweet display.
As far as flashing its definitely different. No stock recovery. Not to worry though,nut made a installer for pc that will flash duel recoveries philz touch/twrp. And installs SU. Like the ever helpful kloas said dont buy a carrier locked device. Att,verizon,T-mobile. International version,bought from Amazon or the like. Sony allows bootloader unlocking. Devs also made a nifty lil tool for that. It wont come unlocked but its either allowed or not. This can be found within the dialer. You wont be disappointed with the phone. Even if u did get a locked bootloader one,its still able to gain root and flash roms. Im sticking with the z ultra till the price drops on the nexus 6. Good luck
harley1rocker said:
Ive flashed,rooted and romed a ton to. I just recently got the z ultra. To me its hands down the best device ive owned. Ive had htc,note,note2,3,and 4,lg g3 and 4,tablets of the same above....z ultra is just as snappy. That being said,the cons are,its kinda fragile,dont stick it in your back pocket then jump in a car/truck. Well,not fragile,huge..sweet display.
As far as flashing its definitely different. No stock recovery. Not to worry though,nut made a installer for pc that will flash duel recoveries philz touch/twrp. And installs SU. Like the ever helpful kloas said dont buy a carrier locked device. Att,verizon,T-mobile. International version,bought from Amazon or the like. Sony allows bootloader unlocking. Devs also made a nifty lil tool for that. It wont come unlocked but its either allowed or not. This can be found within the dialer. You wont be disappointed with the phone. Even if u did get a locked bootloader one,its still able to gain root and flash roms. Im sticking with the z ultra till the price drops on the nexus 6. Good luck
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Just ordered mine. C6833 off amazon. Pretty excited for it to show up. I had the nexus 6 and was never really satisfied with its performance. Then I got a lumia 1520 for kicks, loved the size, and wanted something equally big or bigger in android. I really like the stock dpi of the non-gpe version. About time a manufacturer realizes were not buying bigger phones to have the same screen real estate, just bigger. I want more space, more icons, more content.
loudog3114 said:
Just ordered mine. C6833 off amazon. Pretty excited for it to show up. I had the nexus 6 and was never really satisfied with its performance. Then I got a lumia 1520 for kicks, loved the size, and wanted something equally big or bigger in android. I really like the stock dpi of the non-gpe version. About time a manufacturer realizes were not buying bigger phones to have the same screen real estate, just bigger. I want more space, more icons, more content.
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ZU deff has that. The nexus 6 was the phone i wanted. Ended up with this giant. And love it. When you first get the phone there tools that do all the work for you. Like,backing up TA. Gaining root and at the same time installs 2 recoveries. Theres a tool for unlocking the bootloader as well as flashing. Root, recovery and unlocked BL. All u need!!!!\m/
Out of the box the Nexus 6 looks like its made for your grandfather to use. 4 Icons wide on the desktop, and everything super big. Changing the DPI on it is a must. I ran mine at 460, which bumped the google launcher up to 6 icons, wide.