The (maybe) "Epic" Motorola X Pre-Release Thread

[IHateMyTreo]

Chief, I think it's time to move this thread to the Phones Forum (instead of hidden in the Lounge), so it can become "epic" (and you can become the next Steven58) - and get a free phone

Of course, you'll have to ban you-know-who sometime during the thread.

 

[The_Chief]

Treo:

#1- I have suggested exactly that: to make a thread for the Motorola X. However: until it is something beyond vaporware (ie, Google i/o announcement), there will not be a dedicated forum.

#2- The phone thing was a one-shot deal and likely will never happen again. That was simply an epic end to an epic adventure.

I wouldn't turn down a Moto X, though

#3- Chief does NOT like swinging the ol' ban hammer. At all. I prefer to give folks lots of chances, warnings, infractions, etc. Let's hope it won't come to that. I think we can all be reasonable in our posts and stay within the Rules & Guidelines.




EDIT: And Phandroid picks it up!

http://phandroid.com/2013/02/13/motorola-x-phone-software/

 

[IHateMyTreo]

1. Seems pretty real, especially given the Google help wanted ad.

2. I'll start a collection.

3. I think we all have learned and matured from the frenzy that was the GN Spec Thread. I hope

 

[AntimonyER]

What induced the Galaxy Nexus to get a forum? I remember it was well into the thousands before it was made official...

 

[IHateMyTreo]

What induced the Galaxy Nexus to get a forum? I remember it was well into the thousands before it was made official...

I don't know what triggered the GN Speculation Thread to become "official" but when I started the RAZR HD Speculation Thread, it was approved by Early and Phases after the phone showed up in the Cellbrite system. In this case it will probably take an official announcement from Google, although still seems more reality than not to me.

 

[UBRocked]

I actually think it's very plausible that VZW will tack on the fee. Because it's not about money. What if google told all carriers, the phone will be unlockable on your network, or you won't get it. So VZW lawyers look at the agreement and decide, they do have to offer a way to unlock it, but it doesn't have to be free. So they assign a number that when compared to what you get is exorbitant, in order to prevent as many people as possible from taking advantage of it. End result, for the most part, business as usual, with an extra $200 per year from the die hard few.

I see your point but I don't know that even Google cares about the bootloader being unlockable. The GNex is unlockable for the developers...not for actual end users. It is a benefit that many of us enjoy but it's not the purpose behind it.

The only thing I don't understand is why Verizon cares if the bootloader can be unlocked or not. I don't see how it hurts Verizon. My money is on this whole $15 (one time fee or monthly fee) being a crazy rumor and nothing more.

 

[jhawkkw]

I see your point but I don't know that even Google cares about the bootloader being unlockable. The GNex is unlockable for the developers...not for actual end users. It is a benefit that many of us enjoy but it's not the purpose behind it.

The only thing I don't understand is why Verizon cares if the bootloader can be unlocked or not. I don't see how it hurts Verizon. My money is on this whole $15 (one time fee or monthly fee) being a crazy rumor and nothing more.

Verizon clings to two notions for their defense against unlockable bootloaders.

First is that it allows users to run custom software that may break devices (such as kernels overclocked so high that the fry the phone, the usb fast charge feature found in many roms that has the potential to melt the charging port, etc). So this results in them having to take on added cost to replace these devices.

Second is that they like to keep everyone on roughly the same build so that customer service can more easily troubleshoot and/or assist users.

My rebuttal to all of this is that for the first notion, that user is not entitled to a new device because they took on the inherited risk of doing so. For the second notion, is that most users who run custom roms tend to know more about their device than the CS reps, rendering this point moot.

 

[UBRocked]

Verizon clings to two notions for their defense against unlockable bootloaders.

First is that it allows users to run custom software that may break devices (such as kernels overclocked so high that the fry the phone, the usb fast charge feature found in many roms that has the potential to melt the charging port, etc). So this results in them having to take on added cost to replace these devices.

Second is that they like to keep everyone on roughly the same build so that customer service can more easily troubleshoot and/or assist users.

My rebuttal to all of this is that for the first notion, that user is not entitled to a new device because they took on the inherited risk of doing so. For the second notion, is that most users who run custom roms tend to know more about their device than the CS reps, rendering this point moot.

The manufacturers should be responsible for replacement hardware which would limit Verizon's cost to only the time needed to process return paperwork and shipping (although knowing VZW...that probably gets charged back to the manufacturer as well).

But people still call customer service for help with their phones? I thought they all came here

Yeah...I wonder how many people call VZW with a problem saying "well, I did try a different kernel and that didn't solve my issue either" LOL!

That is VZW posturing but I wonder what their "real" problem with it is

 

[Unforgiven]

That is VZW posturing but I wonder what their "real" problem with it is

Before ICS you could say cash from bloatware vendors. I can't think of anything now but pure ignorance.

 

[Hadron]

Corporate cultures don't change easily...

 

[UBRocked]

I understood when people were getting free tethering but all the new plans have that. And...I don't think you need to replace the kernel for that...just root is needed I think.

 

[Digital Controller]

God 15$/m for unlocked bootloader....Big Red what are you doing!??!

Well I really hope that doesn't happen or I might be switching carriers

 

[Adauth]

I understood when people were getting free tethering but all the new plans have that. And...I don't think you need to replace the kernel for that...just root is needed I think.

Correct. I have a rooted razr and can tether all day, no problems. No fee. All u need is root.

 

[finndo77]

My guess is that one of the game changing features will be the reintegration with the Linux kernel, which is due. Possibly adding full digital calling...

 

[Digital Controller]

Correct. I have a rooted razr and can tether all day, no problems. No fee. All u need is root.

Yeah this is correct.

Typically though, like Verizon doesn't offer tethering for free on stock, you need to go get a plan upgrade.

 

[The_Chief]

I'm throwing the whole "flexible display" thing out

Motorola X Phone: Google executive promises ‘insanely great camera’ | BGR

 

[Fred G. Vader]

Someone remarked to me recently that the xPhone is going to run Key Lime Pie but I don't think so. I was just thinking back to the leaked job posting for the X Phone project manager. The very first sentence in that job posting said "Next Generation SmartPhone Platform".

The xPhone is a phone not a platform. Android is a platform. KLP would be just the next incremental version of the Android paltform. So what is the "Next Generation SmartPhone Platform"?

I think the xPhone is going to run Chrome OS. Remember the chromed out android mascot that google recently affixed to building 45 (where I believe chrome os development occurs)? I think that was a subtle hint at this "next generation platform".

Android apps will be compatible and able to run under chrome os so they instantly have an app store. And think about it there haven't been any rumors or leaks or anything concerning KLP. I think that's because its all about Chrome OS going forward.

The comments we have heard are that the xPhone is going to be a game changer! That it will have awesome features not available to samsung or any other vendor. That it will tie in google products in ways no other vendor can. Why? Cause it will be running Chrome OS. What do you guys think?

 

[Adauth]

Someone remarked to me recently that the xPhone is going to run Key Lime Pie but I don't think so. I was just thinking back to the leaked job posting for the X Phone project manager. The very first sentence in that job posting said "Next Generation SmartPhone Platform".

The xPhone is a phone not a platform. Android is a platform. KLP would be just the next incremental version of the Android paltform. So what is the "Next Generation SmartPhone Platform"?

I think the xPhone is going to run Chrome OS. Remember the chromed out android mascot that google recently affixed to building 45 (where I believe chrome os development occurs)? I think that was a subtle hint at this "next generation platform".

Android apps will be compatible and able to run under chrome os so they instantly have an app store. And think about it there haven't been any rumors or leaks or anything concerning KLP. I think that's because its all about Chrome OS going forward.

The comments we have heard are that the xPhone is going to be a game changer! That it will have awesome features not available to samsung or any other vendor. That it will tie in google products in ways no other vendor can. Why? Cause it will be running Chrome OS. What do you guys think?

Nah no chrome os. If even half the rumors/leaks are true this is going to be a monster of a phone. This is basically Googles device. They are going to want to show off. They aren't going to release a mediocre device. Everyone is going to want to see what Google can do with no interference from a manufacturer. This is going to be all Google and I don't see them releasing anything but a knockout.

 

[Namrak]

http://www.autoomobile.com/news/motorola-x-vs-google-nexus-5-android-50/10014494/

looks like the s3? Lol

 

[The_Chief]

As long as the bootloader is unlocked/unlockable and it's rootable, I really couldn't care less what OS it ships with: I can CHANGE it

Besides, there will be a VAST difference between Verizon's watered-down version of Key Lime Pie and a custom ROM like KLP Sourcery. I'd rather have the custom ROM any day.

 

[Liamo_210]

Since its basically a Google device a really hope its full stock. Not even moto blur lite. Just hope theres some good surprises involved and that if it does have key lime pie is prefer that its not a huge overhaul of JB.

 

[The_Chief]

I know that the blogosphere picked up ONE article and it spread like wild-fire: I mean, if I read "game-changer" in another article I think I'll PUKE!

But here's this:

Motorola X & Google Nexus 5 Could Be A Single Device | Autoomobile

So the name game begins: Moto X? Nexus X? Nexus 5? Motonexus 5X?

Nobody knows...

 

[Unforgiven]

So the name game begins: Moto X? Nexus X? Nexus 5? Motonexus 5X?

Pup's replacement phone.

 

[The_Chief]

Huh??? Well, THIS throws a wrench in the works:

Google Nexus 5 Another LG Partnership

 

[Hadron]

I think that conflicting rumours just confirm that the blogosphere doesn't have a lot of hard fact.