Samsung Galaxy S II Owners Thread

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617 posts

Ultimate Geek

#481376 15-Jun-2011 11:05

grdwalker: how does the VFNZ firmware differ to other standards?

Looking at the firmware Intratech posted on XDA, the main firmware (kernel and baseband) is identical to the generic XEU. The only difference is the CSC (carrier-specific customisations) file.

I don't know exactly what changes VNZ have made in the CSC file. There may be a custom boot screen, new apps, removed apps, and/or restrictions made to the phone settings. It's hard to say without a thorough examination.

The only thing that should be of any major concern with the VNZ firmware is how long it takes to get updated when a new round of firmware updates comes out. The XEU firmware is generally one of the first to get an update, and carrier-specific versions come out after that. It's a good sign that VNZ uses the same kernel/baseband as XEU, as this might help speed up firmware updates.

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GroinsNZ

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#481404 15-Jun-2011 12:01

tonypnz:
GroinsNZ:

Hi Tony, I also got mine yesterday from Tech Brands and it was in German too. Had to look at a YouTube video to find out how to change the language to English - I am new to Android. Other than that, phone seems to running ok, although I'm not able to connect it to Kies via the USB data cable as the Android MTP driver fails to install correctly, so I can't check for a firmware update. My battery seems to be fine at this stage.

Cheers, Mike.

Hi Mike :)

Fortunately I recognised the verb 'sprechen' as something to do with language, possibly from reading too many Commando comics in my childhood ;)

Cheers
Tony

Arrrh, I just found out that "Sprache Andern", shown on the first setup screen means, roughly, "Change Language" :-)

stevenz

2800 posts

Uber Geek

#481433 15-Jun-2011 12:53

Back in the Atari ST days I used to translate apps from a group that wrote a large number of handy utilities from German into English through trial & error. I still can't "read" the language per se, but I've picked up enough to find my way through gadgetry when it's in Deutsch. :)

@KnightNZ

nofam

1073 posts

Uber Geek

#481445 15-Jun-2011 13:27

Neets:
nofam:
Can you point me at the bits n bobs you used to get root? I'm finding it annoying not even having r/w access with root explorer!!

The link I used has now been superseded by this one.

Make sure you have a copy of the original firmware. I picked it up from this link.

My phone came with KE7, and I'm not sure KE8 is newer based on a comment I read on twitter (can't remember who posted it now).

So am I right that there's two different ways of getting root:

- Use Chainfire's kernel as per your link

or

- Flash an insecure kernel, root with SOC, manually install Busybox & Super User, and then flash your original kernel back, which keeps root

kiwitrc

4123 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#481448 15-Jun-2011 13:31

I used the original Chainfire root with the insecure kernal etc without issues.

stevenz

2800 posts

Uber Geek

#481484 15-Jun-2011 14:17

And I'm now one of the assimilated.

Just setting up the now rooted phone and restoring the Titanium Backup data from my Nexus One now :)

@KnightNZ

nofam

1073 posts

Uber Geek

#481486 15-Jun-2011 14:18

stevenz: And I'm now one of the assimilated.

Just setting up the now rooted phone and restoring the Titanium Backup data from my Nexus One now :)

So what root method did you use?

K1000716

569 posts

Ultimate Geek

#481497 15-Jun-2011 14:33

I've flashed lite'ning rom, which gives you root, busybox and superuser. The kernel is modified so you either live with the yellow warning triangle, use a jig, or flash another kernel and lose those tweaks.

nzgeek

617 posts

Ultimate Geek

#481499 15-Jun-2011 14:35

I've just installed Lite'ning ROM v1.4, and all looks good so far. The theme is nice - I especially like the battery meter on the notification bar, and the CRT-off effect when the screen turns off.

The ROM is pre-rooted and installs both the CWM app and SuperUser automatically. Probably one of the easiest ways to do this.

Can't wait til a proper 2.3.4 firmware comes out, which should hopefully solve the worst of the battery woes.

kiwitrc

4123 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#481500 15-Jun-2011 14:35

Strange, on google maps I always seem to start off in a place called Pinconning, MI, USA? Only when I get GPS does it know where I am. Anyone seen weird stuff like this?

Second issue, how do I set the in call volume to stay loud when I answer calls, it always seem to be set low? I have adjusted up in the actual call but it just seems to reset for the next call.

stevenz

2800 posts

Uber Geek

#481506 15-Jun-2011 14:43

nofam:
stevenz: And I'm now one of the assimilated.

Just setting up the now rooted phone and restoring the Titanium Backup data from my Nexus One now :)

So what root method did you use?

Flashed the CF-Root kernel, reflashed the original Vodafone kernel to get rid of the yellow triangle and then reflashed the CF kernel from within the CWM app.

All seems good so far, although WaveSecure apparently doesn't like being dumped on a different phone...

Next thing to do is change the LCD density to something smaller. (edit \system\build.prop and change the 240 to 200)

@KnightNZ

valtam

396 posts

Ultimate Geek

#481507 15-Jun-2011 14:43

nzgeek: I've just installed Lite'ning ROM v1.4...

Ha! I just installed 1.3 last night, this must have come out in the last few hours. Will update tonight :)

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Neets

1376 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#481517 15-Jun-2011 14:59

nofam:
jpanwala: I believe you kept your prepay VF number but changed to a plan, is that right?

In that case, it does take up to 24 hrs for data access to be active on your new plan. All other services will be active the instant you put your sim in and power up, except data. This does not apply to new contracts with a new number. Only when changing prepay to plan and keeping the same prepay number.

Yes that correct. I noticed that my new account wasn't accessible on the VF site yesterday either - it told me to check back later, so I suspect the provisioning is related to this too.

Edit:

Intratech on XDA has very kindly found and uploaded the genuine VFNZ firmware:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113928

LEGEND!

And very decent of you to shout a drink. Nice going :)

I used SOC to do the root and then flashed the original kernel. I'm sure by now you've found the method that suits you best :)

Samsung Galaxy S5 SM-G900I

nofam

1073 posts

Uber Geek

#481518 15-Jun-2011 15:01

Neets:
nofam:
jpanwala: I believe you kept your prepay VF number but changed to a plan, is that right?

In that case, it does take up to 24 hrs for data access to be active on your new plan. All other services will be active the instant you put your sim in and power up, except data. This does not apply to new contracts with a new number. Only when changing prepay to plan and keeping the same prepay number.

Yes that correct. I noticed that my new account wasn't accessible on the VF site yesterday either - it told me to check back later, so I suspect the provisioning is related to this too.

Edit:

Intratech on XDA has very kindly found and uploaded the genuine VFNZ firmware:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113928

LEGEND!

And very decent of you to shout a drink. Nice going :)

I used SOC to do the root and then flashed the original kernel. I'm sure by now you've found the method that suits you best :)

Yeah I'm really tempted to judt flash Litening to be honest!!

Neets

1376 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#481522 15-Jun-2011 15:03

tonypnz: Hi all,

I recently bought one of these from ezishopping here in Christchurch. I've read through this entire thread and it's full of good information, thanks everyone who has posted :)
My phone apparently was sourced from Germany as everything was in German when I switched it on, so I don't have the KE7 upgrade available in Kies yet. My battery runs out fairly quickly :(
I'm a bit of an android/galaxy noob though so if there were some others here in Christchurch, I'd love to get together some time and see what can be done with the phone and get some advice :)

Cheers
Tony

Hi Tony. I'm in Chch but I'm [shhhhhh] a g.i.r.l

Happy to meet in a well lit, public place so that you feel safe

.

However, since I don't possess a decent amount of testosterone I may not really "get it" when it comes to games that require violence, blood and gore so my understanding and use of Android and the SGS may not be very useful to you.

Samsung Galaxy S5 SM-G900I

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