topic Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users! in Android

Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

Chris_K — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 12:23:20 GMT

Hello Community folks.

We saw a lot of great activity with our previous ‘Virtual Interviews’. It has been a while since our last one, so we feel it's time to announce our next one and yep, you guessed it, it's about devices- Android specifically! We will have guests representing HTC, Samsung, Sony, Alcatel, LG, Huawei & Motorola who work in the O2 Device Team, who will be here to answer your questions on 15^thJanuary from 12:00PM to 13:30PM (90mins). These guests will be Helen McKerrow, Martin Heap, Richard Biltcliffe, Richard Fowler & Shaun Watt.

We know many of you love your smartphones and we know there's a huge Android fanbase here, interested in both hardware and software alike. If you've got a burning question for any of these manufacturers or anything Android OS related then simply post it below. Your questions could range from the process involving new devices to software updates or anything related to Android’s eco-system.

Virtual Interview topics always generate a lot of interest over and above people asking questions - to make it easier for us and the team to collate and spot questions easily, please highlight your questions in bold if you can.

To ask a question you'll need to be a registered O2 community member and be logged in. Please see this thread for details on how to do this > http://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Welcome-News/What-s-the-O2-community-and-how-to-get-started/td-p/426482

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

MI5 — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 13:46:10 GMT

The most obvious question is why does it take O2 so long to issue firmware updates? We've all heard the "testing for the best user experience" which is, as we all know, a poor excuse, as O2 do nothing apart from add the apps and welcome screens. Please don't patronise us by suggesting you need to test all your apps either as we all know they work fine on a sim free device

All other networks work quicker in releasing their updates, so is it O2 that are under staffed in this area or just slack

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

perksie — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 13:58:12 GMT

Apart from the question raised by MI5 I don't think there are many that need answering as with Android most if not all the apps supplied by O2 work fairly well.

I think many would prefer it if earlier notice could be obtained about upcoming handset releases and whether or not O2 are likely to sell them.

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 03:19:12 GMT

I AGREE WITH YOU TOTALLY. THEY OUGHT TO BE MORE CONSIDERATE AND SEND A NOTIFICATION TEXT TO O2 customers .

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

jonsie — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 05:37:47 GMT

Do O2 have any input or influence at all with the manufacturers about software updates?

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

perksie — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 20:43:06 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I AGREE WITH YOU TOTALLY. THEY OUGHT TO BE MORE CONSIDERATE AND SEND A NOTIFICATION TEXT TO O2 customers .

Can you avoid using capitals as it comes across as shouting or rudeness in a forum?

Many complain they get too many so half the customers probably wouldn't agree.

(Edit as I mis-read the question.)

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

MI5 — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 14:45:51 GMT

I'm not sure what the text requirement is for....?

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

a_hcir — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 20:39:52 GMT

Question: There seems to be a big buzz for the "Google Play edition" of big name phones, and people seem to enjoy unadulterated AOSP like the Nexus devices deliver. Why aren't the manufactures giving people what they want? Why can't they give us the option of an AOSP ROM as an alternative to their custom android overlays?

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

MI5 — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 20:30:32 GMT

The previous question has prompted me to ask about O2's policy of locking bootloaders and refusing to allow them to be unlocked even when a phone is paid off and or out of contract?
I choose to stick whatever ROM I want on my phones but the bootloader lock limits my choices on some phones....... 😞

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

anticpated — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 20:26:53 GMT

There is a certain amount of marketing in os updates.Google are guilty aline by releasing them in line with new mobile handsets.

O2 do need test their apps although the m15 comment does have a grain of truth.

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

MI5 — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 20:30:05 GMT

A grain !!!! LOL
I've only ever had one O2 branded phone and never had an issue with any of their apps

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

anticpated — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 20:13:52 GMT

You know, I was expecting an O2 branded telephone and after looking at the About section it appears to be a European model. Not sure if that means, it will only work in europe though.

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

MI5 — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 20:16:41 GMT

Some of the latest Samsungs are region locked, so yes, it could mean that.

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

anticpated — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 20:25:12 GMT

It's an LG although I can't seem to find a system code to dial to get further information.

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

anticpated — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 20:43:03 GMT

It turns out it's locked and if I want to remove this in the future I will contact O2.

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

MI5 — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 20:45:46 GMT

All phones that O2 sell are network locked, but free to get it removed on contract handsets.
I always unlock any I get as a matter of course, regardless if I need them unlocking or not as it gives me freedom of choice.

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

anticpated — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 22:41:19 GMT

I will after I get used to it.

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

Anonymous — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 11:10:07 GMT

Question: Why do O2 need to do excessive testing for android updates once OEM's have released them, to say their sim free unlocked handsets? If the OEM thinks it's OK to go through what do O2 then add on other than some apps that can be added in via the play store?

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

MI5 — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 12:55:34 GMT

Same question we've all been waiting to be answered....

Re: Virtual Interview – Calling all Android users!

Anonymous — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:24:20 GMT

Chris,

Firstly, let me welcome this initiative.

I have read the subsequent responses and noted, that like most forums, the thread of original topic is often quickly lost and there is a need to summarise participants points along the way. Hence, is would seem (and I agree), that O2 customers would find intentions for f/w upgrades highly desirable.

Regards,

Derek