What has Verizon taken away from V20?

[tribbleorlfl]

As for Smart Settings, I don't need to use it on the V20 to know that it works correctly. I know it works correctly. I also know it isn't any different than what I've routinely ignored in the past in my old G4 and G3. It's an embarrassingly limited app with barely any functionality, which you'd be well aware of if you ever bothered to use any of the widely available automation apps on Android. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Seriously, give it a try. Then laugh at Smart Settings. If you need help setting anything up, I'd be happy to help, but it's not complicated like Tasker. It's pretty easy to understand, assuming you're not one of those people who spend hundreds of dollars on a smartphone and doesn't know how to do anything beyond make phone calls, text, and check social media. I take it you're not since you're on this forum.

I've used Tasker on my phones for 5 years now and love it. However, there are a number of things it used to be able to do that after subsequent Android OS updates now require rooting for (toggling GPS, bypassing lock screen when at/in a defined location or state) that similar Phone utilities can perform (because they're built into the software).

 

[TheMarcus]

I've used Tasker on my phones for 5 years now and love it. However, there are a number of things it used to be able to do that after subsequent Android OS updates now require rooting for (toggling GPS, bypassing lock screen when at/in a defined location or state) that similar Phone utilities can perform (because they're built into the software).

Well, Smart Settings only does the most basic tasks. Nothing that you'd need root for.

 

[tribbleorlfl]

Well, Smart Settings only does the most basic tasks. Nothing that you'd need root for.

So smart settings cant toggle on GPS when say opening Maps, or bypass Lock Screen when at home (Samsung's smart lock can)? If not, then I agree it's not a big loss.

 

[TheMarcus]

So smart settings cant toggle on GPS when say opening Maps, or bypass Lock Screen when at home (Samsung's smart lock can)? If not, then I agree it's not a big loss.

It's been a while since I've used it, but all I remember Smart Settings being able to do is turn Bluetooth and WiFi on or off when leaving or coming home and also launching a single app of choice when headphones or a single BT device is connected. Hardly smart, but useful when you're the type of person who buys an expensive phone and can't be bothered to think outside of the box.

Anyone who takes initiative to come into a forum like this isn't who Smart Settings was made for. It was made for our friends and family who just want to buy a phone that they hear is great.

 

[juliesdroidsync]

It's been a while since I've used it, but all I remember Smart Settings being able to do is turn Bluetooth and WiFi on or off when leaving or coming home and also launching a single app of choice when headphones or a single BT device is connected. Hardly smart, but useful when you're the type of person who buys an expensive phone and can't be bothered to think outside of the box.

Anyone who takes initiative to come into a forum like this isn't who Smart Settings was made for. It was made for our friends and family who just want to buy a phone that they hear is great.

Yes & No. I come here to learn things and if there's a better way, then great! But it's a shame I can't try out Smart Settings for myself and see what it can and cannot do... because it's been disabled.

Whether anyone wants to defend them or not, "the Verizon experience" has "modified" my phone in 3 ways to make me use more data and waste my time. Other carriers did not. And, not only did they neglect to let me know but have FLAT OUT REFUSED to give me a list of what they either did-not-buy-in/do-not-support or otherwise have intentionally disabled.

To me, and I respect your right to disagree, they don't get a free pass in exchange for a $128 cheaper retail price tag, (and not give you the free $99 tablet, either...)

It's like selling a car at a discount, but first not telling you the car is not as advertised, then further by refusing to tell you exactly what is missing from the car, and then trying to defend that position by saying, "you really didn't need that feature anyway..." I would never get away with treating my customers like that!

Because of the trade in credit, it was a good deal for you monetarily, and that does make me happy for you, genuinely. Verizon is betting on more people looking at it like you are. Sprint, AT&T and T-Mo are looking at it like it might make their customers angry...

 

[TheMarcus]

That's the price you pay for buying it from Verizon, and I think it's more than worth it. If it's not for you or anyone else, you're all free to buy an unlocked model. Nobody is forced to buy anything with options available for all.

 

[juliesdroidsync]

That's the price you pay for buying it from Verizon, and I think it's more than worth it. If it's not for you or anyone else, you're all free to buy an unlocked model. Nobody is forced to buy anything with options available for all.

Of course you're right, but at least Verizon (hopefully they hire folks to occasionally monitor these forums) will know when their customers are not happy with something they're doing or not doing.

Smart businesses pay attention to the happy and unhappy customers. Reading these posts might help some people decide one way or the other, too.

I do genuinely thank you for the conversation, though... I enjoy trying to understand other's points of view, and generally learning a lot from people like you that will take the time to share.

 

[silverfang77]

Talked with one of their reps via the executive relations number from this thread. She was very nice and said she had talked to LG,who simply said they don't support the FM radio and Smart Settings on the VZW version of this phone. She gave me a number for LG to call, so will try that on Monday. I don't expect much to come of it, but will try.

 

[juliesdroidsync]

Talked with one of their reps via the executive relations number from this thread. She was very nice and said she had talked to LG,who simply said they don't support the FM radio and Smart Settings on the VZW version of this phone. She gave me a number for LG to call, so will try that on Monday. I don't expect much to come of it, but will try.

Yes, and they will not tell you straight up that the definition of don't support is the hardware is physically in the phone but it requires a software library that either Verizon or LG can write and push out to the phone. Or at least Verizon has to request that LG do so and pay them for it.

Verizon apparently did not buy in so it is not supported but I hope you can get farther than I did.

Make them tell you specifically, if you can, why it will not work...

And thank you! The more people ask the more we will learn, and perhaps maybe get something changed

 

[juliesdroidsync]

OK, folks... I have them both in hand, on different lines - a Verizon version and an unlocked version for comparison. For future updates, I'll update the thread http://forums.androidcentral.com/lg...0-us-996-verizon-has-anyone-already-done.html so I won't be repeating myself...

If there's anything you want me to check, I'll be happy to do so over the next day or two, so let me know. Here's what I've found so far; a couple of surprises:

1.) FM Radio - does NOT work on either the Verizon version or the Unlocked version.
2.) Wifi Calling - Yes, Verizon - No, Unlocked
3.) Advanced Calling Feature - HD Voice - Yes, Verizon - Yes, Unlocked
4.) Advanced Calling Feature - Video - Yes, Verizon - No, Unlocked (did not expect that one - no video calling is a big bummer for me...)
5.) Google In Apps Search Shortcut - No, Verizon - Yes, Unlocked (and it is awesome enough to almost warrant keeping this phone just for this one thing!)
6.) Smart Settings / My Places - No, Verizon - Yes, Unlocked
7.) Verizon Bloatware - Yes, Verizon, but can be disabled - No, Unlocked
8.) Wireless Hotspot - Yes, Verizon - Yes, Unlocked
9.) Theme Support - Partial, Verizon - Yes, Unlocked (need to spend more time with this, as I think only the unlocked supports icon packs)
10.) Visual Voicemail - Yes, Verizon - No, Unlocked (but there are apparently apps for this; I need to spend some time checking on this one.)

 

[scottbeamer]

I would like a lot more of the themes if we could use them without the icons they have.

You can with Nova Launcher