Gambit
Expert Member
Anyone come right with loading the z800 firmware on their v800?
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SonyEricsson V800
- Thread starter Retnox
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CodeMaster
Expert Member
Still waiting for my T28 service cable to come from the UK.
Anyone know where I can get one in SA?
Anyone know where I can get one in SA?
Removing Vodafone software
Just an important note to all V800 owners who possibly want to flash their phones to remove the Vodafone branding / Software (also known as converting it to a Z800).
At the moment SA V800's cannot be flashed using ANY of the programs (TMS / DaVinci) out there. This is because there are new security features implemented in flashing the firmware. All CID36 phones (the 'model' V800) require a TestPoint connector which are 2 wires that must be connected to a certain point on the PCBoard of the phone BEFORE allowing any software flash.
This will hopefully be bypassed by future versions of the flashing software. So DO NOT waste your money on buying credits for any flashing software at the moment.
Just an important note to all V800 owners who possibly want to flash their phones to remove the Vodafone branding / Software (also known as converting it to a Z800).
At the moment SA V800's cannot be flashed using ANY of the programs (TMS / DaVinci) out there. This is because there are new security features implemented in flashing the firmware. All CID36 phones (the 'model' V800) require a TestPoint connector which are 2 wires that must be connected to a certain point on the PCBoard of the phone BEFORE allowing any software flash.
This will hopefully be bypassed by future versions of the flashing software. So DO NOT waste your money on buying credits for any flashing software at the moment.
Thanks for the heads-up. However I'm still holding out that a number of thse issues should be fixed by SE/Vodacom. There is no reason why a customer should have to flash a phone to fix issues that should have been fixed before the phone was launched.
Hi all,
Seems many more people having problems with the V800. My phone is down to around 4 hours (with limited talk / sms in this time). What is the "norm" the best i have had in the 2 months I have had the phone is around 1 day of use, having to charge every night.
Secondly, all java apps loaded onto the phone over the air seem to get DRM protected and dont allow them to be moved / copied / backed up. This even applies to free apps downloaded from non-Vodafone live sites. Any ideas how to get around this? Hate to lose everything and have to re-download every time a software upgrade / repair is done.
Lastly, are there any ways to do the following :
1. get full screen video (like on the E1000 - sideways)
2. create quick shortcuts to email, websites, java apps
3. get the instant messaging working that was promised as one of the phone features ?
thanks
Seems many more people having problems with the V800. My phone is down to around 4 hours (with limited talk / sms in this time). What is the "norm" the best i have had in the 2 months I have had the phone is around 1 day of use, having to charge every night.
Secondly, all java apps loaded onto the phone over the air seem to get DRM protected and dont allow them to be moved / copied / backed up. This even applies to free apps downloaded from non-Vodafone live sites. Any ideas how to get around this? Hate to lose everything and have to re-download every time a software upgrade / repair is done.
Lastly, are there any ways to do the following :
1. get full screen video (like on the E1000 - sideways)
2. create quick shortcuts to email, websites, java apps
3. get the instant messaging working that was promised as one of the phone features ?
thanks
Hi J-J.
Like you said, I also have to charge the phone every night when it is switched to the 3G and 2G network option. To solve this, I set the phone to ONLY use the 2G network, and manually switch to 3G when I need it . This gives about 2 - 3 days without recharging.
As far as I can tell, there is no way to backup the downloaded apps. This is quite frustrating, as I recently had to do a master reset on the phone and lost about R100 worth of software I downloaded from VLive.
About the missing features, this is something you'll have to take up with Vodacom, as the Vodafone firmware on the phone doesn't allow you to:
1) Use any MP3 as a ringtone (without having to modify it using a SE DRM Tool)
2) Have Photo Caller ID on the external screen
3) Use SE's instant messaging client ("My Friends").
As far as I know ALL of these features are advertised.
I have resorted to converting my V800 to a Z800, by installing the Z800's firmware on it. The V800 and Z800 are EXACTLY the same physical phone, with the V having Vodafone's firmware on it and the Z Sony Ericsson's. Of course, this probably voids my warranty.
Some things I've noticed with the Z800 firmware:
1) Allows external screen Photo Caller ID.
2) Any mp3 can be used as a ringtone.
3) Gets rid of that yucky Vodafone interface, and replaces it with the standard Sony Ericsson interface.
4) Solved some Bluetooth problems re. handsfree car kits for me.
5) Data Connection is muuuch faster. (time it takes to connect to GPRS / 3G)
6) Better 3G signal reception.
7) Longer battery life when switched to 2G and 3G mode.
8) Allows use of the instant messaging client (Which works GREAT!!)
9) Takes away your VLive! Access. (working on getting that restored)
I'm am VERY glad I made the switch. I do not at all like the Vodafone branding on the phone. Some menu structures with the Vodafone firmware were also structured to make it easier for you to spend more money. Ie. When you want to write an SMS, the FIRST option that comes up after you choose "Write Message" is the "Picture Message(MMS)" option, and NOT the text message option.
As for the missing features, I think Vodacom SHOULD address it with a Firmware upgrade. On the other hand NO Vodafone branded V800 in the world offers these features. They are only available on the Z800i.
For the moment, I do not regret voiding my warranty to get, in my opinion, the phone that the V800i was suppose to be. Also, I don't think that having a choice in firmware on your phone (which provides a better feature set) and applying that choice SHOULD void the warranty... especially on the hardware components of the phone.
Like you said, I also have to charge the phone every night when it is switched to the 3G and 2G network option. To solve this, I set the phone to ONLY use the 2G network, and manually switch to 3G when I need it . This gives about 2 - 3 days without recharging.
As far as I can tell, there is no way to backup the downloaded apps. This is quite frustrating, as I recently had to do a master reset on the phone and lost about R100 worth of software I downloaded from VLive.
About the missing features, this is something you'll have to take up with Vodacom, as the Vodafone firmware on the phone doesn't allow you to:
1) Use any MP3 as a ringtone (without having to modify it using a SE DRM Tool)
2) Have Photo Caller ID on the external screen
3) Use SE's instant messaging client ("My Friends").
As far as I know ALL of these features are advertised.
I have resorted to converting my V800 to a Z800, by installing the Z800's firmware on it. The V800 and Z800 are EXACTLY the same physical phone, with the V having Vodafone's firmware on it and the Z Sony Ericsson's. Of course, this probably voids my warranty.
Some things I've noticed with the Z800 firmware:
1) Allows external screen Photo Caller ID.
2) Any mp3 can be used as a ringtone.
3) Gets rid of that yucky Vodafone interface, and replaces it with the standard Sony Ericsson interface.
4) Solved some Bluetooth problems re. handsfree car kits for me.
5) Data Connection is muuuch faster. (time it takes to connect to GPRS / 3G)
6) Better 3G signal reception.
7) Longer battery life when switched to 2G and 3G mode.
8) Allows use of the instant messaging client (Which works GREAT!!)
9) Takes away your VLive! Access. (working on getting that restored)
I'm am VERY glad I made the switch. I do not at all like the Vodafone branding on the phone. Some menu structures with the Vodafone firmware were also structured to make it easier for you to spend more money. Ie. When you want to write an SMS, the FIRST option that comes up after you choose "Write Message" is the "Picture Message(MMS)" option, and NOT the text message option.
As for the missing features, I think Vodacom SHOULD address it with a Firmware upgrade. On the other hand NO Vodafone branded V800 in the world offers these features. They are only available on the Z800i.
For the moment, I do not regret voiding my warranty to get, in my opinion, the phone that the V800i was suppose to be. Also, I don't think that having a choice in firmware on your phone (which provides a better feature set) and applying that choice SHOULD void the warranty... especially on the hardware components of the phone.
CodeMaster
Expert Member
Hi all,
@erike, I see you have also flashed your V800. I sent you a PM this morning before seeing your last post. I have to second everything you said in your post. The Z800 firmware is 10 times better than V800's. One thing though, you said you did not have Picture Caller ID on the ext. screen, yet I did with my V800??? Strange.
Did you use TMS to flash?
I am also hunting around for the Vodafone Live! settings, so if you find them, please pass them on to me, and I will do the same.
@erike, I see you have also flashed your V800. I sent you a PM this morning before seeing your last post. I have to second everything you said in your post. The Z800 firmware is 10 times better than V800's. One thing though, you said you did not have Picture Caller ID on the ext. screen, yet I did with my V800??? Strange.
Did you use TMS to flash?
I am also hunting around for the Vodafone Live! settings, so if you find them, please pass them on to me, and I will do the same.
Hi Erike,
Thanks for the feedback. Some more info for you :
If you call vodacom and complain about the DRM, they can check your purchase history and will make a credit to your account for the amount so you can re-download the content. Apparently there is an automated process for music and will be one sometime in the future for other content. Doesnt solve the problem of content not obtained from them.
My v800 has the (supposedly) latest firmware and it does show the call ID. I am using a java based IM client which is quite decent.
Couple more questions if you dont mind :
Which services does the built-in IM client connect to ?
Does the Z800 download java apps without locking them ? (ones that werent locked in the first place?)
Where did you get your phone "converted" ?
I spoke with another Vodacom service rep who told me I should be able to get Sony to update my firmware to Z800 and that it wouldnt invalidate the warranty. I havent called them to see about this but will give it a try this morning.
Thanks for the feedback. Some more info for you :
If you call vodacom and complain about the DRM, they can check your purchase history and will make a credit to your account for the amount so you can re-download the content. Apparently there is an automated process for music and will be one sometime in the future for other content. Doesnt solve the problem of content not obtained from them.
My v800 has the (supposedly) latest firmware and it does show the call ID. I am using a java based IM client which is quite decent.
Couple more questions if you dont mind :
Which services does the built-in IM client connect to ?
Does the Z800 download java apps without locking them ? (ones that werent locked in the first place?)
Where did you get your phone "converted" ?
I spoke with another Vodacom service rep who told me I should be able to get Sony to update my firmware to Z800 and that it wouldnt invalidate the warranty. I havent called them to see about this but will give it a try this morning.
Ok, vodacom lied. The sony guy tells me only they can do it, which of course they wont.
Also was told only solution to battery problem is turn off 3g. The network isnt dense enough so the phone is always searching for a 3g signal and this causes the battery problem. There is no solution while the network is in this state. Oh, and there is no shortcut to turning off 3g quickly, and one cant be created. hmm.
Second problem, as the battery is drained so quickly and charged so often, the battery lifetime will be significantly impacted, so will need to be replaced often.
Great news isnt it?
Also was told only solution to battery problem is turn off 3g. The network isnt dense enough so the phone is always searching for a 3g signal and this causes the battery problem. There is no solution while the network is in this state. Oh, and there is no shortcut to turning off 3g quickly, and one cant be created. hmm.
Second problem, as the battery is drained so quickly and charged so often, the battery lifetime will be significantly impacted, so will need to be replaced often.
Great news isnt it?
Hi J-J.
The Sony Ericsson IM client connects to AOL, Yahoo and MSN as far as I know. You just need to set up a free account on www.yamigo.com and set the phone according to the instructions on that site.
The Z800i firmware still locks any java applications / games you put onto it.
I got my phone converted using a software program called TotalMultiServer... www.totalserver.com.
Sony and Vodacom seem to be passing the ball around re. the conversion to a Z800i. Technically ANY service center with an EMMA II system (the firmware upgrade system Sony Ericsson uses) will be able to convert the phone's firmware. Sony passes the ball to Vodacom beacuse they need permission to convert the phone. You can ask Retnox all about that.
@CodeMaster
Yep, I used TMS. Was a bit worried at first, because of reports about dead phones. Luckily it worked flawlessly. About the external Photo Caller ID, I might've had an earlier firmware version on my V800i.
The Sony Ericsson IM client connects to AOL, Yahoo and MSN as far as I know. You just need to set up a free account on www.yamigo.com and set the phone according to the instructions on that site.
The Z800i firmware still locks any java applications / games you put onto it.
I got my phone converted using a software program called TotalMultiServer... www.totalserver.com.
Sony and Vodacom seem to be passing the ball around re. the conversion to a Z800i. Technically ANY service center with an EMMA II system (the firmware upgrade system Sony Ericsson uses) will be able to convert the phone's firmware. Sony passes the ball to Vodacom beacuse they need permission to convert the phone. You can ask Retnox all about that.
@CodeMaster
Yep, I used TMS. Was a bit worried at first, because of reports about dead phones. Luckily it worked flawlessly. About the external Photo Caller ID, I might've had an earlier firmware version on my V800i.
Last edited:
CodeMaster
Expert Member
erike, any luck with the Voda Live! settings yet?
I see you also hang around Esato
I was also worried, but went flawlessly first time.
I see you also hang around Esato
I was also worried, but went flawlessly first time.Gambit
Expert Member
I'm not sure if this correct but according to the settings on my v800 it looks like the vodaphone apn is "vlive" and the url for vodaphone live is "http://live.vodafone.com/"
vodacom3g
Vodacom Representative
erike said:
Not wanting to de-rail this thread, but remember MMS and SMS cost the same.
vodacom3g
Vodacom Representative
Here's how I understand it:
SMS during peak time (7am - 8pm): 80c
SMS during off-peak (8pm - 7am): 35c
MMS up to 100K: 80c
MMS 100K to 200K: 160c
MMS up 200K to 300K: 240c
So *most* of the time you should pay 80c for either.
Some contracts, like Messenger, offer special SMS tariffs.
SMS during peak time (7am - 8pm): 80c
SMS during off-peak (8pm - 7am): 35c
MMS up to 100K: 80c
MMS 100K to 200K: 160c
MMS up 200K to 300K: 240c
So *most* of the time you should pay 80c for either.
Some contracts, like Messenger, offer special SMS tariffs.
)Thanks vodacom3g, however, most people sending more than a handful of messages take some kind of SMS bundle which gets the rate down to around 30c per message vs 80c for MMS. Rather makes the original point quite valid again.
Okay :/
I just got this phone, however my GPRS and MMS is neither working. Let's not even get to 3G, I first have to get to an area with coverage anyway. With the 3 default locked profiles on there (VLive VLiveMMS and Vodacom), it doesn't help nothing. All I'm getting is "Connection Failed!".
I tried following Vodacom's dodgy instructions (used the ones on vodacom4me.co.za for the k700i) and added Internet.GPRS as well as MMS.GPRS, but that didn't work at all either. I checked with vodacom customer care, my gprs is enabled, but they can't tell me how to fix it.
Can anyone here possibly help? What should I do / double check. I'm used to old ancient simple phones :/
I just got this phone, however my GPRS and MMS is neither working. Let's not even get to 3G, I first have to get to an area with coverage anyway. With the 3 default locked profiles on there (VLive VLiveMMS and Vodacom), it doesn't help nothing. All I'm getting is "Connection Failed!".
I tried following Vodacom's dodgy instructions (used the ones on vodacom4me.co.za for the k700i) and added Internet.GPRS as well as MMS.GPRS, but that didn't work at all either. I checked with vodacom customer care, my gprs is enabled, but they can't tell me how to fix it.
Can anyone here possibly help? What should I do / double check. I'm used to old ancient simple phones :/
v800 battery life observations :
In SA I was getting +- 8 hours useage generally, having to charge the phone EVERY night. That declined down to around 4 hours early in the week. Vodacom changed my battery. Marginal improvements.
I am currently on a trip to the UK. Turned the phone on when I landed, at 8am yesterday. Left it on GSM only until around 11am before switched on the 3G option. I have had i on ever since, so current running time is 24 hours and counting, battery is currently indicating 3 1/2 bars. Perhaps what SonyEricsson SA has been saying is 100% correct and the problem lies with the Vodacom network and not with the mobile handsets ?
In SA I was getting +- 8 hours useage generally, having to charge the phone EVERY night. That declined down to around 4 hours early in the week. Vodacom changed my battery. Marginal improvements.
I am currently on a trip to the UK. Turned the phone on when I landed, at 8am yesterday. Left it on GSM only until around 11am before switched on the 3G option. I have had i on ever since, so current running time is 24 hours and counting, battery is currently indicating 3 1/2 bars. Perhaps what SonyEricsson SA has been saying is 100% correct and the problem lies with the Vodacom network and not with the mobile handsets ?