While Sony Sues Modders, Samsung Sends Them Devices To Mod Faster
from the different-approaches dept
We've talked plenty of times about Sony's long history of trying to block tinkerers and modders, culminating in the company's absolutely ridiculous lawsuit against Geohot (George Hotz) for jailbreaking the PS3. It appears that Samsung is taking an extremely different approach. Rather than trying to restrict or hinder modders, the company just sent a bunch of free smartphones to some of the top modders:Think about that for a second. Unlike most device makers, who jealously try to lock down the device, Samsung hasn't just handed over its devices early, but it's specifically encouraging them to get their replacement/modded OS working on the phone as quickly as possible. Which strategy do you think is likely to create loyalty, win fans, and lead to greater innovation and value for users?Four members of the CyanogenMod software team on Monday received Galaxy S II smartphones in the mail, direct from the company at no charge.
“All four of us involved in the porting process for the first Galaxy S received a new phone,” CyanogenMod team member Kolja Dummann told Wired.com in an interview. “After the [Galaxy S II] launched in Europe, we just asked about getting some of those phones. Samsung agreed.”
The phones came with one simple directive — get CyanogenMod working on the phone.
Essentially, CyanogenMod replaces the stock operating system on your Android phone with a customized build, letting you make tweaks and adjustments that you wouldn’t have otherwise been able to before. Customizations range from changing visual details — like slapping a sleek new uniform skins onto the user interface — to under-the-hood boosts like overclocking the phone’s CPU.
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Filed Under: developers, modding, support
Companies: samsung, sony
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I've noticed that I have purchased a notable amount of Samsung electronics in the past couple years. If my satisfaction is linked to this sort of open-mindedness, than I'm all for it.
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I still hope Sony will do the right thing
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Re: I still hope Sony will do the right thing
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Re: I still hope Sony will do the right thing
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If Samsung are willing to put in the work, like it seems they are doing with their new range, and are willing to take opportunities like this, then that situation will change soon.
I also think that Samsung's move here is a big poke in the eye to Apple. They've basically said "if we have to hand over our phones early anyway, we'll do it our way and benefit from it." Given Apple's notoriously closed system, there is no way Apple will do the same.
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Hmmm...
I've been hearing good things about the Galaxy...
Oh, and Sony....you can sit down. I have no intention of ever buying a Sony branded product ever again. The fact that I chose you in the past despite the fact that your competitors were offering a better product for less was a mistake that I am now regretting more than ever.
Just remember, Ericsson is owned by Sony.
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Re: Hmmm...
iPhone? What's that?
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Samsung has it right
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I'm unsurprised
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Always Been a Fan of Motorola Hardware
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Re: Always Been a Fan of Motorola Hardware
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Wow!
Truly, I think I may very well have found my next phone! I've been waiting for a company to do this!
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Damn!
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Re: Damn!
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Re: Damn!
http://www.hobbymods.com/Samsung%20tv%20power%20up%20problem%20relay%20clicking.htm
http://ww w.thebuzzmedia.com/samsung-tv-capacitor-clicking-issue-and-free-repair/
Want to mail me the old set? ;-P
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Samsung Versus Sony
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Re: Samsung Versus Sony
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Re: Re: Samsung Versus Sony
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Once upon a time
That was 7 years ago. And a different Microsoft. It's time for Balmer to go, and take his Windows 8 with him.
5 years between OS releases, Steve! 5!
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Carrier vs. Hardware
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(HTC were a close second, Sony, Apple and Motorola were out of the running due to my hatred of them)
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A quick note to these companies. We are your customers ... that is all.
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FTFY
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FTFY ... actually FTFBOU (Fixed The For Both Of Us)
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Not the first time
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Korean companies ..
But this is awesome news - they already make great hardware and now I feel a lot safer buying it .... as I now feel safer assuming won't be 'upgraded' the Sony way.
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As a Galaxy S Owner...
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Follow the Money
Samsung doesn't care what version of Android their handsets run, so long as people buy them. I'm sure they make a handsome profit on each unit sold.
I don't think anything about this story is particularly surprising.
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Dishonest Hackers
Welcome 2 my nitemare!
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