Messages

1

Gemini PDA - Linux / Gemian repository (or updated image) for Gemini?

« on: April 20, 2022, 07:36:28 pm »

I have a version of Linux updated from the version in the image installed using the Planetcom flash tool for a dual-boot Gemini.

It looks like Planetcom has released a much newer Linux image for the Cosmo (based on Gemian?), but not for the Gemini.

I hoped to get those updates for my Gemini from within Linux, but when I try to update using Synaptic, I get the error:

"The repository 'http://gemian.thinkglobablly.org/stretch/ stretch Release' does not have a release file."

Does anyone know how to correct this, or a workaround to get all of the Gemian updates onto a Gemini? (Another repository or changes to repository settings? An updated image to flash? A "howto" for manual updates from the Planetcom image?)

I'm also still waiting for an updated Android image form Planetcom for the Gemini -- or, better, a working LineageOS for the Gemini. But it seems like Planetcom may have abandoned the Gemini.

Many thanks to Adam Boardman and everyone else who has volunteered to help make our Planetcom devices more useful!

2

Gemini PDA - Linux / Mobile data in Debian (T-Mobile USA)

« on: October 09, 2019, 12:35:22 pm »

Thanks, Varti! This helped me get mobile data at least partially (mostly?) working.

In case anyone else is trying this, here is what I did:

1.  Downloaded and copied "serviceproviders.xml" to /usr/share/mobile-broadband-provider-info/serviceproviders.xml following instructions at https://github.com/gemian/gemini-keyboard-a...DebuggingMobile

I don't know if this was necessary. I has to create this directory and copy the file from the command line as root; I haven't figured out how to run PCManFM as root on the Gemini.

2. Set APN:

Code: [Select]

cd /usr/share/ofono/scripts
./set-context-property 0 AccessPointName fast.t-mobile.com
3. Activate this profile:

Code: [Select]

./activate-context 1
I haven't found any documentation of the ofono scripts -- I had to guess at which were used to set which parameters.

I was able to set the MMS service center with:

Code: [Select]

./set-mms-details none http://mms.msg.eng.t-mobile.com/wapenc
This now shows up with "./list-contexts", but MMS sending and receiving still don't work. This is not critical for me, most of the time, but is annoying, especially because some (all?) iPhones seem to send all text messages by MMS not MMS, even if the messages are straight text without attachments. So I don;t receive text messages from some contacts' iPhones.

I now have mobile data working in Debian, at least on my home network (T-Moble USA). I'll be travelling aborad next month, and will find out if roaming data (critical for me) works.

Strangely, the "Mobile Data" tab in Connman still has both the "Mobile Data" and "Roaming Data" boxes under "Mobile Data" un-checked, even while connected.  ("Mobile Data" *is* now checked in the top "Cellular" box in Connman.)

The Gemini connects automagically to cellular data if I reboot into Debian, or if reboot into Android and than reboot back into Debian.

I don't know how to set which services (e.g. Wi-Fi and/or celluar data) start at boot, or how to prioritize which connection is used. But on my cellular data plan, this isn't usually an issue -- I have unlimited cellular data, even while roaming in most countries, so I don't usually need to switch to, or prioritize, Wi-Fi.

Meaanwhile, I got a follow-up message form Planetcom support saying that they don't know how to enable cellular data in Linux, and don't support Linux on the Gemini.

3

Gemini PDA - Linux / Mobile data in Debian (T-Mobile USA)

« on: October 08, 2019, 10:18:02 am »

Have a look here https://github.com/gemian/gemini-keyboard-a...DebuggingMobile. Towards the bottom there is a section about ofono scripts. I had to use that approach to get mobile data to work on linux.

Thanks. I looked at that, but was unsure what settings to use.

Is anyone using a T-Mobile USA SIM (especially a data SIM without voice service) on their Gemini? What settings needed to be made through ofono-scripts? Here are the current settings:

$ cd /usr/share/ofono/scripts
/usr/share/ofono/scripts$ ./list-contexts
[ /ril_0 ]
    [ /ril_0/context1 ]
        Settings = { }
        Active = 0
        IPv6.Settings = { }
        AccessPointName = internet
        Type = internet
        Password =
        Name = Internet
        Username =
        Protocol = dual
        AuthenticationMethod = none

    [ /ril_0/context2 ]
        Settings = { }
        Active = 0
        IPv6.Settings = { }
        Password =
        AuthenticationMethod = none
        MessageCenter =
        AccessPointName = mms
        Type = mms
        Name = MMS
        Username =
        Protocol = ip
        MessageProxy =

4

Gemini PDA - Linux / Mobile data in Debian (T-Mobile USA)

« on: October 07, 2019, 10:18:15 pm »

After flashing the latest (I think) Debian updates, I seem to be getting closer to having mobile data working in Debian -- but not quite.

Maybe someone can suggest how to make it work.

I have a dual-boot Gemini with rooted Android (with Googleware) and Debian, and a T-Mobile USA 4G data SIM (with mobile data, a phone number, and SMS but no voice calling services).

4G mobile data and SMS sending and receiving work perfectly in Android (the Android version bundled with Googleware).

In Debian, the "Messaging" and "Phone" appas are installed. "Phone" doesn't work, of course -- not supported by this SIM. "Messaging" can send and receive plain-text SMS messages, but not MMS messages. (Perhaps this means that MMS messages are actually transmitted over mobile data, which isn't working?)

Connman has a "Mobile" tab, which shows only one "SIM Selection" option , "/ril_0".

The "Powered" and "Online" boxes are ticked for the selected SIM. "2G/3G/4G (fastest)" is ticked for connection type.

Under "Cellular", the box for "Powered" is ticked, but not the next box, "Mobile Data". If I tick this "Mobile Data" box, I get a popup:

CMST Warning

We received a DBUS reply message indicating an error.

Error Name: net.connman.Error.InvalidService

Error Message: Invalid service

Is anyone else using a T-Mobile USA data SIM in Debian on a Gemini? Any suggestions for what I should do to fix or diagnose this failure? Thanks in advance fior any guidance.

5

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / News from Planetcom re: Linux & Android plans & support

« on: October 07, 2019, 11:48:16 am »

(This relates to both Linux and Android, so I am posting it here in  the general forum)

I receoived the following message today from Planetcom support:

Linux on the Gemini still remains as a Developer Preview release, which is by no means recommended to be used as the main OS on the device. We advise using Linux for experimental and development reasons only. The main OS on the Gemini will remain Android, as the ARM/Mediatek chipset is best designed for use with Android.

There is no way to enable cellular data on Linux, and this will likely remain the case due to the "openness of Linux". Linux with an unlocked cellular modem could allow some potentially illegal actions to be easily executed. Hence, standard Linux (not talking about modified Linux for smartphones such as Ubuntu, Sailfish) does not, to this minute, have workable cellular modems in any device with such a vanilla form of Linux.

While this is unconfirmed, we know our developers are focusing some of their resources onto LineageOS for both the Cosmo and the Gemini. It is, however, important for us to focus primarily on Android, as no mobile phone manufacturer, regardless of scale, can risk their entire business by getting unlicensed by Google.

The refereences in this message to "Android" appear to refer not to Android but to a bundle of Android with proprietary Google-ware.

The statements about Google licensing are disingenuous, since Google itself says that proprietary Google apps are independent of Android and that "Android will remain free and open source..... Going forward, Android partners wishing to distribute Google apps may also build non-compatible, or forked, smartphones and tablets for the European Economic Area (EEA)."

So distributing LineageOS or any other Android distribution not bundled with Google-ware, even if it were the primary Gemini OS rather than one of several options, would not (and, under EU law and Google licensing terms, could not) provide grounds for termination of licensing of Google-ware for those Gemini users who want it, or for other Planetcom devices.

The Gemini was advertised to Indiegogo backers, and is still being advertised to prospective purchasers, as a dual-boot Android/Linux device, with no mention of limited functionality in Linux or of basic Android functionality (such as calling, SMS, and mobile data) available only if proprietary Google-ware is also installed.

6

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Big announcement on 5th November

« on: November 06, 2018, 03:37:57 pm »

I wrote the following to Planetcom in response to this announcement:

Thanks for the announcement. But before you start working on a *new* device, *please* finish what you started and deliver the functionality you promised for the Gemini PDA.

Indiegogo backers of the Gemini were promised a device that would support calling and mobile data functions in either Android or Linux.

As of now, these functions are not available at all under Linux, and are available in Android *only* if Gemini users also install a bundle of proprietary Google-ware in addition to Android.

We expected and paid for a device with full functionality in either of two open-source operating systems, Android or Linux. As of now, we have neither.

Please, please, fulfill your promises to those who trusted you and gave you money for the Gemini PDA, before you start work on a new device.

There is no legal, licensing, or functional reason to make it a condition of using Android that Gemini users also install Google-ware. This Google software is not part of Android, and Gemini buyers were given no indication that we would only be able to use Android on our Gemini if we also agreed to install Google software on Google's terms.

Google is explicit that the proprietary Google software you have chosen to bundle with Android for Gemini is *not* part of Android, that Android is open source, and that device designers are free to distribute devices with alternate versions of Android including versions without Google-ware, without violating the terms of their licenses to distribute Google software to those users who want it.

You can, if you want, support and distribute devices with a version of Android (such as Lineage OS) that isn't bundled with Google-ware.

I understand that you may want to pre-install Android bundled with Google-ware as the *default* on the Gemini. But Android (free and open source, without Google-ware) should be an easily installable option for the Gemini, supported by you, for those who want it.

You have reneged on your commitments to date, but it's not too late to fulfill them by releasing and committing to continued support of an Android distribution for the Gemini not bundled with Google-ware.

I got the following fairly encouraging response about both continued support of the Gemini and Lineage OS on the Gemini::

I understand you might be a little concerned about the Gemini after our newly announced Cosmo product. To us, the two devices are separate products and they will both receive our support in future. The Gemini is far from reaching the end of its production cycle, and it will continue receiving our attention for years after that. As the architecture on both of the devices is very similar, supporting both of them simultaneously will not necessarily require special efforts from our side.

We are having some progress with Lineage but it's too early to promise anything. All I can tell you is that we're exploring multiple options to satisfy the needs of our users.

Other past or prospective Gemini buyers should let Planetcom know, politely, if you also consider it important for them to follow through on their commitments to open-source Android on the Gemini.

7

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Perk/Accessory delivery?

« on: October 30, 2018, 05:32:03 pm »

I ordered a connectivity pack in May (Indiegogo perk #8025). I just received 2 of 3 items: the HDMI dongle and the UCB-C hub. When I e-mailed to ask about the missing 3rd item, the mains adapter, I was told that the mains adapter with US plug is currently out of stock. I had actually requested a mains adapter with EU plug (to use when travelling), and that is supposedly in stock and now being shipped.

8

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Big announcement on 5th November

« on: October 30, 2018, 10:41:50 am »

(Have they, perhaps, shipped my connectivity pack...)

I ordered a connectivity pack in May (Indiegogo perk #8025).  I just received 2 of 3 items: the HDMI dongle and the UCB-C hub. When I e-mailed to ask about the missing 3rd item, the mains adapter, I was told that the mains adapter with US plug is currently out of stock. I had actually requested a mains adapter with EU plug (to use when travelling), and that is supposedly in stock and now being shipped.

9

Gemini PDA - Android / [GUIDE] How to remove ALL spyware from Gemini! (Google, MTK)

« on: October 17, 2018, 06:20:52 pm »

In response to sanctions imposed on Google for violations of European Union competition (anti-trust) law, Google has announced changes in its licensing for Google apps that are often bundled with Android.

According to a post in an offical Google blog on 16 October 2018:

https://www.blog.google/around-the-globe/go...droid-decision/

First, we’re updating the compatibility agreements with mobile device makers that set out how Android is used to develop smartphones and tablets. Going forward, Android partners wishing to distribute Google apps may also build non-compatible, or forked, smartphones and tablets for the European Economic Area (EEA).

Second, device manufacturers will be able to license the Google mobile application suite separately from the Google Search App or the Chrome browser. Since the pre-installation of Google Search and Chrome together with our other apps helped us fund the development and free distribution of Android, we will introduce a new paid licensing agreement for smartphones and tablets shipped into the EEA. Android will remain free and open source.

This makes it even more clear that the proprietary Googleware often bundled with Android is *not* part of Android: "Android will remain free and open source."

This also should make it clear that Planetcom or any other company can, if it wants, support and distribute devices with a version of Android (such as Lineage OS) that isn't bundled with Googleware.

I understand that Planetcom may want to pre-install Android bundled with Googleware as the *default* on the Gemini. But Android (free and open source, without Googleware) should be an easily installable option for the Gemini, supported by Planetcom, for those who want it.

10

Gemini PDA - Hardware / Quick Charge

« on: October 12, 2018, 12:32:18 am »

Gemini supports a Mediatek fast-charge technology called Pump Express. The original Gemini box contains a special  mains charger that allows recharging your Gemini in a very short time. You might be able to charge your Gemini using other chargers, but please bear in mind that only a Pump Express compatible charger will allow fast charging a Gemini.

You must also use a compatible USB cable.

In a comment on the review of the Gemini in my blog, reader Wolfgang von Jan reported that LG fast charger model MCS-H06ER charges his Gemini almost as fast as the fast charger supplied by Planetcom, without getting the Gemini as hot. LG model MCS-H06ER has a European plug with two round pins. Based on this tip, I bought an LG model MCS-H06WD, which appears to be the same or similar except with a US/Japan plug with two flat blades (non-polarized). Using the USB-A to USB-C charging cable that was supplied with my Gemini, the MCS-H06WD charges my Gemini fully in about two hours. That's a little slower than the 90 minutes needed for a full charge with the Planetcom fast charger, but much faster than the almost 8 hours needed for a full charge with any other charger I have tried. And the Gemini doesn't get hot to the touch while charging with the LG charger. The LG charger is slightly, but only slightly, larger than the Planetcom charger. I'm not sure what what fast charging protocol(s) the MCS-H06ER or MCS-H06WD use, or whether they would fast charge the Gemini with any other cables. (My LG MCS-H06WD charger came without a cable. It should use the same cable as the MCS-H06ER.) For now these LG chargers seem to be inexpensively available from multiple online sellers. Many thanks to Herr von Jan for his tip!

11

Gemini PDA - Android / [GUIDE] How to remove ALL spyware from Gemini! (Google, MTK)

« on: October 11, 2018, 08:31:27 pm »

My understanding has always been that 'Android' refers to the whole platform / package - consisting of the open source parts (AOSP - the Android Open Source Project), and the suite of proprietary software developed by Google (GMail, Play Store etc.)....

No. They sold it as supporting Android and Linux, and that's what they have delivered.

Google is explicit that Android is an open-source OS, and that Google services and apps are not part of Android:

https://source.android.com/compatibility/overview.html

Google Mobile Services (GMS) [is] Google's proprietary suite of apps (Google Play, YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, and more) that run on top of Android. GMS is not part of the Android Open Source Project and is available only through a license with Google

Planetcom have *not* yet delivered cellular data, SMS, and cellphone voice calling on *any* open-source OS -- neither Linux nor Android.

Cellular data, SMS, and cellphone voice calling currently work with Android on the Gemini only if you *also* install (or accept pre-installation of) a proprietary blob of Google apps and services. But there's no good reason for Planetcom to require Gemini users to install (or accept pre-installation of) unrelated Google services and apps in order use their devices for cellular data, SMS, or cellphone voice calling.

Could we please have what is needed for a developer to package a version of Lineage OS running on the Gemini?

+1

12

Gemini PDA - Hardware / Instability

« on: October 10, 2018, 03:26:13 pm »

BTW, I was going to comment on your review about its repeated claims that mobile calling, messaging, and data don't work on Android or Linux, when I'm happily using all three on Android.  But I gather from later comments hereabouts that it's referring not to Android itself but to LineageOS or another free Android-based OSs.  Could that be made clearer?

I tried to make as clear as possible the distinction between (open-source) Android and what I refer to as "Google OS", which is Android *bundled with* a blob of Google apps and services.

I quoted the distinction made by Google itself:

The Google OS shipped on the Gemini includes the open-source Android operating system plus a blob of proprietary Google software. Google itself is explicit that these apps are not part of Android, but are separate apps that run "on top of" Android: "Google Mobile Services (GMS) [is] Google's proprietary suite of apps (Google Play, YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, and more) that run on top of Android. GMS is not part of the Android Open Source Project and is available only through a license with Google."

I'm not sure how I could make that clearer. Would it help if I added this sentence to my review: "Cellular data, SMS, and calling currently only work with Android on the Gemini if you *also* install (or accept pre-installation of) a proprietary blob of Google apps and services"?

There's no good reason for Planetcom to require Gemini users to install or accept pre-installation of Google services and apps in order use their devices for cellular data, SMS, or voice.

13

Gemini PDA - Hardware / Instability

« on: October 10, 2018, 10:48:15 am »

Both the clear and black egrips say ‘Will Not Work for Sides of Mobile Phones’.  Do they stick securely enough to the soft plastic of the Gemini?

I saw that line in the "Egrips" product description. I'm not sure what it is supposed to mean. Maybe it means that some mobile phones are so thin that the Egrips strips would be too narrow to adhere securely on the thin edges?

I was a little concerned when I received the Egrips that they would be too soft and not stick securely. But I have had them on my Gemini for several months, and they still seem secure. I have them stuck both on the metal parts of the Gemini case ansd the hard plastic parts (at the ends of the front and back). They are visible and a bit ugly. See photos in my Gemini review here:

https://hasbrouck.org/blog/archives/002328.html#accessories

14

Gemini PDA - Hardware / Instability

« on: October 07, 2018, 06:34:41 pm »

As I mentioned in the review and tips in my blog, "Egrips" have worked well for me. They seemed a bit expensive and potentially fragile -- they are soft with a "gel" feel. But are still securely in place after several months. They are *very* high-friction, and soft an thick enough to hold the Gemeni stable even on a "pebbeled" and vibrating bus, train, or airplane tray table.

15

Gemini PDA - Hardware / Gemini as Keyboard

« on: October 07, 2018, 03:17:39 pm »

You can also try "Synergy" for keyboard and touchscreen/mouse sharing, in either direction. There is a Synergy port to Windows as well as the native Linux version.