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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 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.

3

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.