Messages

1

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / USA Phone & Data Networks

« on: July 24, 2018, 06:53:37 pm »

The point is that I and others explicitly asked Planet Computers if the Gemini would work on the Verizon network before we made the purchase. We were told it would work. Clearly that isn't the case.

It seems to me that the Gemini IS able to work on Verizon (some people seems to have got it working, with a LOT of hassle), but that Verizon doesn't WANT people to just use non-Verizon phones on their network...?? I have never understood "branding" phones to a network: Use, and follow, standards, and both the company AND the customers should have much less problems??  

Wonder if it will work if one is roaming on their network?? Anyone with a Gemini from outside USA visiting there for a summer holiday (or work, for that matter) who can check it out?? If it DOES work without any hassle, it should REALLY prove that the problem is PURELY Verizon acting difficult towards their customers...

(I've never understood why people think it is cheaper, or better, to buy a phone as a "subscription" than to pay for it directly. Everybody knows you shouldn't buy things on credit, so why don't they apply that to phones as well? But it is becoming the trend also in Norway to buy your phone through the carriers, unfortunately...)

--------------------

FYI

Too many hours spent deep-diving into this Verizon vs Gemini issue online and in-store with competent Verizon tech support help.

Carrier: Verizon
Network: CDMA
Frequencies: 1900, 1700/2100, 850, *700
Bands used: 2, 4, *13

Gemini
Networks: GSM, CDMA
Frequencies: 850/1900 MHz BC0 BC1+ EVDO
Bands used: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/17/20/41

Notice that the Gemini has neither the 700 MHz frequency nor band 13; the absence of which makes the Gemini pretty much incompatible with Verizon or, at best, unstable / dysfunctional.
In other words, a Gemini with a Verizon SIM is one huge, problematic headache trying to make it work 100% as a cell phone (as claimed in a cavalier, broad brush way by Planet) and messaging device.

* Main frequency and band number Verizon uses that neither of which the Gemini has.

The Gemini has SIM slots / is configured to support foreign, GSM networks as "world phones." That is irrelevant to Verizon Network users.

By the way, Verizon does not support "roam" - so says their tech support dept. because their nationwide coverage is far and wide... almost blanket like.

Ifanafi

Verizon is moving to LTE entirely during 2019, so CDMA support will no longer be an issue. The real problem is that Verizon only allow certain devices on their network. Looking at it from their perspective, I can understand why -- you don't want to allow a device on your network that could damage it or interfere with your other customers. I don't know what Verizon requires manufacturers to do in order to get a device on the "permitted devices list". I asked them, and they wouldn't tell me. They said they'd only discuss the details with the manufacturer. I gave the appropriate contact details to both Verizon and Planet Computers Ltd.

It's particularly frustrating that in all the places I currently travel to, Verizon offers LTE service.

-----------------------------

USA cell carriers require phone manufacturers to submit their devices to an expensive ($100k+) several month review process for certification.
Planet has said they cannot $afford that necessity. And that is why the Gemini is not certified and has compatibility issues with the likes of Verizon.

Could you point me to a link or two that describes this process? Thanks.

2

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / USA Phone & Data Networks

« on: July 23, 2018, 08:58:37 pm »

The point is that I and others explicitly asked Planet Computers if the Gemini would work on the Verizon network before we made the purchase. We were told it would work. Clearly that isn't the case.

It seems to me that the Gemini IS able to work on Verizon (some people seems to have got it working, with a LOT of hassle), but that Verizon doesn't WANT people to just use non-Verizon phones on their network...?? I have never understood "branding" phones to a network: Use, and follow, standards, and both the company AND the customers should have much less problems??  

Wonder if it will work if one is roaming on their network?? Anyone with a Gemini from outside USA visiting there for a summer holiday (or work, for that matter) who can check it out?? If it DOES work without any hassle, it should REALLY prove that the problem is PURELY Verizon acting difficult towards their customers...

(I've never understood why people think it is cheaper, or better, to buy a phone as a "subscription" than to pay for it directly. Everybody knows you shouldn't buy things on credit, so why don't they apply that to phones as well? But it is becoming the trend also in Norway to buy your phone through the carriers, unfortunately...)

--------------------

FYI

Too many hours spent deep-diving into this Verizon vs Gemini issue online and in-store with competent Verizon tech support help.

Carrier: Verizon
Network: CDMA
Frequencies: 1900, 1700/2100, 850, *700
Bands used: 2, 4, *13

Gemini
Networks: GSM, CDMA
Frequencies: 850/1900 MHz BC0 BC1+ EVDO
Bands used: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/17/20/41

Notice that the Gemini has neither the 700 MHz frequency nor band 13; the absence of which makes the Gemini pretty much incompatible with Verizon or, at best, unstable / dysfunctional.
In other words, a Gemini with a Verizon SIM is one huge, problematic headache trying to make it work 100% as a cell phone (as claimed in a cavalier, broad brush way by Planet) and messaging device.

* Main frequency and band number Verizon uses that neither of which the Gemini has.

The Gemini has SIM slots / is configured to support foreign, GSM networks as "world phones." That is irrelevant to Verizon Network users.

By the way, Verizon does not support "roam" - so says their tech support dept. because their nationwide coverage is far and wide... almost blanket like.

Ifanafi

Verizon is moving to LTE entirely during 2019, so CDMA support will no longer be an issue. The real problem is that Verizon only allow certain devices on their network. Looking at it from their perspective, I can understand why -- you don't want to allow a device on your network that could damage it or interfere with your other customers. I don't know what Verizon requires manufacturers to do in order to get a device on the "permitted devices list". I asked them, and they wouldn't tell me. They said they'd only discuss the details with the manufacturer. I gave the appropriate contact details to both Verizon and Planet Computers Ltd.

It's particularly frustrating that in all the places I currently travel to, Verizon offers LTE service.

3

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / USA Phone & Data Networks

« on: July 23, 2018, 08:40:35 pm »

Here's a helpful link re: CDMA, GSM.

https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2407896,00.asp

4

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Reflections on State of Gemini OS'es & General

« on: July 21, 2018, 06:28:07 pm »

Perhaps I should first specify what set-up I used before the Gemini:

Phone: Nokia Communicator 9300i
Computer: Psion netBook

Now, whilst those two are still superior technologies, I must admit that I appreciate having been launched into the second decade of this century.
So I am fully happy with the stock Android, discovering new features every day.
 
On the subject of Planet: I really wish them all the best. After all: the Gemini is what I waited for since 2001. The hardware of the 5mx. But it comes with modern software. Planet really must succeed. Otherwise I am in trouble (the battery of the netBook is dying... and I would miss WhatsApp, because MSN2Go doesn't work anymore).

I am therefore very worried about their poor customer performance. I am also slightly worried about the physical longevity of the Gemini (keyboard wear, battery life, hinge, screen...). Fifteen years of faithful usage might probably no longer be expected, but is three years too much to ask ?

I hear you re: longevity. The fact that mobile phone batteries are not made easily replaceable is stunning. I hope the Gemini is an exception here -- I'm expecting a device such as this to last longer than the 2 years typical phone batteries last. Sigh.

5

Gemini PDA - Android / Battery Consumption in Standby

« on: July 20, 2018, 03:41:40 pm »

Here's what helped me reduce battery consumption: Turned off wifi when the gemini is asleep, and turned off wifi scanning. There are lots of wifi networks in my area, and I noticed the gemini was always scanning to keep the list of networks up to date. I don't want any of my android devices scanning networks unless I explicitly want it to. Here's what I did to my gemini:

1) Enable development mode in Settings. Under development mode, turn on USB debugging.

2) Install adb on your computer. Connect gemini to computer via USB.

3) Using the adb shell command, make the desired changes to wifi config:

$ adb -d shell
Planet:/ $ settings put global wifi_scan_aways_enabled 0
Planet:/ $ settings put global wifi_sleep_policy 0
^D
$

This change doubled battery life for me.

6

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / USA Phone & Data Networks

« on: July 13, 2018, 09:14:06 pm »

Sorry guys, I cannot add any recent experience, but...

my first U.S. compatible smartphone was an Ericsson R380 World. Whilst staying 3 months in Texas I decided to buy a local SIM card. Those at Verizon did not even know what a SIM card was: they only sold phones. The one at T-Mobile (the brand I used at home) grudgingly sorted out a SIM "You're sure ? You can get a phone with it as well ?"

Anyway., from what I remember the entire business model of Verizon is that you should use their phone.
And that phone is entirely filled with stuff that protects it from being used in any other way than they want you to.
Apparently that hasn't changed. Well, I am afraid that Planet PDA cannot change that.

Also, T-Mobile (Deutsche Telekom) originally comes from Europe, so from it's day one it followed the (European) GSM standards without much tampering.

Was there any fair chance that the Gemini would work on Verizon ?

The point is that I and others explicitly asked Planet Computers if the Gemini would work on the Verizon network before we made the purchase. We were told it would work. Clearly that isn't the case.

7

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / USA Phone & Data Networks

« on: July 12, 2018, 01:46:44 pm »

MikeC

Please repost / email your 'me too' Verizon issues directly to Planet's support AND CC: robin @ planetcom.co.uk because this Verizon predicament is unacceptable given Planet's assertions that the Gemini would work on the Verizon network.

Thanks you.

In the meantime, I am investigating other cell carriers replies herein have mentioned.

------------------

+1 on the Verizon Wireless problems. Can only receive calls, cannot make them. Can only send texts, cannot receive them. This happens whether I use Android or
Sailfish. I spent significant time discussing the Gemini issues with the second level  of tech support @ Verizon Wireless. They told me the Gemini will not work on their network unless/until the manufacturer  (Planet Computers LTD) contacts them and works out the details.

I had planned on using the Gemini as a replacement for my Nexus 5x, as well as a very portable linux device to replace my long in the tooth IBM thinkpad (yup, not Lenovo) which I had been using with linux to travel to and manage some industrial equipment. The Gemini does the latter OK, but at least for me, it's not a replacement for a phone.

I should have bought the wifi-only model. I should have bought it through the indiegogo campaign, rather than direct from Planet Computers. Oh yeah -- also I  haven't received the leather pouch I ordered with the device back in May. Sigh. Chalk it up to experience, live and learn, etc.

Done.

8

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / USA Phone & Data Networks

« on: July 08, 2018, 11:12:51 pm »

+1 on the Verizon Wireless problems. Can only receive calls, cannot make them. Can only send texts, cannot receive them. This happens whether I use Android or
Sailfish. I spent significant time discussing the Gemini issues with the second level  of tech support @ Verizon Wireless. They told me the Gemini will not work on their network unless/until the manufacturer  (Planet Computers LTD) contacts them and works out the details.

I had planned on using the Gemini as a replacement for my Nexus 5x, as well as a very portable linux device to replace my long in the tooth IBM thinkpad (yup, not Lenovo) which I had been using with linux to travel to and manage some industrial equipment. The Gemini does the latter OK, but at least for me, it's not a replacement for a phone.

I should have bought the wifi-only model. I should have bought it through the indiegogo campaign, rather than direct from Planet Computers. Oh yeah -- also I  haven't received the leather pouch I ordered with the device back in May. Sigh. Chalk it up to experience, live and learn, etc.

9

Gemini PDA - Android / The Gemini 4G will not work on Verizon Wireless' Network

« on: July 04, 2018, 06:24:28 pm »

[quote name='Ifanafi' date='Jul 3 2018, 11:11 AM' post='288407']
Despite some minor issues that I resolved through playing around with various free and paid apps and their settings, my Verizon SIM (Gemini 4G WiFi, US keyboard) now makes and receives calls and texts... without errors / problems.

I eventually realized after trial and error testing of the top ten rated phone and text apps, that using Verizon's Messenger+ app (requires "activate"via settings) and the free version of the TruePhone dialer and contacts app work together well.

In short, most tested dialer apps interfered / didn't play well with most text / SMS apps tried together and vice versa on my Gemini.

Oh, by the way, look first for your preferred apps at ApkPure such as FIrefox because apps there are cleaner, "pure" versions.

Ifanafi

UPDATE: Verizon's SIM connected to the Verizon network (SIM 1) and worked immediately since installation, but not without an adjustment or two when testing phone dialer and text SMS apps... as I have been doing.

IMHO, Verizon custo / tech support is USELESS. Do not waste your time seeking assistance for your Gemini. Many answers to issues / questions can been found online when querying the brand / model of phone the Verizon SIM card occupied before the Gemini, and the phone or SMS app, which I've found can cause connection problems.

___________

Hmm.  With the Verizon SIM from my Nexus5x, I can receive calls, but cannot make them. I can send texts, but not receive them.  When I try to make a
call using the default dialer on the Gemini, I get an error message "Server Unreachable", and the call doesn't go through. The phone's status bar shows VoLTE and 4G. I suspect the gemini is trying to use VoLTE, and that's the source of the "Server Unreachable" message.

I contacted Verizon support, which put me through to the next tier of support.  They told me the Gemini will not work properly without Verizon working with Planet Computers regarding such things as Access Point Names and other settings which they wouldn't specify.

What dialer app and texting app did you find that worked on the gemini?

Thanks.

10

Gemini PDA - Android / The Gemini 4G will not work on Verizon Wireless' Network

« on: July 02, 2018, 12:42:00 pm »

The Gemini will not function on the Verizon Wireless network, because it is not on their approved device list. Only manufacturers can add devices to this list, so if you want to use your gemini on the Verizon Wireless network, contact Planet Computers LTD and ask that they work with Verizon to make this happen.

11

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Perk/Accessory delivery?

« on: June 29, 2018, 12:56:38 pm »

My Gemini PDA arrived (in the US) this week. But I did not receive the leather pouch or connectivity kit which I had ordered as perks. The perk tracker seems to suggest that these shipped with the device (they did not).  I have reached out to Planet seeking clarity. What are other experiences from folk? Did the perks arrive separately? Did they arrive at the same time?

I ordered a Gemini + camera + pouch on May 11th, I received the Gemini + camera the first week of June (in California, USA). I haven't yet received the pouch. I ordered my Gemini,etc direct from Planet Computers.

12

Gemini PDA - Hardware / MediaTek USB-UART on Gemini-PDA

« on: June 28, 2018, 03:32:40 pm »

Hi,

I managed to get UART over USB working, which is a nice, non-destructive way of getting a serial console on the Gemini-PDA.
I documented all the steps, and wrote a blog post here. I hope this helps others in getting this working.

Cheers,
Omegamoon

Thank you for posting this info!

13

Gemini PDA - Hardware / Keyboard label wear

« on: June 27, 2018, 06:06:20 pm »

+1 here... I've had my gemini for about a month, and it has had little use while I wait to see if my mobile carrier will allow it on their network. The Esc/on/off key label is almost completely gone. There is no way these labels are laser-engraved. They're painted on with poor quality paint.

14

Gemini PDA - Sailfish OS / First time Sailfish user... Questions

« on: June 26, 2018, 08:02:57 pm »

Do you see the ring when you re-boot or open the device? Try to swipe from the left or right edge the screen. I have the same problem.

If I swiped from the right, I got a lock screen button. Swiping from the left enabled the camera. The center always showed the rotating ring. Here's what I did that worked for me:

1) The Sailfish os is hidden in the debian linux.img, under /.stowaways You can boot debian and poke around in there to take a look a things.

2) On my linux machine (which I used to Flash the boot/system images), I mounted up the linux.img file in the firmware directory, and created a tar archive of sailfish os:

         mount -t ext4 -o ro linux.img /mnt
         cd /mnt/.stowaways
         tar cjf /where/you/have/space/sailfishos.tar sailfishos
3) Then I rebooted the gemini into debian, went to /.stowaways, and nuked sailfishos. I then sftp'ed the sailfishos.tar from step 2, and extracted it. This resets sailfishos to it's initial state

4) Then I rebooted the gemini, this time into sailfish os, and this time didn't set a PIN. I went through the other initialization steps, logged into my jolla acount, and got the rotating ring again. However, when I rebooted back into sailfish os, it's working fine now.

I hope this helps.


I don't have a SIM installed yet because I'm waiting for Verizon Wireless to decide whether or not they're going to allow the gemini on their network. Until they do, I can't make calls on the gemini so I've gone back to my original phone.

15

Gemini PDA - Sailfish OS / First time Sailfish user... Questions

« on: June 26, 2018, 12:51:19 pm »

Greetings,

I just went through the process of booting Sailfish OS for the first time -- Selected locale, language, set up wifi, created jolla account, accepted terms. All seemed to go swimmingly. However, now I'm left with a rotating teal ring, and things do not seem to be progressing. Any ideas as to what is currently happening?

Thank you,
Mike