yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Among recent popular Motorola devices, the only ones I think can support FM are the Droid X2, Droid 3 and Bionic. And I think only the X2 is officially stock supported.

The Razr's produce no FM sound or even static and RSSI is always around 0 or negative indicating no antenna. I think the Maxx is the same but don't think I have a solid report yet.

Are you dedicated to Motorola/Google due to superior cell radios or something ? I'm not too fond of FM requiring a system signed app, nor the broken bootloader unlocking promises... Still, I'm trying to get a Droid X now to unlock the antenna switch mystery.
[Spirit FM] xmguy:
I prefer the resent Motorola products because I use the video recorder to record my music covers for YouTube. The built-in app uses a AAC method for audio, plus it's in stereo. So I've been a fan since the Droid X. I'm very unhappy to hear this about the Razr.

Do you think it can ever be supported or is this like with the Droid 1. The connections just are not there HW wise? Like antenna points are not soldered or audio routing?
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
The antenna and audio appear to be not connected. On the Razr, people have tried my app and the Motorola apps. There aren't any known variants, such as an International version, that support FM.

So chances are it will never work. Here's the XDA thread: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=22343542#post22343542
[Spirit FM] xmguy:
Is there a way to find out? Does your app even make connection to the TI

WL1285C. I know TI Themselves do support FM. But so did the Droid 1 / Milestone. I personally don't want a phone without a REAL FM Radio.

---------- Post added at 11:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:48 PM ----------

Mike, I'm reaching out to the Razr forum here at XDA to find out from other MAXX owners IF there is a SLIM chance that the MAXX has ANY FM support. I think we BOTH hope there is support. But I wonder how much Motorola changed between the Maxx and the Razr. Since they are said to be the same phone but bigger battery.

---------- Post added at 11:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:16 PM ----------

Mike, One issue I've noticed in this version is when powering the app up or down. Going from headphones to speaker the speaker pops VERY loudly. Not sure why. I've not changed any settings. Of course this is the Bionic now. I still wish I knew if the Maxx supported any FM capabilities or not before I accept (maybe) on Monday.
[Spirit FM] greeky510:
Razr Maxx owner here. I just tried your app. It installed fine, started up, turned on my bluetooth and thats it. It doesnt work. I played around with the settings and i didnt even get static.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
It's exactly as greeky510 says in the post above. My app appears to work, but with low RSSI and no audio or static whatsoever. Even if there was some super secret antenna switch somewhere or we poked a wire in there, we can't get analog audio out.

In theory, digital audio or direct A2DP might be possible, but I've yet to hear of that working on any production device with TI chip.

In theory I have "hope", but in practice I say there is an extremely small chance anyone will ever get it working. I have no reason to investigate further unless someone makes some discovery or has new information.

I thought you reported this at least once before. Which audio method ? This has been a problem I've had for quite a while on several phones and ROMs and I've been surprised so few have complained.
[Spirit FM] xmguy:
Delete post
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Your emailed question:

No. :(

I just went through the large list of 4G/LTE Android phones on the VZW web-site and only that HTC Thunderbolt has a stock FM app. And it seems that VZW won't even list this in the specs, so I had to do a lot of google-ing to check the other phones.

And that google-ing indicated that despite much trying, nobody has even been able to get my app, or another OEM or other app working on any of these devices.

You'd almost think VZW was doing this on purpose. And FM in the HTC Thunderbolt was accidental and they couldn't get HTC to disable it for them (same as google with the HTC/Google Nexus One).

But I don't think the situation with AT&T is much better now. And the lack of FM problem seems more prevalent on high end devices.

If you might consider switching carriers, 15 returns might qualify you for some sort of "lemon law" return, including perhaps the service contract. Especially since they don't seem to have another device meeting your needs.

I use my phone as a phone very little, so I'm on pre-paid and I would never consider a plan. I only buy phones outright. Carrier lockin is the last thing I want, and having only a certain selection of phones to choose from is one reason to avoid lockin. I'd rather order an International version of a phone from overseas than get stuck with something missing stuff I need.

I have no idea if a non VZW contract device would meet all of YOUR needs though.

I already answer the questions below via email, but for anyone else's interest:

I NEED FM, and won't buy a phone without it. But that's only because of my development.

If it wasn't for my app, I don't think I'd care about FM, LOL. I was happy using streaming during my 1st month with the HTC Legend. The FM app would crash sometimes and I otherwise ignored it.

So, If I NEEDED FM, I would ignore the Razr and Maxx. They will never work.

I also wouldn't put up with 15 returns. If I was stuck on Motorola, and needed FM I'd be forced to get a lower spec device like a Droid 3 I guess.

But I'd look at other manufacturers too. Personally I'd go with Samsung, but I've read a lot of complaints about their cell radios, compared to Motorola (who seem to be the best for cell radios). I use the cellphone functionality very little, so that's not a big factor for me.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Same bad news with the Galaxy Nexus (and Droid 4)

The almost identical, and IMO superior Galaxy S2 is a wonderful phone however. If I was to buy a high end phone, it would likely be the S2, the upcoming S3, or better yet the Note 5" mini-tablet.

HOWEVER, the AT&T and T-Mobile variants of the S2 removed the wonderful Silicon Labs FM chip. You'd need an International version for FM.

I hope the US versions of the Galaxy Note retain the FM chip. I think the Note is the only device with stock support for FM recording. Since digital is there, it might even work with DSP processing and with A2DP BT headsets.

EDIT: Oh yeah, the obscure Acer Liquid Metal FM app seems to support recording. Not sure about the SE x10 mini, but we've seen it works with an external app.

And a lot of people aren't aware of 5" mini-tablets. So many people will think you've got the biggest darn smartphone screen around. Put's those mere 4.3" ers to shame, LOL. :)
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
I keep my eyes open for alternative or non-cell-phone Android devices that support FM, including tablets.

So far neither of the wrist-wearable Android devices I looked at support FM.

But there's at least one Media Player that apparently supports FM: As Phandroid said ( http://phandroid.com/2012/02/11/one-day-deal-phillips-android-media-player-for-89-99/ ), there's a $90 one day Woot deal, but that probably expires in a few hours if not already: http://www.woot.com/

I have no idea at this time what chip it uses or if my app might work on it...
[Spirit FM] godevskii:
Hi, can someone tell me if it this app will make radio work on optimus boston?

Thanks in advance,
[Spirit FM] xmguy:
I missed the woot. I may just hold on to the Bionic.

Forgot to ask. If Motorola requires a signed app to access the FM modules within the software. How does Spirit get around this?
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
No reports yet. A few minutes of googling gave no clear answer, but some of the Z71 variants appear to support FM.

It should only takes a minute or two to install the app and see the results. It's most likely to work if your device is rooted.

You can send me a debug log with Menu->Help->EM Logs and after a few seconds. enter "Boston" in the email text and press send.

From http://www.cyanogenmod.com/devices/z71-variants :
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
I loved the line there: “Ooooh, right, phones make calls, too. I forgot about that.”

But it wasn't reviewed very well elsewhere and I can't think of the last time I heard anything good about Philips.

If I was looking for such a product, I might wait for a good ICS device, or better yet, a wrist wearable/"watch" device with ICS.

And I've come to realize that popular devices are much better to ensure lots of Internet knowledge and custom ROMs.

This issue only applies when using the Motorola proprietary API (which is needed on stock un-rooted devices).

Going around the Motorola APIs with hcitool or direct HCI access bypasses that requirement.

But I'm still scratching my head over why the re-packaged Motorola app on the Market works. My best guess is that the package name "com.motorola.fmradio" helps fulfil the permission requirement and that's why he couldn't change it.

If that's so, in theory I could create one variant of my app with that name, but I could never put it on the market due to conflict with the one there already. But "com.motorola.something-else" might work, despite the misuse of "com.motorola" that might create an issue with Googles new corp.
[Spirit FM] xmguy:
In the past I've been able to rename the file to say "com.motorola.fmradio2.apk" and it will work. I agree to reach the larger share of the market you need to find a way to get the app running in non-root mode. I'm still looking for a DIRT cheap Android phone. I don't even need the phone to work. I just need a working FM setup for Spirit to run on. Because no matter what it seems Motorola MAY have stopped adding FM out connections to their newer phones (Razr, Maxx, Droid 4, etc) then later models. I'm not sure about the lesser ones like the Citrus. http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=3002 . There is still HTC which still has FM options. The Rezound still has FM (I think). LG is kind of funny. I've yet to encounter a smartphone from LG that has a working FM tuner. That was public. On Verizon of course. I was looking at a Droid 2. But I know it "kind of" supported FM Radio. Not through the speaker and only the right channel via analog out. Personally looking on eBay for phones with defects. Just as long as those few parts work. FM should be good to go.

Mike if you know any REALLY cheap devices or hell even a device you might sell yourself. That is a low-end phone. Whatever. Just as long as Spirit will run. I'm sure you have a good list. :)
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
The name of the APK file doesn't matter. What matters is the name inside the AndroidManifest.xml file and the *.java files.

How cheap ? Used devices give you lots of inexpensive options via Ebay etc., especially if you can live with cracked screens or the inability to use it as a phone. For my "FM and phone call comes in" tests I need phone capability though.

Maybe you should have kept your Droid X ? Can't get it back ? I'm kicking myself for missing a Droid X today that went for $81 on Ebay. It had a "missing top" but was otherwise functional.

I was considering a Droid 2 CDMA (global won't work) for $75 locally, but the most popular Motorola using my app is the DroidX, which also supports FM stock. The Droid 2 doesn't, and AFAICT nobody even knows if proper FM audio is even possible. I could explore it, and possibly find a fix (doubtful ?) but the Droid X is much better for my development. Milestone XT720 is similar but much less popular I think.

Several LG phones have FM, including my P500 Optimus One. But I don't like the engineering shortcuts I think they took, and the P990 Optimus 2x has been a pain due to it's closed Nvidia/Tegra stuff.

My cheap Samsung gt-i5500 is tiny and has some horrible limitations, but as I said it's super RF sensitive and great for the price. Checked ebay and nobody is selling anywhere near the mere $80 I got mine for.

My ears are NOT anywhere near audiophile, but I have the impression the original Galaxy S i9000 has one of the best audio chips on Android. I got mine new for $350 6 months ago, but used units with problems might go for somewhere in the $100+ range.

And lot's of options are available from HTC. My Legend is a wonderful phone for it's class and age. I'd also look at Nexus One (non-stock ROM or kernel needed for FM), or a Desire or Desire Z. Someone local is selling a Desire Z for $100 I might consider.

I've wanted to get a Desire for testing, but with the GSM/CDMA etc model splits on the plain Desire and the mere $75 or so premium I think I'll go with a Desire HD instead. I bought and returned one for $575 taxes included last year but now they can be had for $200-250 used.
[Spirit FM] xmguy:
I guess I'll have to keep looking. It's not at all confirmed if I'll be giving up my Bionic to get a Razr Maxx. It's up to a Verizon rep if he calls me back tomorrow and offers it. I just don't know. I want to support your app. Plus it's the best (as I've said) FM app on any phone I've ever used or seen. I also said about 95% of the stations I listen to on radio are streaming online. Even AM ones. I'm really torn. But the issues I've had with my Bionic go beyond FM use. To the core of the phone it's self. Random hard lock-ups. (where I have to pull the battery). Data dropping off and not coming back at random. This is a constant issue since I bought the phone in September. I hate to post all this here on your thread for Spirit. I just wanted to explain more what I'm going through with all of this. I'm just pissed that Motorola seems determined to eliminate FM radio from the newest and going forward phones. HTC and LG may fall in suit. Now for Global it won't be as big to remove. Even Motorola will keep it on Global as they require it for lack of stable high-speed data connection. Or rural areas where coverage in general may be slim. Maybe Verizon wants to remove it, but in reality, you'd think they don't care or would want some of the load taken off their network. I don't know maybe Motorola or Verizon think it's not as popular of a feature. I honestly don't know. I just wish they'd leave it and let the consumer decide if he/she wants to use it or stream online. Give people a option. (steps off soap box)
[Spirit FM] athe_s:
Working well on Galaxy Ace with CM 7.1 Razr Ui ROM by Team Cooper
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
IMO, carriers only complain about the "load on their network" when they are trying to justify throttling, data caps, or price increases or lack of price drops so they can pay for network buildouts.

The reality tends to be that the more data that flows, the more money they make. So they pretend it hurts them while they are laughing their butts off.

And as you've said, streaming audio is nothing compared to video. Most Internet traffic is video, either streaming or downloads/P2P.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Great ! Thanks for your report.

Are you using the default Audio Method of "CyanogenMod" ? If so, I presume there is a CM FM app on this ROM.

Did you enable Debug->BC 20780 ?

I would be interested in seeing the debug log. Select Menu->Help->EM Logs, wait a few seconds, enter 5830 in the email text and press Send.

Thanks !
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Email:

I saw an error in your log, but only temporary. Perhaps it would be better to start my app with Bluetooth already on. If we an see good RSSI on good stations we can move on to audio. but otherwise we are wasting our time. Ensure you have a headset plugged in for an antenna.

The HTC Hero has only had 1 report of success on this thread, for the CDMA version and with CM7.1. But then the poster had some problem and disappeared : http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=18460535&postcount=1462

I generally ask those with no audio to try all the Audio->Method's under Settings. You can stay in that settings screen while listening to headset and speaker, after setting volume high and tuning to a known good station.

But the most likely methods to work are "msm7x30 sysfs", "msm7x30", and "HTC".
[Spirit FM] godevskii:
I can't make it work. I've already sent you the debug log.

I hope you can figure it out.

Thanks,
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Re: Optimus Boston

My app does not seem to have SU, but for examination purposes, that doesn't matter in this case.

You have Qualcomm Bluetooth, so you don't have either of the most common BT/Wi/Fi/FM combinations chips from Broadcom or TI.

There seems to be no sign of any FM driver.

So I think either your device has no FM hardware, or the driver needed is not on your ROM.

But even with a driver, since this is not a Samsung product, the only possibility for my app at present is a V4L driver, which my app doesn't support too well yet.

Has anyone, anywhere ever gotten FM working on this device ? If not, I think we are out of luck,
[Spirit FM] godevskii:
As far as i know, no one ever got fm working on this device.

When i first installed the app, it gave-me this error message "Error: No FM accessible", then i went to settings, and i selected my regional band to Portugal, and still nothing. Then i accessed the debug/fm chip/ and i selected the V4L, which should be the most appropriate, but still nothing.

Then i selected the broadcom, and for a moment i thought i got it working, but when i selected a station, no sound was coming, not even static, and then i noticed on the upper left corner, the signal strenght bar was empty, and showed the value -128, and then 0.

So i think we are without lucky.

Thanks anyway, and keep up the good work.

Best regards,

godevskii
[Spirit FM] and313:
Hey mike is there something that you the uploader of the app can do to prevent the market density problem? Or is it just google? I know i can download the apk im just asking
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
I agree, no luck.

But something baffles me. You've described the Jumping RSSI problem explained in post #3.

But that problem only happens on Broadcom chips. If you don't see other numbers like 16, 55, -5, -6, 36, 10, -93, -92, 4, then I think that's just a fluke.

And the "Jumping RSSI problem" seems fatal as far as FM goes anyway.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
You're having this problem with the free app ? Do you get some error message about screen density, or does the Market app or website just say your device is not compatible ?

I think all the complaints I've had have been limited to the paid Unlocked app only, which is weird of course because the requirements are identical.

I wish I knew how to fix this. I googled some time ago and only found other developers complaining about the problem, and complaining about Google refusing to try and help we small developers.

Google will speak with end-users, but for an aftermarket rooted ROM they might tell you to go away. Google is NOT a customer service company, unless perhaps you are a big company and/or paying them.

Custom DPI settings in a ROM seemed to be one of the most common reasons for this problem. But other weird things, like maturity level might cause issues, despite an app suitable for all ages.

I made a change recently that I hoped might fix the problem, but maybe it's worse now (If it affects the free app too) ?

My AndroidManifest.xml file for both apps currently contains:

<supports-screens android:anyDensity="true" android:smallScreens="true" android:normalScreens="true" android:largeScreens="true" android:xlargeScreens="true" />

Previously it contained no such line, and Android docs say that the default is all true, as above, for an app such as mine that only supports Android 2.1 and up.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
I've had several people report these recent issues on Galaxy S using rooted stock or stock derived ROMs:

- FM won't start or will stop if headset/antenna is not plugged in or battery gets low.

- RDS PI and AF don't work.

- When signal is low, the volume does not decrease.

My response:

I'm pretty sure you are now using the "Samsung Proprietary" mode.

You can fix this by disabling Menu->Settings->Debug->SA Prop.

Next release will disable it by default if the app has SU access.
[Spirit FM] yespi:
Hi Mike,

Thankyou for your efforts to make work the Radio. I'm one of those users who can't live without it.

I'm now on ICSSGS 4.0.3 RC2 on i9000 and using the last version of your App from the market and I still losing sound on calls after using it. I had put the audio mode to "Galaxy S Alsa".

Can you tell me what I'm doing bad ?

Thanks in advance,

Yespi
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
No, I'm not sure why you're having this problem. I'll try to take a look at Galaxy S IcS again tonight, but it worked OK for me last I tested.

So, after using FM and then powering FM off, sound on calls doesn't work ? Which direction ? What about other audio functions ?

Do you have problems if a call comes in or is originated while FM is running ?

You can try switching the speaker/headset state before powering FM off. So if you normally use a headset, switch it to speaker before shutting down. And try muting. But I think neither one is likely to help.
[Spirit FM] J_Palito:
Hi Mike!

I'm sorry for my late response, but my work here has been drowning me, just managed to catch some breath now!

Yes, it is clearly an hardware issue, not from any software: your's, cyanogen, stock radio app.

Installed the nightly build you recomended and nothing.

I'm also using your last unlocked release.

I tried with other headphones, but it remains the same. Also tried jiggling the plug without success, even after cleaning the contacts (using an home made swab and isopropyl alcohol).

There's something, although, that puzzles me: if it were an headset problem, I wouldn't be able to listen to mp3 with no problems, or use the mic when I place phone calls, right?

Both (mp3 and phone calls) work fine, and that's why i point to the chip...

I think that for now, I'll let it be since I'm thinking in getting a new phone with a bigger screen and better ram in about 3 months.

Anyway, thank you for all your help and keep the good work with your fine app!

BTW: it isn't intermitent, it's permanent: it's always the rainy sound no mater what. Sometimes I can hardly hear the radio stations, but most of the times I can't, only rainy sound.
[Spirit FM] yespi:
Hi Mike,

I'll do some more tests with your directions and will report you the results. I do not use frequently the audio or video on my Galaxy and I try always to have the phone muted. I use to power FM off from quit button, but some times I jump to aldiko without quitting the App, maybe this is the problem. Don't Know.

Thanks for your quick response.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
If a call comes in while Spirit FM is playing, FM is muted, but ONLY if the ringer volume is NOT muted.

So if ringer is muted, no mute/unmute happens. This might result in issues during the phone call. I'll review how it works....
[Spirit FM] xmguy:
Motorola can pop an FM Radio into a $15 feature phone http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Motorola-GLEAM_id6925

But skimp out (for now as it seems) on the Razr (Droid)! That costs $300.

Makes no since
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Depends on how it's wired, but in most phones the audio ground wire is used, so yes, if it works well for audio it should also be good as an antenna.

I think the next most likely problem area is still mechanical, more or less. It's where the antenna connection is made on the PCB to the jack. All the insertions and removals can eventually break the connection there.

But the ground must be good for audio, assuming ground is used.

I think that usually links to the antenna pin on the FM chip through a capacitor and perhaps a few other components there. One might be loose.

Or the RF input may be sensitive and it got a jolt somehow. Nearby lightning through the headset cable could blow it, even while off. We have tall trees here and get many near strikes and I lose 1 or more ethernet ports every two years or so.

Or the headset jack may have had an AC adapter accidentally plugged in, or some other wiring mishap.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Bugs are always possible, but Spirit should have no problem running in the background, whether muted or with volume at 0 or not. Power off should reduce power consumption though.