yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[General Questions and Answers] _ck_:
hroark13, have you mentioned in here how you discovered the ZTE Open C flash tool seems to write to the Z667 models, though nothing actually changes in the end?

because that might help the z970 folks in some tiny way

maybe nothing happens because the OpenC tool does not "s-off" the rom (enable writes to write-protected areas) if so, then probably not helpful at all - it does do some kind of unlock to the C but maybe not the correct one for our models

http://en.comebuy.com/developer-firefox-os-open-c.html

maybe we can spy on the commands being sent to the phone from the open c tool?
[General Questions and Answers] nobreak1970:
Oh believe me as of now 5.0 aosp is buggy as hell in a Nexus. This phone needs root for Xposed. :D
[General Questions and Answers] brandonlee96:
So is ther any luck yet
[General Questions and Answers] StonerSteve420:
Well thats a Nexus. Different coding and designers. Plus Liquid Smooth is better than Cyanogen Mod. CM just tries to cater to every single phones needs to much. CM11 on my GS3 was down right terrible. Thats one thing i dont think many people have thought of is the fact that after getting root (Counting on you jcase) we than have to get rom developers as well. Once we get root (I got faith in you brudda!!!) the ball will start rolling fast. This phone is to good for the price. Wish the gpu was a tad better madden lags sometimes but its no deal breaker what so ever
[General Questions and Answers] Ra.burt86:
Nope. We just need to be patient. :)

---------- Post added at 04:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:57 PM ----------

I agree. Does anyone else have a non disableable "Assistant" app w/ a bald eagle as an icon? Ayone know WTF that is???? I'm suspicious.

---------- Post added at 04:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:07 PM ----------

I just contacted ZTE asking for the Zmax source code. Making some noise may help!

http://support.zte.com.cn/support/web/Contact.aspx
[General Questions and Answers] perrisiam:
just sent off what I think is a persuasive email, feel free using as a template for your own email;

email address;

support@zte.com.cn

Hello zte zmax team!

Great news, the android community LOVE the zmax, it's a really good product for the price and out performs most phones that cost quite a bit more.

Popularity is being held back because the android community wants to be able to root their phones, the zmax has the bootloader locked and we cannot root your device.

I believe sales will more then double if you provide a method for unlocking the boot loader, this is not an exaggeration, people in the android community outright refuse getting devices that cannot be rooted.

If the community cannot find a method to root your device, sadly for your company, it will not be nearly as popular a device or company as it should have become.

I know I don't have to remind you, one of the contractual agreements when using android (gnu) is that you make source code available, this is important not only to honor your contract, but also it's important for the popularity of the product, and to demonstrate goodwill in the community so that we look forward to supporting this and future devices.

Thank you in advance

Perris
[General Questions and Answers] vanessaem:
Hello everyone,

I did a little light cleaning.

General message to all: You all are here to have a discussion about this device. Let it be just that. No need for pointless arguing and bickering. Please try and be respectful to one another on here.

Regards...
[General Questions and Answers] afox27:
Thank you very much
[General Questions and Answers] HD2FORNICK:
Has anyone considered the possibility that ZTE being a Chinese company is not giving is the source code since it may be trying to hide something? Wasn't some Chinese company accused of stealing data from phones?
[General Questions and Answers] misterbjm:
That's hilarious! I thought the and thing this morning but I didn't want to post it. Lol
[General Questions and Answers] Ra.burt86:
Personally, I'd like to know how this "Assistant" app is "assisting" me. I don't know if it's specific to T-Mobile or something from ZTE.
[General Questions and Answers] D33PTHAWTE:
I have the Family Mobile version and do not have this assistant app you guys are talking about.

(worth noting that it's unlocked and on at&t)
[General Questions and Answers] Velrix:
I purchased this phone at Walmart and seems to be the same version from T-mobile without a assistant app? Any chance of you taking screenshots so we can see what you mean?
[General Questions and Answers] nobreak1970:
Our Zinger z667t has this too.
[General Questions and Answers] Velrix:
I see that under all apps. I did not look there. Hmm that is a bit suspicious honestly. We will need to find out what that is.
[General Questions and Answers] Porky munoz:
Here's the permission
[General Questions and Answers] nobreak1970:
Curiouser and curiouser.
[General Questions and Answers] moosiemooses:
Tried to disable it thru the method rootjunky posted from xdas YouTube and it still there...
[General Questions and Answers] afox27:
Zte its on most new phones I guess cause the z667g aka my phone has it to :/
[General Questions and Answers] Ra.burt86:
"Some of the other goodies for the Grand Memo will be software related. ZTE has said the handset will launch with the ZTE Assistant app which brings power savings and security..."

---------- Post added at 02:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:00 PM ----------

Fishy. I'm never convinced that an app that has no description and cannot be disabled is of any value to me. Offical word is "security & power saving".
[General Questions and Answers] D33PTHAWTE:
Aha! False sense of security. Checked under all apps and I do have it as well.
[General Questions and Answers] Velrix:
More of a reason to get Root so we can de-compile the APK and find out what it is and remove it.
[General Questions and Answers] jcase:
What APK, and root isnt needed for that
[General Questions and Answers] Velrix:
Your right. Attached the APK.

*What I meant by that is we cant delete it without root at this point.
[General Questions and Answers] jcase:
Seems to just collect crash reports
[General Questions and Answers] Ra.burt86:
ZTE States it's for security and battery life
[General Questions and Answers] mcknixy:
I've ignored my suspicions about this phone for a while now. I'm glad I'm not being paranoid and others have had the same thoughts. If I could know the size and composition of those crash reports and if they are similar to whatever the standards are, I'd feel easier. It is China after all.
[General Questions and Answers] Ra.burt86:
ZteProxCal has extensive permissions and also cannot be disabled.
[General Questions and Answers] Velrix:
I believe that one goes along with the ZTE Update utility for system updates.

Update - Looks like this is linked to com.qualcomm.sensors.zteproxcal.TabControl should be fine
[General Questions and Answers] brandonlee96:
so i ask the zte people for the source code for the zte zmax and this is what they sent me??
[General Questions and Answers] Velrix:
I received the same thing too. I do believe other users got that same email. Just let Jcase finish it up.

On a side note. Can we pool together a root bounty for Jcase taking his time on this? I'm placing $50 on the bounty.
[General Questions and Answers] Shlickwilly:
I would guess that Jcase will just add the zmax support to sunshine s-off and collect that way, with of course if it works for you the option to tip via his donate button.... I am just guessing tho.
[General Questions and Answers] jcase:
Dont count on anything soon, I'm pretty sick right now. It will have to wait until I'm better and caught up.
[General Questions and Answers] nobreak1970:
Just get better man...this stuff can wait!
[General Questions and Answers] deBricker:
Do I hear a bounty thread in the works? :D
[General Questions and Answers] Shlickwilly:
No worries jcase . get well !!! If you guys get it worked out someday, great. If not it still is a good phone all the same. Your commitment to get the phone to work on in the first place was more than any of us could've asked for. Thanks.
[General Questions and Answers] brandonlee96:
i'll put $100 bounty on jcase please get it done soon but get well your health is more important but plz get root access to the zte zmax
[General Questions and Answers] 70cutty:
I have $25 on it..Get well soon:D
[General Questions and Answers] Velrix:
Bounty threat posted

http://xdaforums.com/general/general/zte-zmax-root-bounty-t3000178
[General Questions and Answers] D33PTHAWTE:
jcase thanks for your efforts. Feel better man.
[General Questions and Answers] Ra.burt86:
Pretty good screen on time. 7% battery left when I took the screen shot
[General Questions and Answers] mingolianbeef:
I've seen XDA bounties but my god, we got people paying by the $100s. My money is tied up in stuff with my baby girl, but know that if I have it, I'd absolutely give it because I've donated before. We really appreciate your efforts man!
[General Questions and Answers] afox27:
I'll post that link every 10 posts or so in this thread for you lol hopefully if this gets root we can use the same method in our thread for the cheap zte phones xD
[General Questions and Answers] Root_Junkie:
Hope you feel better soon! And thank you so much for taking on this challenge. It means a lot to all of us! As soon as I have some money I'll def be down to this in at least $25 on the bounty. That's honestly the least I can do.
[General Questions and Answers] HD2FORNICK:
This phone is down right boring. It has yet to throw a tantrum at me, slow down, freeze up or show some signs of life. Instead, all it does is get up every day and goes through the same performance all over again with about ton of battery life left. I wish it was more like my LG G Pro or the Notes that froze up, etc. :D
[General Questions and Answers] Velrix:
The reason for that is this phone is almost 100% vanilla. Its not bloated nor running a completely ****ty UI ie Touchwiz. With that being said I wish we was getting more support in the forums with our own forum section.
[General Questions and Answers] nobreak1970:
Touché ZTE touché
[General Questions and Answers] melcali:
lol seriously.. we all want a good performing beast but deep down we hope there is some kind of lag so that we have a reason to root and further tweak
[General Questions and Answers] nobreak1970:
Same with the Zinger little sucker runs smooth and perfect ....damn stock kitkat firmware

Lol
[General Questions and Answers] afox27:
I guess I'm lucky then the whirl2 on 4.3 jellybean has to have background processes turned off an destroy all processes as soon as the user leaves them ticked in developer options or it laggs like hell an puts up a fight
[General Questions and Answers] Root_Junkie:
I guess I just have bad luck with phones or something but I just got my replacement bc the first on froze and had more issues than I could count. And now this one has issues with WiFi calling, as well as the screen lighting up until it times out then vibrating and showing that I have a message but not lighting up again. I'm also having issues with apps not working and crashing until I dig deep enough to find an older version. At first I thought it was a great phone. But now I'm begining to really not like this phone. I hope we can get root so I can upgrade it to a better OS bc T-Mobile and XTE clearly do not care enough to do it for us.
[General Questions and Answers] Ra.burt86:
My phone will, on occasion, turn on from sleep for no reason. Other than that, it's amazingly smooth. 68% battery after a day of light usage, super stoked.
[General Questions and Answers] Vyrus69:
So apparantly the Zmax DOES NOT have a locked bootloader, I just got this email from ZTE China.

I'm no where near I can try this method to root listed below, who can?!

So the link takes us to a github that says the Nubia Z7 and Zmax, so do both phones share a similar kernel?

Dear Valued ZTE Customer,

Thanks for contacting ZTE.

1.The bootloader of Zmax is open, so you needn't to unlock it.

You can try to press and hold the volume down key and power key of the phone for a few seconds in order to enter the Fastboot mode to root the phone;

and also you can open the Fastboot mode through adb.

2.But we need to remind you that you may lose your files from the phone or make the phone dead after you root the phone, so we don't recommend you to root your phone.

3.Please click the link to get the kernel source code of Z7Max : https://github.com/ztemt/Z7Max_NX505J_H129_kernel

Should there be further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best Regards,
[General Questions and Answers] Velrix:
This is for the Nubia Z7Max not the Zmax, two totally different phones.

---------- Post added at 11:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:56 AM ----------

Side note from CES 2015

https://twitter.com/ZTE_USA/status/554707837968850944?cn=cmVjb3NfbmV0d29ya19kaWdlc3RfYWN0aXZl

Now if we could only get our own forum XD!

---------- Post added at 11:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:00 AM ----------

Its very possible it could be bad apps causing all your issues. From everyone I have talked to and coming from Galaxy line devices before this I have been extremely pleased. This phone is almost to perfect in its stock form but really leaves me to wonder after we get root the only thing I may want is a kernel for Overclocking or UV.
[General Questions and Answers] Vyrus69:
Yes just looked it up, I dont know if they are being stupid on purpose or trying to delay as much as possible.
[General Questions and Answers] Root_Junkie:
---------- Post added at 11:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:00 AM ----------

[/COLOR]

Its very possible it could be bad apps causing all your issues. From everyone I have talked to and coming from Galaxy line devices before this I have been extremely pleased. This phone is almost to perfect in its stock form but really leaves me to wonder after we get root the only thing I may want is a kernel for Overclocking or UV.[/QUOTE]

It just weird to me that the same apps are having issues. Even the stock messaging app continues to tell me I have a message long after I've read it. I have to go to task manager and close messages in order for it to go away. I really like this phone but c'mon I don't understand why our phone is newer than most yet we have android 4.4.2 installed on our phones stock. There's something fishy going on bc our phone isn't even listed on ZTE's website. I talked to T-Mobile on the phone and they informed me that they requested ZTE add WiFi calling to the android 4.4.2 platform to include they're WiFi calling(which barely works on my zmax) rather than asking for 4.4.4 with WiFi calling added to that. And I shouldn't have to download older versions of apps to make them work yet my friends Zmax on metro pcs works fine. Snapchat works and doesn't force close tumblr stock apps don't crash either. I'm beginning to lose faith in T-Mobile and zte. This partnership is not going well especially with this phone.

---------- Post added at 01:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:24 PM ----------

Does anyone else have issues with the keyboard freezing in the middle of typing? Or just completely erasing a word you're typing? Or the latest update for google play music doesn't show any of the music on the phone nor the SD card except 2 songs. So I have to uninstall the update just to listen to my music on this phone. Please tell me I'm not the only on having issues with the zmax form T-Mobile. I have been so unhappy with this phone.
[General Questions and Answers] Velrix:
It just weird to me that the same apps are having issues. Even the stock messaging app continues to tell me I have a message long after I've read it. I have to go to task manager and close messages in order for it to go away. I really like this phone but c'mon I don't understand why our phone is newer than most yet we have android 4.4.2 installed on our phones stock. There's something fishy going on bc our phone isn't even listed on ZTE's website. I talked to T-Mobile on the phone and they informed me that they requested ZTE add WiFi calling to the android 4.4.2 platform to include they're WiFi calling(which barely works on my zmax) rather than asking for 4.4.4 with WiFi calling added to that. And I shouldn't have to download older versions of apps to make them work yet my friends Zmax on metro pcs works fine. Snapchat works and doesn't force close tumblr stock apps don't crash either. I'm beginning to lose faith in T-Mobile and zte. This partnership is not going well especially with this phone.

---------- Post added at 01:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:24 PM ----------

Does anyone else have issues with the keyboard freezing in the middle of typing? Or just completely erasing a word you're typing? Or the latest update for google play music doesn't show any of the music on the phone nor the SD card except 2 songs. So I have to uninstall the update just to listen to my music on this phone. Please tell me I'm not the only on having issues with the zmax form T-Mobile. I have been so unhappy with this phone.[/QUOTE]

I will say this, I haven't had any issues with the keyboard. The stock seemed to work fine and I'm texting/replying to emails all day. That play music issue is odd. If you delete the update and let it re-update does that correct the issue? Google Play Music has nothing to do with the phone just so you know btw.
[General Questions and Answers] shinkinrui:
It sucks that you're having so much trouble :( I've seen nothing but good things about this phone, both when I'm using it and when I'm reading about it online(except for your posts, lol).

One thing that's worked for me before when I had similar issues on other phones: factory data reset the phone, then MAKE SURE when you sign into Google that the option to "backup your app data and settings" is UNCHECKED. This should result in your calendar, contacts, etc still syncing but the cache data and other settings from apps will not. If there is any corrupted or incompatible app data from a previous phone, I believe it can follow you if you're syncing app and settings data with Google. You can still go into the play store and all your downloads and purchases will be available.

Good luck, hope you can start to enjoy this phone as much as I am :)

Edit: fwiw, I have no keyboard problems but my updated play music does not show the music that I have placed on the phone/SD card myself. Only music that I downloaded with play music will display. As a test, I uninstalled all play music updates and it did display the songs. Maybe this is a problem or change with the play music app?
[General Questions and Answers] Root_Junkie:
Thanks for the help guys and as soon as I got this new one straight out of the box I did the factory reset and unchecked the back up app data and downloaded the ones I new I had real issues with. But still no luck. I have to keep the downgraded Google play music or else none of my music will show up. I've played with the one from metro pcs and I have none of the issues like I do with this one from T-Mobile. And I honestly think its because of the software. Even with the rhapsody app it wouldn't work unless we download the downgraded one. I have to keep all of my apps from auto updating and go through 4shares to find older versions that work. I have only 120.75 left to pay off so I'm paying it off this weekend and buying the metro pcs one. Don't get me wrong I absolutely love this phone I really do. But these software issues I'm having are driving me insane.
[General Questions and Answers] Sug27:
My zmax came out the box with 4.4.4 and has been running great. One thing i have noticed is that sometimes my wifi signal drops in the house, not sure if it some kind of interference though.
[General Questions and Answers] Velrix:
Can you screenshot the about my device section? I would love to see Kernel version, Build number ect. Also if you are familiar with ADB can you plug in to your PC and try adb reboot fastboot.

---------- Post added at 10:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:35 PM ----------

For your keyboard issue try out Swiftkey and see how it works for you. My wife loves it and honestly I like it as well. For the play music issue the newest update I have the same problem. This looks to be a Google issue (same thing on my Galaxy S3 and Nexus 7) keep the update off for now or contact Google support for a work around maybe?
[General Questions and Answers] Sug27:
Here is the screen shot. Haven't used adb in a long time so I will need a lil time on that.
[General Questions and Answers] brandonlee96:
how did you update to 4.4.4 im only on 4.4.2 and there is no system update see
[General Questions and Answers] nobreak1970:
Tmo vs Metro variation?
[General Questions and Answers] Sug27:
It came out the box with that version I did not have to update.
[General Questions and Answers] brandonlee96:
ok
[General Questions and Answers] HD2FORNICK:
Keep at it. They'll respond with the right phone eventually! :highfive:
[General Questions and Answers] DroidisLINUX:
Yea metro users anyone do a adb reboot fastboot from cmd line see if you get a bootloader
[General Questions and Answers] Porky munoz:
T-mobile is 4.4.2

Metro is 4.4.4

ZTE Zmax Z970 (Metro-4.4.4) Stock

SM-T217S (Negalite rom)

SGH-T999 stock rom rooted (4.1.2)
[General Questions and Answers] Velrix:
The Baseband is identical to the Tmo version but Kernel and Build is obviously different. I wonder if Jcase finds something with the Tmo version will it work on the Metro one without downgrading the firmware?
[General Questions and Answers] StonerSteve420:
Has anybody noticed that if you go into Settings, About Phone, Additional System Updates there is a option called SD card updates . I guess it allows you to put an update package to your SD card and update the phone from there. Maybe there is a way to exploit this and get into our recovery
[General Questions and Answers] nobreak1970:
Yep our ZTE Zinger is the same. P also if you go into recovery it has apply update ADB sideload.
[General Questions and Answers] Distant1:
Hi everyone

Hi everyone I'm New here found this forum looking for a root guide to ZTE zmax z970 I'm not to tech savvy but am a quick learner if there any thing I can do to help plz let me know so we can get this phone rooted also where can I sign the petition?
[General Questions and Answers] misterbjm:
The petition is to have access to the code to allow for root.
[General Questions and Answers] Distant1:
Yes but where can I sign it at?
[General Questions and Answers] brandonlee96:
https://www.change.org/p/zte-usa-an...ium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive
[General Questions and Answers] bhood:
Signed ( perhaps again; I cannot recall :) ).
[General Questions and Answers] Velrix:
Going to pop this on the last page as well to keep it current

Bounty Thread -

http://xdaforums.com/general/general/zte-zmax-root-bounty-t3000178
[General Questions and Answers] Shlickwilly:
Vyrus69 I'm hoping when you reply to zte cn that you call them out for not even having the decency to at least provide you with the information that pertains to the phone model you are inquiring about. That kind of disrespectful behavior of current paying customers infuriates me. I swear it makes me want to go to EVERY retailer website that sells ZTE products and post 0 star reviews with Huge WARNING MESSAGES. stating the stories and outright lies there tech support seem to vomit up weekly. .... OK rant off.
[General Questions and Answers] Velrix:
Just what we need less support for a device that is already lacking support as it is. This device is good for what its worth. Stock firmware is very solid, the phone is solid and seems to be built well so far, great battery, ect. Eventually they will release something. The problem is when and if it will be to late at that point. They may even upgrade the phone to LP first then release old firmware. Only time will tell.