yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[ZenFone 2 General] yurgade:
almost a month! i am fuming... still in SG...
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
I'm burning! When did yours arrive in SG?
[ZenFone 2 General] yurgade:
29.5 - 6 days ago. no progress since
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
If you're looking at Singpost site the update can be pretty erratic..I've had items out for delivery and there was no update and the next thing I knew was a slip under my door (not this item though)..but this item should be via Speedpost SG..

---------- Post added at 11:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:07 AM ----------

Sorry..missed this earlier..CN = No Gapps.. if I want to bring in my apps in need that..that determines whether it's significant I guess.
[ZenFone 2 General] yurgade:
what is Gapps? waze, games etc...?
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Sorry..forgot to add..as at 29052015..

---------- Post added at 11:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:27 AM ----------

Google apps which include Play store..
[ZenFone 2 General] corrsea:
I think from what has been posted that they have installed Gapps. Perhaps someone who has received the phone can confirm.
[ZenFone 2 General] yurgade:
some1 here posted earlier they installed Gstore...
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Mate..did you have the Gstore installed with a CN version? OTA update is CN (yup there's one)?
[ZenFone 2 General] analyticbastard:
I am not using the phone for the moment and that was not among the things I tested yesterday, I did not see Google Playstore but I believe when I tried to rate one of the apps it offered me to do so in Google Play, so it must be installed.
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
So it's a possibility they flashed the WW version or sideloaded the apk for play store.?..honestly I am just switching over to Asus and this is my first venture..really trying to figure out..and I'm just a noob. .sorry if I've brought you guys inconvenience.. and damn, I wish I have that zf2 now :mad:
[ZenFone 2 General] Drew442:
Don't be like that. If you need help, ask. That's the whole point of this forum.

I received my phone today. It's got the CN software on it. I'm just downloading the WW image now.

The free gift was a silicon-ish case. I won't use that.
[ZenFone 2 General] yurgade:
Despatched to ATC now...

---------- Post added at 02:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:24 PM ----------

if they have installed Gapps on CN rom then there is no need to flash to WW right?
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Yes and no I guess..CN blocks Google as a rule of thumb. One thing I know about sideloading is that it cannot get updated. Anything via play store will be as long as it's compatible with the device. WhatsApp for the galaxy Tab S is a case in point cause it wasn't compatible with Tablets and you will not see the app if searching using the Tab..WW preinstalls the play store so the device is like a normal android device.

Open to opinions. .

---------- Post added at 02:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:05 PM ----------

Did you get any update notification on the CN firmware?
[ZenFone 2 General] veronr:
US adapter for the Hong Kong

Did anyone received the Hong Kong charger and needed a us or european adapter? If so how did you do it because I'm afraid to use those cheap plastic adapters they gave me. Or does anyone know where to buy or the name of this hong kong outlet?
[ZenFone 2 General] corrsea:
That's the same as a British power point so any international adapter that can handle British plugs will work. Typically these are sold in most major department stores, pharmacies, airports etc.

You seem to be the only one so far that has received the HK WW version.
[ZenFone 2 General] analyticbastard:
Could not put up with the CN version. Google services failed all the time and an awful message popped up all the time.

To switch versions, I followed section 5 of

http://xdaforums.com/zenfone2/general/asus-zenfone-2-flashing-recovery-mode-t3096596

I believe they forget to mention to reboot. I previously increased the minor version of the SD card firmware file (on top of renaming WW to CN), so in the next reboot the system recognized a "new CN" version. The update was smooth and it took less than 10 min (the droid bar was stuck during most of the process)
[ZenFone 2 General] corrsea:
I wonder if WW fishedi to CN will update OTA or will we have to do it manually all the time? Not a biggie as I will root after a few weeks and will not be able to take OTA's anyway.

---------- Post added at 01:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:32 PM ----------

At last I can see mine on tracking. Left HK yesterday and arrived SG airport. Hopefully it won't stay there too long.
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Just got an update. Postman on the way with my goods..?
[ZenFone 2 General] yurgade:
got it?
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
I was out when he arrived. ?

Package redirected back to POP station. It's a 24 hr automated collection point so it should be in there later this evening. Will try tonight if not will be tomorrow.
[ZenFone 2 General] transmoral:
My set is still stuck in Singapore!!

"2015-05-29 12:02:44

Fri

HONG KONG - HONG KONG

货物到达作业中心 Shipment arrived at facility"

No update after this. Now Eternal Team isnt even replying my messages or compensating me for the extra they charged for DHL.

Is 4PX even a reliable courier?

:'( :'(

I ordered a Nilkin back cover for the phone. That's arrived via China Post, while I wait for the set. I paid for quick delivery :@ All this is making me very anxious.

Everyone else here is also in the same boat so I don't feel so alone, but I don't wanna be here...

....

On another note:

Also, will a CN set converted to WW receive OTA?
[ZenFone 2 General] yurgade:
no you have to change the ROM manualy
[ZenFone 2 General] JuStAdsor:
This we understood. However, after we change the rom from CN to WW, will it be able to OTA? and... maybe someone knows how to unlock additional gsm/LTE bands?

Thank you!
[ZenFone 2 General] yurgade:
i dont think you can unlock more bands...

after you change the rom you ll have to update it manually i think. i guess something like downloading the file and let the system update it but no OTA as i understand
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Ok..I got my package. Will unbox and check out later when I get home. Will update again.
[ZenFone 2 General] lurkindoc:
mine is stuck in the east midlands ------Due to a technical issue the shipment is currently on hold pending further processing

hmm no idea why :(
[ZenFone 2 General] yurgade:
this is BS. i am never buying there again. i feel i didnt pay for a phone but for an adventure. and i dont like it.
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Mine showed only "notification of shipment confirmed" since 29 May..today the next update was "delivery in progress..with courier". Apparently this was shipped out (in my case) by 4px via EMS (which appears to be Speedpost SG, under Singpost). Declared value is $65 (USD).
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Quick update. No problem with package except the hologram seal had the adhesive part lifted off - and I think the phone was taken out to load the Google store and some g apps (can't remember exactly what they were now).

Rundown-

1xphone 4G/64GB/Z5380 silver as ordered (Z00ADA as shown in "about").

1×18W charger (USA/JPN pins/no earth )

1×USB Cable

No headset.

Extras..

1 normal screen protector film with 3 cutouts (including for front cam)

1×TPU soft case

Adapters for EU & UK provided.

Firmware CN..ready for update - IMHO

Phone was removed for loading of Google play store and setup. So FW update arrived that time and they just ignored it.

Original version of CN firmware (verify via asus site) update also CN version (not done yet).

apps were downloaded and installed so for those Chinese apps (via Asus store? ) you can uninstall.

Cleanmaster included.

Even after changing language to English some menus still appeared in Chinese.

Some of their previous dl apps could be running in background sucking juice and data (removed but can't remember their names).

Going into recovery mode/fastboot mode no issue - buttons work as they should.

Will update CN firmware to see what's new and probably use thread by vivix to change FW to WW. (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=3101556).

Easily transferred contacts ".vcf" file from Samsung S4 - SD card - Zf2 using import.

Able to read SanDisk ultra 128GB micro SD..

That's all I have for the moment.

Will update again after phone is charged and I don't brick it.

Having a beer now to relax..

Cheers!
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Firmware updated..OTA quite fast but I had only 13 apps on board..

Will see how it goes. Gimme some time (ex Samsung user who got pissed off with the S6).

Now on LRX21V.CN.ASUS_Z00A-2.17.40.17_20250521_1216
[ZenFone 2 General] Meanie:
Awesome news on receiving your phone chooks06, thanks for the update.

I pretty much received the exact same experience and package as you did moments ago.
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
I'm impressed...
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Afternote..there's a "Google Installer" app installed..could be a third party app..haven't checked yet and the keyboard and predictive text takes some getting used to...coming from Samsung S4...but I think this phone is gonna kick Samsung's butt...:cool:;)
[ZenFone 2 General] corrsea:
http://www.technobuzz.net/fastest-way-install-google-play-store-xiaomi-mi-4-phone/

I would guess they've used this method to install play store and service framework.

Latest playstore can be found here if its not updating automatically.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1996995
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Any progress on your package?
[ZenFone 2 General] lurkindoc:
yes its closer , now in edinburgh 25 miles from me , estimated devilery was mon 8th june but im hoping it will be today now

---------- Post added at 08:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:40 AM ----------

Arrived at Delivery Facility in EDINBURGH - UK	EDINBURGH - UK	08:34 fingers crossed
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Great news!
[ZenFone 2 General] lurkindoc:
25	With delivery courier	EDINBURGH - UK	09:14 Scheduled Delivery: Today by End of Day
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Super!
[ZenFone 2 General] yurgade:
happy for you mate

---------- Post added at 12:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:36 AM ----------

so you guys think its better to change for WW rom or just update Gstore
[ZenFone 2 General] corrsea:
I've not got the phone yet so I can't give a definitive awnser. What I'll probably do is run it for a couple of weeks with both setups and then make a decision as to which performs best for my particular needs.

If we get an unlocked boot loader I'm unlikely to stay on stock for long anyway.
[ZenFone 2 General] yurgade:
whats unlocked boot loader
[ZenFone 2 General] corrsea:
At the moment we can only use the stock operating system that ASUS provides for the phone. This is their own take on the android OS. The bootloader provides the ability to flash the firmware of the phone (ROM). Most companies keep this locked so that only their own firmware can be flashed. Some times a company will provide tools to unlock the boot loader (Asus has apparently promised to do this). Sometimes developers will discover an exploit that will unlock the boot loader.

Once we have this developers will hopefully begin to create custom ROMs for our phone. These may be modified Asus roms with many more fixes, features and performance tweaks or other versions of android which are closer to Google's original android.

Most of us on XDA prefer to run these modified ROMs as they are more customized to what we want rather than what the manufacturer has decided we should have.
[ZenFone 2 General] analyticbastard:
I wanted to keep the CN ROM but the amount of Chinese popups and google-related apps and services crashing made my mind about switching.

It is not so painful of a process to do anyway, if you follow the instructions from the thread I linked previously.

I also rooted my phone to install Titanium Backup and transfer my apps from my previous phone. I will unroot it whenever I consider updating via OTA on SD card.
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Just a quickie...I applied the Ota update out of the box . after that I had problems trying to switch to WW cause I always have the laptop telling it's installing MTP USB drivers and always failed. Then CN 2.18 update available but when updating it quit within 25 sec..so I reset the phone (it stayed on 2.17..)..it still couldn't update after that.. and Google was gone...managed to find the apk for Google installer and got that working so I guess I'll stay with this for now...Google apps will dl as needed..

---------- Post added at 02:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:03 PM ----------

The chinese apps can be uninstalled if you're on the original firmware (as of day 1 I think). Once updated there's not much you can do but once Google Playstore installed the stock apps get updated..
[ZenFone 2 General] yurgade:
will be happy for more updates on the issue. many thanks
[ZenFone 2 General] vrnsr:
I'm a bit lost here.

What I understand is that I can uninstall Chinese apps in 2 ways-

a. Uninstall then as soon as I get the phone before applying OTA update

b. Change from CM to WW rom

This means that those of us getting the CN version shouldn't apply the OTA that comes after we get the phone, only after uninstalling chinese apps.

Is this correct?
[ZenFone 2 General] corrsea:
Sounds like it. Although I would add that the Chinese apps can be deleted or frozen at any time if you root and use titanium backup or j rummy's toolbox (my personal preference). Just remember that it will have to be unrooted and any system apps that are frozen/deleted restored before taking future OTA's otherwise the phone will go into a bootloop.
[ZenFone 2 General] jmw6773:
My only concern is that if Eternal (or their supplier) is opening up these phones and installing the GApps (Google framework, Google store, etc) are they installing anything nefarious on them at the same time?

Once I get my phone, currently says in transit from SG, I'll be flashing it to the WW firmware. I've already flashed my wife's ZF2, and if you follow the guide it's a very easy process.
[ZenFone 2 General] corrsea:
I'm interested to know if you flash the WW firmware does it receive OTA notifications?

If it does then inexperienced users need to be warned not to take them if they have used a prerooted system image.
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Change before updating the firmware. I updated mine first and am still stuck on the CN version.
[ZenFone 2 General] corrsea:
You could try flashing the original CN version. Then switch to WW.

Edit

Or have you tried flashing a preroot system image?

Edit

Just looked at your post on another thread. Did you try to flash the most up to date WW image? It's possible you CN image is newer than the WW Image you tried to flash which is why it's failing.

Edit

Have you tried reinstalling the drivers?

They are on the first post on this thread.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=3096596
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Thanks for the input.

No I did not try the preroot image.

You could be right on the FW being same version. Heard 2.18 is out. May try that.

Still it's not too bad now after I installed Google.

I am new to ASUS..how do I flash the original FW?

Sent from my ASUS_Z00ADA
[ZenFone 2 General] corrsea:
I don't have my phone yet so most of my advice is based on reading. I'm sure I've seen links on one of the threads to the asus site that has all the firmwares. You will need to do a bit of reading yourself as to the method but I don't think that the method of putting it on the sd card will work if the firmware is older than what is currently installed. You will probably have to push it via adb. Once again that info should be on one of the threads already in existence. Try reading through the resources thread that I have posted a link to I may have seen it described there.

The one good thing I can see about this phone is that no one has managed to hard brick it yet and must of the soft bricks are really recoverable. You're not even near being in that position so my advice would be.

1. Reinstall drivers and try the method you have already used.

2. If that does not work try preroot system image (it's easy to unroot afterwards if you're not comfortable with being rooted)

3. Do a bit off research and try a different method of flashing the firmware. I would suggest ADB sideload there will be plenty of info on that.

Good luck and if you're still in the same position when I get my phone I'll be able to advise you better.
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
[MENTION=2539550]corrsea[/MENTION]..thanks mate! Yes I have read about sideloading adb. You are right on that so far none of the phones so far hit hard bricked.

Hope you get your phone soon!
[ZenFone 2 General] jmw6773:
Corrsea,

I flashed my wife's phone a few weeks ago (ordered before the flash sale) to the WW firmware from the CN version. OTA's do not work and no notification of a new update is given. This makes it a little safer if you root your phone, but means that you need to manually update it when you want to. (Don't forget to unroot before updating.)

---------- Post added at 05:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:14 PM ----------

Chooks,

Did you download/install the drivers from the ASUS website? (http://www.asus.com/Phones/ZenFone_2_ZE551ML/HelpDesk_Download/) Is it trying to reinstall the drivers while you are in the bootloader or while the phone is fully booted?

If the drivers are working while in the bootloader, you can flash the recovery to WW, copy the WW firmware onto an SD card, and then flash it from the recovery menu. You'll need to flash the WW recovery to your phone before it will accept the WW firmware as valid. (I also flashed the boot and the droidboot, which is used for fastboot.)
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
[MENTION=5158325]jmw6773[/MENTION]..

Yes I dl from the ASUS site..but like what corrsea suggested it could be my installed CN FW is a higher version (when I have to rename the file to CN). Tried with both CN and WW didn't work.

When connected to my laptop in the fastboot mode, win7 identified it as MTP. I can't see the device on explorer to copy the zip file. Had to turn on the phone on order to do that. Normal?

Sent from my ASUS_Z00ADA
[ZenFone 2 General] jmw6773:
chooks06,

What is your current version. The newest version 2.18.40.12 was released on June 4th. Is your version newer than this one? (Note that this version isn't available on the Asus page yet. You can find it on the xda forum though.)

You'll need to load the firmware onto the phone before booting into the bootloader or recovery as these modes don't mount the phone on your computer. If you have an SDcard and reader, you can copy it using that. You'll still need to flash the recovery to WW before loading the update.

If you don't have an sdcard, you'll need to flash the recovery while in the bootloader from adb, boot into the recovery, and then sideload the firmware.

(Sorry for any misspelling or grammatical errors. I'm typing on an old note 2.)
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Thanks mate..yeah it not on ASUS site yet. I did try loading the firmware to external sd..Still didn't work.

Will be retracing my steps and maybe try using adb to sideloading FW.

One thing I don't know is what do I do with the ASUS USB folder? Where am I supposed to place them?

Thanks for your help mate!

Edit..

Just realised that whenever I go to ASUS homepage it's Singapore..cause of location..:D

Sent from my ASUS_Z00ADA
[ZenFone 2 General] jmw6773:
If you go into the recovery mode now, past the fallen android character to the menu, what version and country does it say?

Where are you seeing the Asus USB folder?
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Will revert later..am out in the meantime.

Sent from my ASUS_Z00ADA
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Mate..not sure about going past the fallen android but this is what is on the screen when I flash the boot etc..

Sent from my ASUS_Z00ADA
[ZenFone 2 General] jmw6773:
OK. That's the boot loader. While you're in this mode you can flash the boot.img, droid boot.img, and recovery.img files using fastboot from the command prompt. Note that this will change these to the WW (or whichever version you downloaded), but can be reverted using the files in other firmware downloads. ( check your current recovery info before doing the commands below)

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

fastboot flash boot boot.img

fastboot flash fastboot droidboot.img

If you press the volume down key the "Normal Boot" message will change. Select "Recovery," then press the power button. The phone will then reboot to recovery mode.

To get past the fallen robot in recovery mode hold the power button and then press the volume up button. I've attached the picture of my wife's recovery.
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Thanks mate..I was trying to get this screen..Will try out.

Thanks much!

Sent from my ASUS_Z00ADA
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Thanks heaps for the tip to get past the fallen robot. It could not locate the "MOFD_SDUPDATE.zip" so I renamed the file in the external SD to this and the next try it worked! Only thing is after rebooting it keeps popping up that Gapps has stopped (could be due to it being installed separate using Google installer)..anyway since I am sure of the steps I will charge it up and do a factory reset.

Thanks to [MENTION=2539550]corrsea[/MENTION], [MENTION=792827]vivix[/MENTION] and the many other people (too many) for their inputs and suggestions too!

Edit: Thanks to [MENTION=2221116]Drew442[/MENTION] for kicking off this thread!

---------- Post added at 05:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:18 AM ----------

HELP! Wanted to reset using the recovery mode but accidentally wiped cached..it went into reformatting cache and stopped there. Now when I go into recovery mode, I can't get past the dead robot!

Edit..

Problem solved.

Solution from [MENTION=6700396]tmrev7[/MENTION]..

"

EDIT : I managed to solve the problem and boot into recovery (which was caused after I tried to wipe the cache) by doing the following.

1. I downloaded the boot.img, droidboot.img, and recovery.img of WW_2.15.40.13 from the MEGA link

2. (Following from the guide posted) I booted into fastboot and plugged in the phone to my computer and entered the following commands to flash the various stuff -

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

fastboot flash boot boot.img

fastboot flash fastboot droidboot.img

fastboot erase userdata

fastboot erase cache

fastboot reboot

I was then able to boot into recovery and flash (I'm still flashing) the stock WW_2.15.40.13 firmware via ADB. (The firmware was downloaded from ASUS's website)

I believe the problem solver was the fastboot erase cache command. I hope this works for those in the future. "

Working fine now..only model number has changed from Z00ADA to Z00AD. Phone has reset to original FW of MR6-LRX21V.WW-ASUS_Z00A-2.17.40.12
[ZenFone 2 General] corrsea:
Well done. You're fast becoming the expert in sorting out these eternal team phones.

Best way to learn is through adversity but I hope it's all clear sailing for you now.
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
Got panicky for a while..I thought I was the first to hard brick the phone!

Pretty satisfying to be able to get myself out of trouble..and I had fun!:)
[ZenFone 2 General] corrsea:
Yes I once spent a weekend rescuing my G2 from a so called hard brick. At the end even I was not quite sure how I did it. I was distraught at the time but afterwards the sense of satisfaction was exhilarating.
[ZenFone 2 General] chooks06:
:D:D

Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD
[ZenFone 2 General] corrsea:
[MENTION=6323980]chooks06[/MENTION]

By the way, now that you have everything as you want it I'd advise making a backup with the tethered TWRP. I think it's the first thing I will do when I get the device.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=3123532