yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] theleetbeagle:
Call recording is/was a MAJOR deal to me as I used to be a police officer and routinely used it during the course of my duties. This was years ago and on a Palm Treo 700p and, my oh my, how it worked 100% flawlessly.

Well, I grew so used to call recording that you can imagine my sadness when I finally had to give up that blessed feature when I "upgraded" to a Galaxy S1 (not S2) (Epic 4G on Sprint). I tried and tried to get recording to work with several different Market apps, tried all sorts of rooting patches, apk replacements etc. Couldn't get it to work.

Well. Yesterday my SGS2 arrived.

Confirming that with a bone stock S2 and with Total Recall's Call recorder (their S2-specific varient) that is for sale on the Market for $8, it works damn near flawlessly.

Recording quality, as far as I'm concerned, is 100%. If it's good enough to hear every word, it's get enough for me.

I'm currently having some problems with corruption, but that may simply be on file copying. I need to test more over the next couple days.

Without this thread, I would not have known which phone to buy.

THANKS.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] TambourineMan:
Before I rooted my EVO 4G, Total Recall worked. I don't remember if it only worked on speaker phone or not, but the recording quality was definitely usable. However scine I have gone to Cyanogen Mod 7.1 it no longer works even on speaker. Bummer.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] sgs2camera:
Call recording on SGS2

Hi all,

in terms of developing an Android app, how do you get VOICE_CALL to work on Android? See

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=25395318#post25395318

Thanks!
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
Confirm work without speakerphone? Any reference threads/posts?

Thx.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] ZandarKoad:
Thank you!

Thank you so much for this thread. I'd use the thank you button, but I can't find it. LOL

I just bought a Palm Centro 690 specifically for it's call recording, but I will also be buying another (more modern) phone now that I found this thread. I'll let you know which one and how it turns out once I cross those bridges.

THANKS AGAIN!!!
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] m4570d0n:
It works great on the Galaxy S II Skyrocket. The Sky ICS ROM based on the UCLD2 ICS leak is a stable ROM to use as a daily driver and has call recording built into the ROM (call recording button on the dialer and a button on the in-call screen).
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] PrimaryMaster:
Hi all,

Do any of you know of a working kernel/software combination for Xperia Arc?

I tried ArcKnight and Stock ICS Beta Kernel with CWM with the following software.. they do not work without the speaker on:

Call Recorder

Total Call Recorder

Auto Call Recorder

Androrec Free Call Recorder...

Even my old Nokia 6630 (symbian) could record 2-way flawlessly.. it is a shame that such an important feature is overlooked...
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Rred:
" it is a shame that such an important feature is overlooked..."

Perhaps a question needs to be asked, because this feature is NOT being overlooked. The fact that so many Chinese and other market phones do record, proves the standard Android library supplies recording.

So the question is, why are the US cell phone companies insisting that the same cell phone makers REMOVE THAT ABILITY??

The phone makers don't remove code unless they are asked to. The cellular carriers make the rules for the firmware load, even though they blame the phone makers for this (and vice versa).

Someone is intentionally blocking recording on US-market phones and that really begs the question. Why?!
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] PrimaryMaster:
I am "not" living in the States and I bought my phone from a retailer and not a service provider. I still don't have call recording function. I don't think that this is a matter that solely concerns US...
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Rred:
"I bought my phone from a retailer and not a service provider."

You may have a wider range of available providers, but SOMEONE still specified the firmware load in that phone. Odds are it was negotiated with the service providers (plural) or simply offered to them with a "stock" firmware by the manufacturer. AFAIK retailers, even major retail chains, have no voice in how the firmware will be set.

"I don't think that this is a matter that

solely

concerns US..." No one said it was.

Still, it would be interesting to know why the function is not being blocked in Chinese firmware loads, or if that is simply because the Chinese don't realize how easily the function can be (and is) being removed elsewhere.

It would be equally interesting to see how this varies with the geographic distribution of phones, i.e. what geographies/carriers are having it removed.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
Many people are blaming Google while it's more of a manufacturer/carrier decision.

Wrong target.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
Glad to help.

Check out this thread (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1441643) and also the Xperia dev forums.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Rred:
Actually, Google might have some responsibility here.

Take a look at the terms of use, the license for using the Google Android OS on a phone.

Google requires the user to dsitribute the complete OS, intact and functioning, if I'm reading it correctly. (At least they did for the 2.3 and 2.3 OSes most of these phones shipped with.)

So if Google requires that the OS be complete and functional, and does not allow licensees to kneecap or alter the OS, and Google has been informed that those licenses are in fact kneecapping the OS and failing to distribute parts of the code?

Then legally, yes, Google is required to prosecute or risk losing their right to any license enforcements.

But Google has been notified, and refuses to make any comment or response.

I would suggest that Google is too interested in spreading their empire, and they ARE in fact responsible for failing to enforce this part of the OS license. Google can fix this--but has chosen not to.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
i can go ahead to argue with your logic, that google should go out and stop everybody making phones without a front-facing camera or removable storage.

without references and defining what's the complete OS, this aren't going anywhere

i'm all for makers to implement this feature, or at least the underlying archi, across all phones, but one of the major advantages, may also be bane, of android is its diverse environment. you are free to choose something more restricted like wp and ios if you want to have a more standardised environment.

your side jibe at google is unnecessary, it isn't a charity afterall
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Rred:
Andy, you can't argue with my logic unless you grasp the concept.

As to what the complete OS is, there is a distributable core library. It supports certain functions and certain hardware--if the hardware exists. And there are minimum standards for hardware, for each OS version license.

Your comparison of banning front-facing cameras is out of place here. The code to support "extra" cameras may be an optional extension in some versions of Android, but that's not basic hardware and basic functionality. You are aware that every version of Android is licensed subject to the requirement that the hardware itself meets certain standards, in terms of what it is, has, and does? A minimum screen pixel count, and so on?

The code to support "here's telephone audio inbound, here's telephone audio outbound" is part of the basic OS, since it supports the basic enumerated functions, i.e. telephony, regardless of the hardware.

It has nothing to do with whether you have optional hardware, which might mean one headset jack, one or two speakers, a bluetooth earmic, etcetera. versus whatever minimum the license called for. There are basic blocks of code to perform basic functions, and apparently this is one that is part of fthe basic OS which is licensed as a bundle. (Speaking of which the Samsung GS3 apparently has one of those cute Samsung bugs that Samsung says doesn't exist. If you are streaming music out the headset jack, and waiting for a call on your BT earmic, the call can come in but the outbound call audio goes down a black hole, only the inbound audio gets to the BT earmic. Another fine example of how to screw up modular code by messing with it.)

Nothing to do with optional hardware.

And again, it still begs the question: Is there any possible legitimate reason why so many vendors have intentionally removed this code and disabled this feature, without telling the buyers about it?

By all means, defend their decision. I'd love to hear any rational supposition about what this is supposed to accomplish--except crippling the phone in order to protect criminals.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] zelendel:
The biggest reason is due to the laws that cover this. in alot of places it is illegal to record phone calls without letting the other person know before the call starts. If OEM added this option by default they would need to add in the stupid "This call is being recorded" recording before the call is connected. This would just bug the hell out of people. Then you also have to look at the privacy laws that govern phone calls.

Like the user that used to be an officer. If he tried to use the option here in a trial the court would have to throw it out for illegal search and seizure. These laws change from state to state so could you image the headaches for the carriers?

Now you say to protect criminals but yet you have no idea what you could be charged with if someone had the want to. One argument with someone on the phone stating that you are gonna "kick their a**" and with that phone call recorded they could have you arrested for Assault. You really need to stop and think about this for a min. Do you really want everything you say recorded which then can be used against you in civil and criminal courts
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] zelendel:
Here is honestly the best way to do this. Each and every Android OS has the ability if it is built into the kernel. Just learn some kernel Dev and then you won't have to limit your phone selection or see if there is a kernel with it built in for a device you are thinking of getting.

As for the BT recording. This is a 2 prong problem. As the BT drivers and hardware don't support it the OS was never built to do it. So you would have to attack it on both fronts. Not a simple task at least not the the devices I have seen. Need to do more research to be sure

sent from the Batcave
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Rred:
"The biggest reason is due to the laws that cover this. in alot of places it is illegal to record phone calls without "

Oh jeez, there's always someone trying to get arrested by practising the law without a license.

l

That FUD comes up every time the TECHNICAL ISSUE is being discussed. Please, moderator or not, do not confuse a technical issue with lega ones. Whether the phone can be used to commit some crime some place, has nothing to do with this. You can be arrested for carrying burglary tools is you are carrying a screwdriver while breaking and entering. Does that make it illegal to sell screwdrivers? No. PLEASE DO NOT CONFUSE THE ISSUE.

The state laws very in each of the 50 states (61 if you count the insular possessions, counselor) and that's not an issue here.

"Now you say to protect criminals but yet you have no idea what you could be charged with if someone had the want to."

Getting the two sides confused? Criminals versus what *I* could be charged with? And who's going to "charge" me? Someone who is recording their side of a phone call? Great, they can do that already, in many ways on many phones. STOP CONFUSING THE ISSUE. If I buy a microrecorder and plug it into my phone, I can record everything too. So much for protecting or preventing anything.

THE ISSUE HERE IS THAT THE CARRIERS HAVE MAINLY REQUIRED A STOCK FEATURE TO BE REMOVED.

If you are worried about what you may say on the phone being recorded, let me give you some advice: STOP USING PHONES. Because everything that anyone says, MIGHT be being recorded by the other side. Go down to Radio Shack and spend $25, that's all it takes. And whatever you do, never call a corporation on the phone, because as the voice prompt tells you "This call may be recorded for training purposes". With no beeps.

PLEASE, STOP CONFUSING THE TECHNICAL ISSUES WITH LEGALITIES THAT YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW ABOUT.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] zelendel:
If you can't see where the legality issue of it goes hand in hand with with why it is not added by default then that is not my problem. If you by a recorder then all responsibility falls on you. If OEM and carriers left it in then they will be held liable for it.

Now you say I don't know anything about it. You would know this how? Simple you don't. I know about this all to well as a friend of mine is doing time for something that was said and recorded over the phone.

Just because the laws may be more lax in your area does mean that they are everywhere. You have to look at the bigger picture. If it was completely legal everywhere with no strings then it would not be removed. This issue goes hand in hand. I already stated how it could be done if someone wanted it.

The carriers and OEM have to look at the bigger picture and that is why it is removed.

Personally I don't care if I am recorded. Not like the government doesn't do it anyway lol but the carriers are not gonna take the risk.

sent from the Batcave
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] andyrubin1:
read what i wrote

in short: your arbitrarily defined "complete os" means nothing in this context, as you defined it in a way that it supports your argument and used circular reference.

i appreciate your adamant insistence that this feature should be implemented on every handset, it's sth i'd like to see as well. but until you can provide proofs that your definition is in accordance to the agreement you mentioned, i probably won't bother to reply to you anymore.

give me proofs, and maybe we can talk.

and pls stop using capitalizing sentences, this is not a shouting match and i hope we can stay civilized here.

btw guys, please don't bring legality issues arguments here, as per the 1st post requested, it muddles the thread.

thx vry much.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] kkc0123:
Found at last!

Apparently the ZTE Warp and Warp Sequent (Boost) will record calls natively. There is a "record" command in the phone menu. Just wish I could use them on the Sprint network.

EDIT: I just got back from the Sprint store. The new ZTE Sprint Flash also has this function! Yay!
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Crank8x:
which milestone

Which Milestone is compatible with call recording?

I am planning to buy that model.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Crank8x:
Xperia pro and call recording

Once I hade an Xperia Pro. Recording worked on that one (if somebody interested in that model)
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] HipCat:
Anyone know how to get this to work with Xperia Play? None of the settings seem to work with it.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Stryke_the_Orc:
You can add the epic 4g touch to your list of modded devices . TDunham has ported it over for us:thumbup:

Slithering from the nether regions of a twisted mind and tarnished soul
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] JPBeard21:
Here is my experience with 2 way call recording on Android phones.

Motorola Atrix 4G - required Chinese ROM.

HTC Thunderbolt - required custom kernel and worked with CallRecorder app.

VZW Galaxy Nexus (toro) - working on every kernel tested, requires AlsaMixer (libs?)(needs root) in addition to CallRecorder.

On Thunderbolt and GNex, Bluetooth recording works as well. Disconnected service on my Atrix before could test Chinese ROM. I did however use it as a VoIP phone using SipDroid which had call recording function built in (2way) which was a pain to configure with Bluetooth but once configured, recorded via Bluetooth as well.

Its worth noting sipdroid will walk you through setting up the VoIP using your Google Voice number which is very convenient and does not rely on Google's incoming call recording. The sipdroid app has its very own 2way call recording built in.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] aCs_ND:
Addition to the list and a question for members from the far east

I have a Moto Defy + running on WIUI by Wajk link here. The call recording of incoming and outgoing calls is perfect.

I have a question for any members of the forum from South Korea/China/HK. Are the Samsung/Motorola (or any other brands you may be aware of) devices sold in these countries supporting call recording natively i.e. right out of the box? If so, can you please list such handsets i.e. brands and model name/number.

I will explain the reason for my asking this question. If we root/mod the phone we are loosing our warranty any way - unless and until we can go back to stock and un-root ( please correct me If I am wrong). Rather than go through this very very daunting exercise and risk being stuck with a paper weight , to my mind it makes better sense to buy from an online vendor in these destinations - IF call recording is available right out of the box. Yes the warranty is lost more often than not when the device goes out of the country of purchase, but we do have the benefit of having a device with call recording functionality out of the box.

Please forgive me for the long post but I am at my wit's end and quite annoyed with the phone/handset companies for dumping US restrictions on customers in my country i.e. India.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] aCs_ND:
Xiaomi - native call recording functionality

The link posted below shows that the Xiaomi brand of phones from China support call recording natively.

http://miuiandroid.com/community/threads/question-about-record-calls.19764/

There are issues of warranty/service repairs as their presence is primarily in China/HK. Never the less this is one option for people who do not want to or are not confident about going down the path of rooting and modding.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] zelendel:
There are also other issues with this OEM. The main reason that you dont find many devices that do this natively is do to many laws preventing call recording. Most Euro devices have call recording built in. Like Samsung devices. I know the Canada version of devices have the call recording.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] aCs_ND:
Hello

Thanks very much for your input.

[] Yes, I am aware the privacy laws in certain certain jurisdictions prohibit this and hand set vendors have to comply with such laws. However the one shoe fits all nonsense that they are following at least WRT India is quite annoying. In any case what can not be cured has to be endured.

[] You make a very interesting point re the Euro and Canada versions of some devices having the facility of call recording. Could you be kind enough to elaborate on this please? Is the functionality available "right out of the box" or it needs to be activated by installing an app or resorting to rooting and finding a suitable custom rom? Will you be able to point me to any mid range devices from any of the known brands if this facility is available right out of the box?

[] WRT Xiaomi are the issues you refer to pertaining to quality? It will be very informative if you could kindly share some of the information available with you.

Regards
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] Rred:
Please don't add FUD

zelendel-

"The main reason that you dont find many devices that do this natively is do to many laws preventing call recording. "

Unless you are intimately and positively familiar with the laws of a particular country/state, please do not repeat that FUD.

In the US the carriers all give the same excuse. The sad thing is, the carriers say the phone makers have done this and the phone makers claim the carriers have ordered this--so one of them are lying.

Furthermore, the sole regulatory authority over cell phones in the US is our FCC and they have gone on open record as saying cell phones are not telephones, and as such they are not even covered by the telephone recording laws. They are RADIOS and expressly governed by radiocommunication recording laws, which are veyr different from telephone recording laws, and different agin from 'wiretap' laws, which only apply to third-party recording done without the knowledge of either party to the call.

In other words, when a cell phone maker or a cellular provider says "our phones don't record because that is illegal" in the US, they are full of sh|t. And that's according ot both federal and state authorities who actually know and enforce the laws.

Why so many cell phones can't record calls using the native Android recording function seems to be a great mystery, but it keeps the narcoterrorsts very happy since they don't have to worry about anyone surreptitiously recording their calls. There may be other reasons that seem more likely or less paranoid, but the bottom line here in the US? Is that someone is going around and removing the native call recording function, and there is absolutely no legal reason to do that.

In fact, there are times when phone calls legally MUST be recorded in the US. For instance, our SEC (Security Exchange Commission) sometimes requires licensed brokers to record ALL calls with customers.

So please. Perhaps there are laws specially prohibiting all radios (remember, a cell phone is not a telephone, even in many US states) from being recorded. And perhaps not. There's a load of FUD being repeated about how these recordings are illegal, and it usually is dead wrong.

The big question is, who is removing the software (an Android library routine), why they are removing it, and why the cell phones makers and carriers are all uniformly lying about this. Because our own FCC regulates this, and the FCC says there is NO reason under the laws to be removing the software this way.

Maybe in India it is different. Or maybe, it is the same load of elephant dung.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] aCs_ND:
Irrespective of where we all live, we have to contend with the same nonsense handed out by corporations and their apologists in the powers that be i.e. proverbial waste material of your favourite beast.

I can personally attest to the fact that there are situations where call recording is critical for our safety. Do we encounter such situations in our day to day existence? No! They are a very rare and one off occurrence. Should we then have voice call recordings as a routine? Yes .

I would rather that this thread focus on the purpose for which the OP created it, because voice call recording ( to me at least ) is a very very real world need and not just something that gets you brownie points for having a cool device.

To that extent I shall be very grateful if [MENTION=1140856]zelendel[/MENTION] can spare some time as and when convenient , and list any devices he/she is aware of from Europe and/or Canada which have call recording functionality. It is only the knowledge of the aware & knowledgeable, that enables us not so aware souls to resolve our problems.