Samsung disables customer phones remotely, holds data hostage until Mexican government stepped in
Samsung disables customer phones remotely, holds data hostage until Mexican government stepped in
I knew devices were getting blocked, but not to this extent. Or the fact that mexico's own government/regulatory bodies condemned the blocking itself.
Here's a written article (not English): https://pisapapeles.net/bloqueo-celulares-mexico/
Xioami is the only one (in the list) that sent a notification but didn't block any function or the device itself: https://www.gearrice.com/update/xiaomi-affirms-that-it-is-not-blocking-mobile-phones-purchased-on-the-gray-market-in-mexico-even-though-it-continues-to-be-a-problem/
Wtf. There are some features my Samsung has that I don't want to give up but this outweighs everything. It's shocking that this functionality was ready for use in the software of many brands to begin with. I wonder if it could be disabled ahead of time without replacing the os/rooting..
You would have to dig deeper to see which system services and apps would need to be disabled and repeat those steps after every update. The simplest solution would be to flash a custom ROM.
Custom Roms are the best option
Yup, if you don't control the OS, you don't own the phone
non-free modem noises
You don't control shit with OS on mobile phones. That's the sad truth.
Which is why Samsung is the worst option
You definitely “own” your device
Get a Pixel, install GrapheneOS and something like this will never happen to you. And you will also be much more private and secure.
GrapheneOS sounds really interesting, but I'd need some kind of alternative to Android Auto - could even be a new head unit with some other piece of software... Fumbling around with a small phone screen while driving is a (physical) security nightmare in and of itself.
I agree, an Android Auto alternative would be nice. I mostly use public transit, but when I occasionally have to drive, it's what I miss the most about the iPhone and its CarPlay capability.
I personally have a dedicated phone just for Android Auto and Spotify for this. It's my old OnePlus 3T running LineageOS. I hotspot my main phone to my other phone to get data to the phone.
For those with limited hotspot data plans, there are apps that helps you mask that you're hotspoting without the need for root, such as TetherFi
It is still kinda inconvenient though, but better than nothing. I drive a lot, so Android Auto really helps.
Permanently Deleted
There are regulations regarding power and network configuration phone need to comply. Bought from outside Mexico, these devices are not being regulated. Still, do you think Samsung and the rest have our best interest in mind?
Any phone bought from a carrier will be blocked by them, not allowing you to used with any other carrier. They also install bloatware in them, making them slower. That's why the las phone I bought was an American phone, a Pixel.
Those devices are a dream of any dictator.