PinePhone Review

Tangentially, what's an appropriate entry point for a reasonably capable C/C++/Unix systems programmer without prior mobile guts experience interested in working on software for this platform? I'm kind of assuming that'd be "grab a compatible device, clone postmarket, rtfm" but confirmation/pointers would be appreciated.

Re: PinePhone Review

#6

Post by kop316 » Thu, Dec 19, 2019, 1:40 AM UTC

Drew (Or sircmpwn? Sorry I don't know how you prefer to be called) since I know you're on here, if I may ask:

- What provider are you using?

- Is it VoLTE that is working, or does it drop down to 3g for calls?

- Does SMS work in LTE mode or do you have to drop it down to 3g?

I have a Librem 5 birch, and from my experience in rolling my own Android AOSP version, that to get T-mobile to work with VoLTE, SMS/MMS with LTE, or WiFi Calling, you have to install proprietary blobs.

EDIT: I should add the Librem 5 Birch has LTE data on T-mobile, but I have to drop to 3G to get SMS and phone call functionality, and MMS is additionally non-functional at all on T-Mobile. Meant to post that for the Librem 5.

Re: PinePhone Review

#7

Post by ntw1103 » Thu, Dec 19, 2019, 1:40 AM UTC

Looks pretty sweet, the review is encouraging. It is nice to see no blogs, very nice. I ordered the Braveheart edition, the moment they were available. I am pretty excited about the possibly keyboard accessory talked about in the latest blog post from pine64.

Re: PinePhone Review

#8

Post by kop316 » Thu, Dec 19, 2019, 1:45 AM UTC

livueta wrote: post #5

That's extremely exciting news! Working LTE? No blobs? "Holy shit!" is an understatement. Tangentially, what's an appropriate entry point for a reasonably capable C/C++/Unix systems programmer without prior mobile guts experience interested in working on software for this platform? I'm kind of assuming that'd be "grab a compatible device, clone postmarket, rtfm" but confirmation/pointers would be appreciated.

I hate to temper your excitement a little bit (I am excited too!), but I am not a bit surprised that LTE data works. Calling and SMS/MMS over LTE (for T-Mobile USA) are two things that at least that as of today, you need proprietary libraries to have it function on Android, and likely don't work on the Pinephone. I strongly suspect that other USA carriers will have the same issue (I say that because there are additionally several proprietary Verizon and Sprint blobs that are resident in factory images that need to be put in third party ROMs).

The Librem 5 has LTE mobile data as well, but it has those same issues (no VoLTE, SMS only over 3g, no MMS for T-Mobile USA). I am hopeful that between Purism and the Pinephone community that this is a solvable (but lengthy) issue.

Re: PinePhone Review

#9

Post by catchmeifyoucan » Thu, Dec 19, 2019, 1:48 AM UTC

Would be super cool to build a web based distribution like Firefox OS for this.

Re: PinePhone Review

#10

Post by thekyle » Thu, Dec 19, 2019, 1:49 AM UTC

I'm very enthusiastic about this device and have ordered the Brave Heart addition. I really like the price point of $150. It makes it pretty easy for casual developers to pick one up and should aid with getting new software written for it.

I'm sure the Librem 5 is also very nice, but it's higher price makes it much less accessible.