I made a mistake, I looked on the Orange website at the spec for the Samsung galaxy ace it stated it supported UMA, Like a twit I bought it from Carphone Warehouse unlocked and i like it, The problem is it does not have UMA! As its not an Orange branded phone it does not have the UMA feature. Orange have said tough LOL. If i got it from them that would be a different matter. They did say there was some apps to download which work fine. I have searched and its just getting more confusing LOL. There is the option to to switch to Vodafone as we have A A Suresignal box and this phone is just a second backup phone for work. Can anyone recomend an app from the Android market?
Samsung Galaxy Ace/ UMA
Sounds like Orange are bundling an app with their customised firmware which gives access to UMA - there is unlikely to be any apps on Google Play (Android Market) which will work.
This is one of those rare occasions where the branded operator firmware is actually beneficial.
This is one of those rare occasions where the branded operator firmware is actually beneficial.
Originally Posted by wilt:
“Sounds like Orange are bundling an app with their customised firmware which gives access to UMA - there is unlikely to be any apps on Google Play (Android Market) which will work.
This is one of those rare occasions where the branded operator firmware is actually beneficial.”
“Sounds like Orange are bundling an app with their customised firmware which gives access to UMA - there is unlikely to be any apps on Google Play (Android Market) which will work.
This is one of those rare occasions where the branded operator firmware is actually beneficial.”
Tell me about it lol The woman from Orange did say there were some apps out there that do work its just finding them, As i said there is no worries I can pop a vodafone sim in it cheers for the reply
Originally Posted by alanwarwic:
“Just Flash it with the Orange firmware.”
“Just Flash it with the Orange firmware.”
Do tell lol. I fry fish and chips for a living lol How would i go about this
So I've been looking at a Galaxy Ace as my first foray into smart phones. Found a review site where the reviews fell into two broad themes
It's great but the battery is rubbish
It's a buggy, awful brick of a phone and the battery is rubbish.
Looks a bit of a risk to part with £130 (on O2) for it. What's the view here?
It's great but the battery is rubbish
It's a buggy, awful brick of a phone and the battery is rubbish.
Looks a bit of a risk to part with £130 (on O2) for it. What's the view here?
Originally Posted by Ginger Nut:
“So I've been looking at a Galaxy Ace as my first foray into smart phones. Found a review site where the reviews fell into two broad themes
It's great but the battery is rubbish
It's a buggy, awful brick of a phone and the battery is rubbish.
Looks a bit of a risk to part with £130 (on O2) for it. What's the view here?”
“So I've been looking at a Galaxy Ace as my first foray into smart phones. Found a review site where the reviews fell into two broad themes
It's great but the battery is rubbish
It's a buggy, awful brick of a phone and the battery is rubbish.
Looks a bit of a risk to part with £130 (on O2) for it. What's the view here?”
so far i am liking it. Its so light! seems quick and easy to navigate, I have replaced a Blackberry torch which i hated with a passion! I do like the iPhone better but needed a cheap smartphone my step daughter has the bigger version (forgot what it is called) its massive LOL
Originally Posted by timmoncaster:
“I made a mistake, I looked on the Orange website at the spec for the Samsung galaxy ace it stated it supported UMA, Like a twit I bought it from Carphone Warehouse unlocked and i like it, The problem is it does not have UMA! As its not an Orange branded phone it does not have the UMA feature. Orange have said tough LOL. If i got it from them that would be a different matter. They did say there was some apps to download which work fine. I have searched and its just getting more confusing LOL. There is the option to to switch to Vodafone as we have A A Suresignal box and this phone is just a second backup phone for work. Can anyone recomend an app from the Android market?”
“I made a mistake, I looked on the Orange website at the spec for the Samsung galaxy ace it stated it supported UMA, Like a twit I bought it from Carphone Warehouse unlocked and i like it, The problem is it does not have UMA! As its not an Orange branded phone it does not have the UMA feature. Orange have said tough LOL. If i got it from them that would be a different matter. They did say there was some apps to download which work fine. I have searched and its just getting more confusing LOL. There is the option to to switch to Vodafone as we have A A Suresignal box and this phone is just a second backup phone for work. Can anyone recomend an app from the Android market?”
The nice salesman at Orange assured me that the Samsing Galaxy Ace has UMA so I accepted the upgrade. And this link confirms UMA support:
http://help.orange.co.uk/orangeuk/su...ersonal/554575
I have had the phone for 2 weeks and it is like trying to fly a jumbo jet without any training or manual and most of the instruments in a big jumbled box. But I am coming to terms with it.
BUT - UMA does not appear to be working on the phone.
I have set up UMA as follows:
Applications --> Signal Boost and then click it "On"
But then a little red 'House' icon appears in the status bar.
According to Orange I should get a green 'House' icon:
http://help.orange.co.uk/orangeuk/su...ersonal/446561
I phone 150 to get help yesterday and spoke to a nice indian gentleman who did not know about UMA. He promised to phone back but I have heard nothing.
After 1/2 hour on the phone with Orange customer support no joy.
I have removed anti-virus (Lookout) and removed Advanced Task Killer as well.
The Singal Boost/UMA 'house' icon is now often working green, but changes to red sometimes.
I have just been cut off in the middle of a call because of this.
Any ideas anyone?
I have removed anti-virus (Lookout) and removed Advanced Task Killer as well.
The Singal Boost/UMA 'house' icon is now often working green, but changes to red sometimes.
I have just been cut off in the middle of a call because of this.
Any ideas anyone?
Me too!
I am disappointed not only that signal boost does not work, but also that Orange customer services seem unable to help. I spent a good time the other evening going through the issue with their help desk and they seemed unable to advise more than how to set it up (which I had already done OK) I am still awaiting that promised call back.
I get a red house indication (not quite sure what that means) but never a green one.
Orange please sort this out!
I am disappointed not only that signal boost does not work, but also that Orange customer services seem unable to help. I spent a good time the other evening going through the issue with their help desk and they seemed unable to advise more than how to set it up (which I had already done OK) I am still awaiting that promised call back.
I get a red house indication (not quite sure what that means) but never a green one.
Orange please sort this out!
Originally Posted by Matt35:
“Does anyone have this phone on Three for 13 a month?”
“Does anyone have this phone on Three for 13 a month?”
I have it on 3 but for £18 a month, 500 mins and texts I think
Originally Posted by clarky323:
“I have it on 3 but for £18 a month, 500 mins and texts I think”
“I have it on 3 but for £18 a month, 500 mins and texts I think”
Is it a good phone? also what is it like with regards to internet and texting?
Originally Posted by Matt35:
“Is it a good phone? also what is it like with regards to internet and texting?”
“Is it a good phone? also what is it like with regards to internet and texting?”
its good for internet and texting, I'm just not to keen on things like low internal memory, can't have flash player, having to charge it nearly every day but its perfect for things like Twitter and the regular internet
As it has been a year since the last post in this thread I thought I'd give it a bump to see if there have been any developments in this area.
My interest is in the Samsung Galaxy Ace, S3 and S4 Android phones. So far I have an Ace and an S4 but may be getting an S3 LTE for my wife in the coming weeks. Can anyone confirm the following please?:-
[LIST][*]UMA is supported by these phones[*]Orange supports UMA on the phones[*]An unlocked non-Orange phone can be made to work with Orange via UMA[/LIST]My understanding regarding the last point is that Orange phones have the UMA support in the Orange tailored firmware but that third part apps are available. However, I wondered if the Orange firmware or an Orange app can be retro-fitted to an unlocked phone from another network.
My interest is in the Samsung Galaxy Ace, S3 and S4 Android phones. So far I have an Ace and an S4 but may be getting an S3 LTE for my wife in the coming weeks. Can anyone confirm the following please?:-
[LIST][*]UMA is supported by these phones[*]Orange supports UMA on the phones[*]An unlocked non-Orange phone can be made to work with Orange via UMA[/LIST]My understanding regarding the last point is that Orange phones have the UMA support in the Orange tailored firmware but that third part apps are available. However, I wondered if the Orange firmware or an Orange app can be retro-fitted to an unlocked phone from another network.
I've only ever seen people refer to the marketing gimmick/term for UMA which is 'Orange Signal Boost'.
Of course in addition to Orange Signal Boost, O2 have their TuGo app which I assume also uses UMA (GAN) technology over WiFi for calls, text and data. Currently both Orange (EE) and O2 only provide these services to Pay Monthly customers but O2 are working on expanding the service to PAYG and Business customers whilst I have heard that EE may be discontinuing the service altogether. 
EE have indicated they are working on improving the service and deploying it for 4G customers, quite the opposite of discontinuing it altogether... Unless the latter has superseded the former?
In regards to the ace incase anyone finds this thread and even more bizzare providers are still selling this now very old phone.
When I got my ace two or so years back, back then out of the box with stock firmware it was barely useable as a phone (very laggy) and smartphone type functions were what I would consider "unfit for purpose" the phone simply does not have enough ram. That was back in the gingerbread days, and I think this phone probably will ship with gingerbread still as it doesnt have enough ram for ICS or JB.
I only got it useable by flashing cyanogen mod 7.2 on it which due to getting rid of touchwiz bloat made the phone reasonably responsive but now and again I stil get force closing apps due to ram issues. Battery life was also originally very bad and I improved it significantly with a custom kernel, disabling of various android services and bigger battery. But the battery life is still poor when the screen is on, most of the improvement is with its standby time. With the improvements from my changes on it (including adding backlight notifications) its now an ok phone but I wouldnt buy one in this day and age, there is replacements for it such as ace 2 and now phones like the s3 mini and s4 mini are on the market which are similiar sized but much better phones. The ace has barely dropped in price since I brought it as well which is shocking.
What I will say is that the phone is much better built than samsung's premium phones.
Examples.
The usb port is at the top (better placement than bottom), it has a slideable cover so dust etc. cant get inside.
The phone is fatter, which to me is better than been too slim, it feels a better shape, easier to pick up etc.
The sides of the phone are a thicker better material than both my s2 and s3,, feels less cheap, not sure if its metal but feels like metal, also the sides go up above the screen height meaning when I hold it I dont accidently touch the screen, on my s3 I am frequently accidently touching the screen as there is no barrier between the edge of the phone and screen.
The home button is bigger.
The removable back cover is sturdier and higher quality over the s2 and s3.
Bigger volume and power buttons.
Its a bit funny that a budget phone is a better quality build than the newer higher end phones.
When I got my ace two or so years back, back then out of the box with stock firmware it was barely useable as a phone (very laggy) and smartphone type functions were what I would consider "unfit for purpose" the phone simply does not have enough ram. That was back in the gingerbread days, and I think this phone probably will ship with gingerbread still as it doesnt have enough ram for ICS or JB.
I only got it useable by flashing cyanogen mod 7.2 on it which due to getting rid of touchwiz bloat made the phone reasonably responsive but now and again I stil get force closing apps due to ram issues. Battery life was also originally very bad and I improved it significantly with a custom kernel, disabling of various android services and bigger battery. But the battery life is still poor when the screen is on, most of the improvement is with its standby time. With the improvements from my changes on it (including adding backlight notifications) its now an ok phone but I wouldnt buy one in this day and age, there is replacements for it such as ace 2 and now phones like the s3 mini and s4 mini are on the market which are similiar sized but much better phones. The ace has barely dropped in price since I brought it as well which is shocking.
What I will say is that the phone is much better built than samsung's premium phones.
Examples.
The usb port is at the top (better placement than bottom), it has a slideable cover so dust etc. cant get inside.
The phone is fatter, which to me is better than been too slim, it feels a better shape, easier to pick up etc.
The sides of the phone are a thicker better material than both my s2 and s3,, feels less cheap, not sure if its metal but feels like metal, also the sides go up above the screen height meaning when I hold it I dont accidently touch the screen, on my s3 I am frequently accidently touching the screen as there is no barrier between the edge of the phone and screen.
The home button is bigger.
The removable back cover is sturdier and higher quality over the s2 and s3.
Bigger volume and power buttons.
Its a bit funny that a budget phone is a better quality build than the newer higher end phones.
Originally Posted by qasdfdsaq:
“EE have indicated they are working on improving the service and deploying it for 4G customers, quite the opposite of discontinuing it altogether... Unless the latter has superseded the former?”
“EE have indicated they are working on improving the service and deploying it for 4G customers, quite the opposite of discontinuing it altogether... Unless the latter has superseded the former?”
Good to know. I wasn't too sure of my facts there, it was just something I had read on another forum.
Are you saying that it will be for 4G customers only though or just emphasising that EE are ensuring that 4G customers can get the fast connection that they are paying for even when not in a 4G area?
Last edited by Felim_Doyle : 02-12-2013 at 08:42
So far it's implied it will be for 4G customers. Presumably Orange customers will continue getting the Orange version of the service.
Ah, I see. So for existing Orange customers, as long as they don't ‘upgrade’ their handset and end up on a non-4G EE plan, it's business as usual. For new EE customers, they'll only get it if they're on a 4G plan and existing T-Mobile customers would have to switch to a 4G EE plan to get the facility.
Sound about right?
Last edited by Felim_Doyle : 04-12-2013 at 09:59
Sound about right?
Last edited by Felim_Doyle : 04-12-2013 at 09:59
Originally Posted by Chrysalis:
“The usb port is at the top (better placement than bottom), it has a slideable cover so dust etc. cant get inside.”
“The usb port is at the top (better placement than bottom), it has a slideable cover so dust etc. cant get inside.”
Having the USB port on the bottom would facilitate drop-in chargers and docking stations. However, I do miss the dust cover on my S4.
Originally Posted by Chrysalis:
“The phone is fatter, which to me is better than been too slim, it feels a better shape, easier to pick up etc.”
“The phone is fatter, which to me is better than been too slim, it feels a better shape, easier to pick up etc.”
I do like the feel of my Ace but the technology is amazing in the S4 considering it is so slim.
Originally Posted by Chrysalis:
“The sides of the phone are a thicker better material than both my s2 and s3,, feels less cheap, not sure if its metal but feels like metal, also the sides go up above the screen height meaning when I hold it I dont accidently touch the screen, on my s3 I am frequently accidently touching the screen as there is no barrier between the edge of the phone and screen.”
“The sides of the phone are a thicker better material than both my s2 and s3,, feels less cheap, not sure if its metal but feels like metal, also the sides go up above the screen height meaning when I hold it I dont accidently touch the screen, on my s3 I am frequently accidently touching the screen as there is no barrier between the edge of the phone and screen.”
I have a gel case on my S4 (£1 from Poundland but excellent quality and styling) which eliminates most of these issues.
Originally Posted by Chrysalis:
“The home button is bigger.”
“The home button is bigger.”
Yeah, it took a while to get used to the slender button on the S4 but mostly from an aesthetics pint of view rather than for any practical / functional reason.
Originally Posted by Chrysalis:
“The removable back cover is sturdier and higher quality over the s2 and s3.”
“The removable back cover is sturdier and higher quality over the s2 and s3.”
The S4 also has a lightweight cover but I try not to remove it too often. The Ace cover is grippy so you can leave it on the dashboard of the car and it won't slip off. Again, the gel casing on my S4 serves this purpose.
Originally Posted by Chrysalis:
“Bigger volume and power buttons.”
“Bigger volume and power buttons.”
Even with the gel cover on my S4 I haven't found this to be a problem. Your experience may differ!
Originally Posted by Chrysalis:
“Its a bit funny that a budget phone is a better quality build than the newer higher end phones.”
“Its a bit funny that a budget phone is a better quality build than the newer higher end phones.”
This happens with a lot of products. The initial version is sturdily built partly because it is an unknown so the manufacturer tests the market over time and sees where cost savings can be made. Subsequent models are generally more feature-rich and so more expensive to manufacture. As a result they will compromise on build quality to reduce cost and keep the product competitive in the marketplace.
Having said that, I have no real problem with the build quality and styling of the Samsung Galaxy S4.
Well I was mentioning the s3.
I have seen and picked up a s4 in the flesh, and its my view they partially fixed some of the s3 problems.
The home button on the s4 is not so near the bottom of the phone like on the s3.
Also the s4 has straighter edges making it easier to pick up,the s3 they curve and it is hard to pick up, the owner of the s4 when he tried to pick up my s3 he dropped it.
On my s3 I brought a cover thingy for it which has a rough back (so grippier), it adds depth to the edges and has raised height voer edge so much harder to accidently hit edge of screen, sadly this back cover doesnt feel that secure ie. its low build quality. so I am looking for something better.
I think you have a good point reference docking stations, that would be a valid reason for the new placement although I maintain the phones should be thicker and have dust covers on the usb slot. they putting more effort into asthetics than practicality.
I have seen and picked up a s4 in the flesh, and its my view they partially fixed some of the s3 problems.
The home button on the s4 is not so near the bottom of the phone like on the s3.
Also the s4 has straighter edges making it easier to pick up,the s3 they curve and it is hard to pick up, the owner of the s4 when he tried to pick up my s3 he dropped it.
On my s3 I brought a cover thingy for it which has a rough back (so grippier), it adds depth to the edges and has raised height voer edge so much harder to accidently hit edge of screen, sadly this back cover doesnt feel that secure ie. its low build quality. so I am looking for something better.
I think you have a good point reference docking stations, that would be a valid reason for the new placement although I maintain the phones should be thicker and have dust covers on the usb slot. they putting more effort into asthetics than practicality.
