What are /r/republicwireless' favorite Products & Services?

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Here is the update on Lollipop 5.1 for Moto X, G, and E (1st Gen.)

https://community.republicwireless.com/blogs/republic/2015/11/23/device-mr-progress-update-112315

Summary (with the stated caveat that nothing goes wrong in the next few days)...

• Moto G by 12/15
• Moto X by 12/16
• Moto E in January

Some context about Lollipop 5.1. The MR itself does not contain the post-dial delay fix. It does, however, enable an architecture that allows RW to make fixes/updates to calling logic that was previously buried in the bowels of Android. This architecture is implemented in a new system app only found on Lollipop called rwtelephony. It is the calling and messaging workhorse on RW Lollipop.

The actual fix will come in Republic App 2.1 and rwtelephony 2.1 updates. These are currently being tested in the Google Play Beta Channel during the last 2 weeks with plans to release next week on 12/2.

In summary... Republic App 2.1 on KitKat is NOT enough to fix post-dial delay. The combination of Lollipop + Republic App 2.1 + rwtelephony 2.1 fixes post-dial delay (and a lot of other bug fixes).

>it was running a version of Android two major versions behind

3/4 of Android devices are running 4.4 or lower. Less than one percent of devices have Android v6.

http://www.androidauthority.com/android-distribution-numbers-marshmallow-debuts-653957/

>junk calls

That has nothing to do with RW, except for the ease with which they allow you to change your number so the calls stop.

>dead zones

There is one grocery store in my town that is a complete dead zone. Every other store is fine. It sounds like Sprint's service is really bad for you.

>2FA with Fidelity

Does this not work? I found it by entering "Fidelity two factor authentication" into google. The app was mentioned in the first link. That or Authy might be able to help with your other 2FA issues.

I had an issue with DTMF about a year ago, but it was only once and hasn't happened since.

You're only on wifi when you're at home? Those brick and mortar stores you mentioned probably have free wifi available. I usually don't bother connecting to them (and yet my phone continues to work), but they're there.

And on a personal note, my tablet has Android 5.1 and I hate it. Maybe if it hadn't rendered my IR port useless I'd have a different opinion, but as of now I'm planning on rooting it and going back to v4.4. It may be two whole versions behind, but at least it works.

I'm right there with you. The new settings make city commuting unbearable. If I don't turn off WiFi before leaving home my phone tries to connect to every open network it passes (from sidewalk, bus, even train). Every other function stops. I don't receive texts or calls or notifications until I turn WiFi off. And forget about completing a call. Phone so hell bent on connecting to open WiFi network that phone dialer crashes every damn time. Only solution... turn off Wi-Fi.... Oh, and then monitor it all the time because Republic turns it back on. Such bullshit. I've lost 40% battery walking to the grocery and back with WiFi on.

DriveFi is designed to help republic users by turning off WiFi automatically when you're moving. It's free but requires a separate paid plugin to work (and so I've opted against). Check it out here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitworksapps.drivefi

While that's the cheapest phone we sell, you can bring a lower cost phone to Republic. Amazon sells a $99 dollar Moto G4 Play which you can use on Republic Wireless: https://www.amazon.com/Moto-Play-4th-gen-Lockscreen/dp/B01KBH547A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1480520674&sr=8-3&keywords=g4+play

The cell data screen on the Republic App will allow you granular control over which apps can access cellular data. On the 'CELL DATA' screen, just tap on the white bar at the bottom (where it displays 'Call Data Used') and you can toggle cellular data access for messenger, etc there.

Have you tried HERE Maps? https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.here.app.maps&hl=en

It's a great GPS app that allows you to preload map data onto your phone, allowing you to use your phone's GPS without using data. It's a great app.

I believe you're safe. As an RW dev, I've been rocking the Moto X Pure 64GB for some time. You can install the new Republic App on your device and double check, too.

The RW app no longer allows those fine grained controls on the new architecture. However, I've found Netguard to work quite well in that role. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.faircode.netguard&hl=en

Has any one tried this map app called here? I just found out that they are in the normal play store (I was using the beta). I really like it!

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.here.app.maps

Edit : didn't scroll down, people know about it lol

How I got it to work was using TowelPie root. Make it rain. Install the xposed app and tap install\update under framework. Do not click the reboot option there. Go back to TowelPie root app and check the box at the bottom. Then click the dots on the top right and tap soft reboot.

Send me a message if you need more help.

Here is a step by step guide. Note I've only done this on a Moto X.

1) Install Towel Pie Root

2) Install Xposed

3) Open Towel Pie Root and tap the Make it Rain button.

4) Wait a minute or so after it says root achieved

5) Open Xposed and tap Install/Update. It should give you a prompt to reboot DO TAP IT.

6) Go back to Towel Pie Root and check the box at the bottom. Then click the options button (top right, 3 vertical dots) and select soft reboot.

Xposed should now be working. If you ever have to reboot for a new module or something repeat step six. Always use Towel Pie Root to soft reboot. If for some reason Xposed gives you an error instead, just keep trying. If it gets stuck on a black screen during a soft reboot just hold the power button to reboot and try again.

Rant about my Moto G and Republic Wireless:

1. Speed: My Moto G lags a lot in many apps. For example, when I use an app like Snapchat, the Keyboard (basically Google's, Minuum, and Flesky) freeze, and the RW App quits and has to reload (which takes about 10+ seconds).

2. Battery Life: Recently, with this list of apps, (format: App name (/n), Package name), my phone's battery can't last a whole day for me; it dies after about 9 hours (with about 1.5 hours of screen on time).

3. Republic Wireless App: Not only does it keep reloading itself (quitting (no RW Arch icon in Statusbar), and then restarting), it also doesn't work where I need it the most (school).

4. Reliability: Sometimes, my phone allows me to call and sends text properly (Dialer app sends the call through, and texts send in < than a minute). But, most times, either texts send very slow (between an hour to 12+ hours), calls don't go through (the Dialer app doesn't send it through), or both. Also, my phone undergoes random reboots (about once every two days), and is periodically slow/running low on memory (checked through the use of Mem checker apps and Task-killers).

5. Lack of features: As a teen, there are a features lacking, such as sending emoji's through text.

You can find the part for $4.50 on Amazon and a tutorial on YouTube on how to replace it.

Republic developer here...

You opted into the beta channel for Anywhere on the Play Store sometime in the past. We recently began testing calling as a beta feature and you've picked up a new version that supports calling.

One of the features we are getting feedback on during this period is if a unified messaging and calling interface makes sense.

However, one of the bugs in the first release is that call events are showing up for accounts that are not enabled for calling.

You can either wait for the fix or leave the beta channel here...

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.republicwireless.messaging

At the bottom in the app listing is a notice that you are a beta testing with the option to leave.

Or go here...

https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.republicwireless.messaging

Sounds like Hangouts might be trying over and over again to send something and failing and looping. I'd suggest clearing data and cache for the Hangouts app, you could also try disabling the Hangouts app entirely. Alternatively install an app that can block data like the old RW app, I'd suggest NetGuard: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.faircode.netguard&amp;hl=en

Your first issue with MMS not working is a fairly common issue. You can search here or the republic forums for lots of threads about fixing it. Here's one I found that might help

Your second issue isn't a problem specific to Republic. That's just how SMS/MMS work with any provider (Verizon, Sprint, anyone). Text messages can't go through until they can reach your phone, so your phone will have no idea when it was actually sent.

I should mention that both these issues can be solved if you switch from SMS/MMS to a data messaging service like Hangouts or Telegram. The only issue being you need to get everyone you talk to to use these apps as well.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.kroegerama.android4batpercent&amp;hl=en

Works on any android device running 4.4 or higher (including lolipop :D ) This actually turns on a feature built into android so if you were using overlays or notficiations as an alternative now you dont have to. This app isnt new but I figured some people still might not have it and want it. Enjoy!

http://www.filefactory.com/file/4hzpg2x7zhyv/falcon_repw_user_4.4.4_KXB21.14-L2.4_5_release-keys-cid6.xml.zip

Don't use the included Flash.bat. I'll send you my modified, working one when I get home.

Edit: Flash.bat.

Flash the 4.4.4 sbf using RSDLite. The firmware is available here:

http://www.filefactory.com/folder/dd05c058d3ff8dbe/?sort=created&amp;order=DESC&amp;show=100&amp;page=1

You want the ghost_repw-user-4.4.4-KXA21.12-L2.7-8-release-keys-cid6.xml.zip one.

I don't think there is a full image of 4.4.4 for RW's moto X 2013 anywhere, but here is a link /u/cyphir88 posted in one of the other 4.4.4 threads. It's for 4.4.2. That will at least get you back on track.

http://www.filefactory.com/folder/dd05c058d3ff8dbe/?sort=created&amp;order=DESC&amp;show=100&amp;page=1

Edit: I forgot how to English so I clarified.

These recent announcements about bringing your own device only apply to the newly announced devices.

If you want the Moto G 3rd Gen, you'll need to obtain it either through RW or Amazon.

I don't think the Samsung messaging app is compatible with Republic. The only compatible messaging apps are Anywhere, and Google's messaging app Android Messages which you could also try.

I use NetGuard. It works really good, plus it's pretty easy to unblock an app if I want to use mobile data for a little while.

Install the Republic app. Insert the Republic SIM. You will be prompted to activate the device. Log in with your Republic credentials. You will be asked if you want to upgrade an existing phone number or start a new service line. Based on your description, you want to upgrade an existing. Complete any subsequent steps. After a few minutes, it will report that your new phone is activated. Your old phone will no longer have service.

If you hit any snags, open a ticket.

You can use clockwork mod tether. It requires you to plug your phone into your computer with a USB cable and enable USB debugging. I've been using it for years. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.tether&amp;hl=en

There are two apps that are being talked about here, the first is the Google Hangouts, and the other is the Google Messenger. Hangouts supports MMS and SMS, while I have heard that Messenger will only support SMS.

As the Android dev for SMSmart, I personally use Textra SMS for my main messaging app. It has a great material interface and you can blacklist numbers by longclicking on a received message.

https://handbrake.fr/ can probably do it. And will even do batches of videos so you can do 100 at once.

I'll give it a shot in a minute, my phone is an iPhone 5.

EDIT: Worked fine on a 20 seconds video; and the converted mp4 was even smaller than the original .mov

First, I love Republic - at least how they started. Still really want to give them a chance when my families contract ends, but looking less likely now. Real mix in terms of usage (0.4 GB - 6 GB per device per month) in my family.

I threw together a little Excel comparison chart that I uploaded into Sway. Rough, but is some data at least I am using. First time using Sway (use navigation at bottom right to get to excel sheet), so excuse the horrible formatting:

https://sway.com/wU6jRnpUxTq2-y1i

The Moto E and Moto X prices add the price over 24 months (standard contract term) to be honest in the charge. Of course, if you are using a higher end device with the other carriers, you will have to take that in account (and likely wouldn't want Republic anyway)

I'm pretty sure you can order two without an issue. However if you can't, they're also available on amazon for the same price https://www.amazon.com/Republic-Wireless-SIM-Starter-Kit/dp/B01J63NYAO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1487302764&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=republic+wireless+sim+card

Double checking to see if you updated the Republic App and Republic Telephony App? Upgrading to Lollipop alone is not enough to fix delayed dialing and get other fixes.

Well, just tried it again and now it doesn't. Great... Google Messenger (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.messaging) works fine though, and it's much prettier than the stock messaging app.

I've been using Google Messenger for a while now and haven't had as many issues as with Hangouts or the stock messaging app.

Llama is a free alternative to tasker that I use to keep Wifi off when I am connected to my car's bluetooth, and it turns it back on when I'm disconnected to its bluetooth. You can also use it to turn bluetooth on when you leave a wifi zone like home or work so the whole process of going from wifi off-> bluetooth on -> bluetooth off -> wifi on-> is seamless. You just have to set the rules that work for your situation. Llama is awesome!

Yes, I have the $10/mo plan, and I can confirm realtime turn by turn navigation works with HERE. Just make sure you download the maps for your area and turn on your GPS (don't use battery saver mode for location).

That would VERY often happen to me with 4.4.2, as well. I've since moved to Google Messenger and have not looked back.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.messaging

If you need offline directions, get Here Maps. You have to download a ~200MB map for your state (or more for multiple states) but it really works. Play Store Link.

If you're on one of the 5.0 plans (AT&T) you can just download and install the following app and restart the phone. It will take care of adding the APNs for you:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dish.wireless.carrierapp

Here is the link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dish.wireless.carrierapp&amp;hl=en_US&amp;gl=US

I use these: NetDot Magnetic Micro USB Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MT3YJJG

I actually just ordered another 3-pack. Technically, this isn't quite what I'm already using, I guess they have a new generation out and discontinued the old listing.

you can try https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.boldbeast.recorder&amp;hl=en

Free phone recorder. Also, read more about it here; http://www.howtogeek.com/194839/how-to-record-a-call-on-your-android-phone/

CUB claims the average is 800 mb.

But average means nothing to me in this context, what I want is median data. Average gets skewed upward by the highest data users.

Now this data might be older, but it shows how median is 20%~30% that of average. If your 1.8GB number is correct and we skew to the high side, a full 50% of customers use less than 600 MB per month resulting in distinct savings with the Maestro plans.

It's hard to assume a distribution with just an average, but suffice it to say that more than half of Republic Wireless users will be better off with the Maestro plans. Myself included.

Looks like the difference is a slightly faster CPU and graphics, and the upgraded cameras on the X4.

https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=8634&amp;idPhone2=8698

If I was paying for a new retail phone I would go with the G5S. But I don't like paying retail - I usually buy used phones from Swappa.

I just got a brand new and unlocked Moto G4 Play at Amazon. I chose the $99.99 one, which has Amazon ads on the lock screen. Also purchased case, screen protectors, a 32GB Micro SD, and Republic Wireless SIM Card from Amazon.

Here is a link to the phone: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KBH547A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1

I really like the phone! It has a removable battery (almost unheard of today), and expandable storage via Micro SD card.
And in case you are wondering, the Amazon Ads on the Lock Screen do not bug me at all.

If you want to upgrade to one of the the RW Clear Choice 3.0 plans, the new Moto G4 Play from Amazon is only $99. It contains Amazon ads on the lock screen, which are virtually unnoticeable.

I got mine a couple of weeks ago, and I LOVE IT!

Here is a link: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KBH547A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1

The only downside is that you can only use it on the 3.0 Clear Choice RW plans. If you are currently on a refund plan and want to keep it, you will have find an older phone that works on that plan.

Did you Transfer your Google Authenticator codes to your new phone?

1. On your new phone, install the Google Authenticator app.
2. In the app, tap Get Started.
3. At the bottom, tap Import existing accounts?
4. On your old phone, create a QR code:
   1. In the Authenticator app, tap More > Transfer accounts &gt; Export accounts.
   2. Select which accounts you want to transfer to your new phone, and then tap Next.
5. On your new phone, tap Scan QR code.
6. After you scan your QR codes, you’ll get a confirmation that your Google Authenticator accounts have been transferred.

I've been using Netguard for a while with good success. You can block specific apps from having cell access at all.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.faircode.netguard&amp;hl=en_US

I got a ring case to put my finger through and the OnePlus 6T.

https://www.amazon.com/OnePlus-A6013-128GB-Mirror-Black/dp/B07XVNDQMR

It's light-years better and faster than my MotoX4 was.

It's big and I don't think it has removable SD, but it has ample space and works with RW

These seem to be trends in moving people to cloud storage and catering to cell companies selling data plans :(

Case: https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Hardcase-Kickstand-Shockproof-Oneplus6T/dp/B082KDT4SY

> I'm thinking of maybe just moving it to the VoIP only plan and using it as a home phone

There are devices that can connect your cellphone to a landline. Like this ATT cordless phone. Other companies make similar home phones, I'm just leery of VTech. Everything I could find seems to be blue-tooth connected and inclusive. Basically you connect your phone to the station and it only works with the matching phones, not your existing phones. I remember there being systems that were basically a Dock that plugged into the RJ11 wall jack. Unfortunately, they gave up on those as SmartPhones took over the market.

If the factory reset fixed it temporarily, I'd guess one or more of your apps is slowing it down. I've banned the Facebook and Facebook Messenger apps from my phone after noticing they seems to be huge resource hogs. Whenever I have them installed, everything seems to go to shit. Instead, I have the official apps on a spare phone, and for my main phone I use the mobile web version of Facebook, Facebook lite (must download and install the .apk outside of Google Play), or a Facebook/messenger mobile web wrapper like Swipe for Facebook.

I have a 1st gen Moto G and it also slowed down at the last major update. Battery life seemed to decrease, too. And at the last minor security path upgrade, the minimum screen brightness got brighter.

Hunh! LOL, are you messin' with me because it does seem brighter at its lowest setting. If you're worried that it'll impact battery life, I can't recommend Lux enough. Great app for "dialing in" exactly how bright you want your screen. It's also saved my bacon on a few camping trips where I really needed to conserve the battery.

> so I had to queue up the Google Maps beforehand, and it still got lost and was almost useless

Try Here - you can download maps offline. Not as good as Google Maps, but better than nothing.

What model phone do you have? Android version? Make sure it's not in Airplane Mode. Try installing this GPS toolbox and make sure the GPS is active. Under Setting - Location mode, what is selected here?

I use SMS Backup+ to sync calls, texts and MMS to gmail. I've never used it to restore them to my phone, but it claims it can restore calls and texts (but not MMS).

Here's the play store link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.motorola.ccc.ota&amp;hl=en just try going to that on your phone, let it open the link with the Google Play app, and it should show an update is available.

I just use the stock &quot;FM Radio&quot; app. Works fine, doesn't use data/wifi.

Says it works with Moto E, G, and any Moto running Android 5.0+ so you might have to wait for the upgrade before you can use it if you have a Moto X.

A slightly more technical app is https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.talaviram.overlaypercent which has the option of adding an outline around the numbers as well as some other custimzation options but some of those options require you buy the unlocker to access those feature, still a great app and should work on most android devices 2.3+ I believe

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cp2.start.and.play.music.player&amp;hl=en

I use this in my car. Likely doesn't help you much as you'll want to have BT off and not use the phone as a media player. Does having wifi on in the car really drain your battery? It helps significantly in location awareness.

> The reason I was saying Virgin would be cheaper is because the data is cheaper vs the maestro pricing.

Aye, but if you don't use more than ~1.75 GB/month then it is not actually cheaper.

FYI there are plenty of apps out there to auto connect you to wifi hotspots, I'd recommend Instabridge: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instabridge.android&amp;hl=en

I do like what Fi is doing with the VPN stuff, hopefully they eventually make that feature available on all Android phones.

Yes of course, I have a bunch of apps on my phone. I specified crappy apps. There are tons of shitty apps out there that come loaded with ad network software, constantly run in the foreground/background collecting data about you, and generally screw up the phone experience. Install and run this app if you want to scare yourself and see what I am talking about: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.denper.addonsdetector&amp;hl=en

Avoid apps like battery/wifi optimizers, anything Facebook, most "free" games, and any apps that mess with the dialer.

Hey there

Republic does not directly support any third party apps, however, there are some user friendly UI apps that I believe would be helpful.

Check out BIG Launcher - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=name.kunes.android.launcher.activity&amp;hl=en

If you're set on going the root route, please review the terms/conditions before making any decisions - https://community.republicwireless.com/docs/DOC-2027

I've met a lot of people who give up and throw up their hands when 3G/LTE is not available and they say, "GPS is not working here." which confuses me because GPS should be available anywhere on the surface of the planet. Then I realize that when they say "GPS" they mean "Google Maps app" and they aren't aware that other methods exist.

I'm not suggesting that people buy and carry around those hiking receivers. There are plenty of tools such as Nokia's Here, CoPilot, Osmand, etc. that use your phone's GPS receiver but don't rely on cellular Internet connection that is often least reliable in the places that you want directions.

There is an app called smart wifi toggler (I'll link it at the end) that lets you do a whole bunch of cool things with wifi like having it turn off when you leave your wifi to save battery and the feature you want, if you manually turn off wifi there is an option that it won't manually turn on again unless you manually turn it on. Might not work since it seems you're turning it off manually and it's auto turning on, but it's worth giving a shot and even then it's still an amazingly helpful app. Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sebouh00.smartwifitoggler&amp;hl=en

If you updated Motorola Update Services from apkmirror.com that's probably the culprit. Install this app and uninstall the updates and it will revert back to stock and you should be able to update after that. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.infolife.uninstaller

You should nor have to turn off WiFi (I don't), but it was suggested to look at apps that are constantly making calls out data wise even though there is no outward connection.

Greenify can also help. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.oasisfeng.greenify

Google Messenger (not to be confused with Facebook Messenger or the stock Messaging app) handles MMS quite nicely. Get it here.