More on JiaYu S3 Setup

When I first received my new S3, the Google Gmail and Google Calendar did not work.  In addition, the stock system recovery did not have all the functionality of CWM or TWRP custom roms.  These were the things that I would like to improve.

I found out from my research on the internet that JiaYu has an apps on Google Play Store that would allow the system rom update and installation of custom roms.  I first task was to download and install this apps - Jiayu.es (es stands for Spain and most of the apps support are in Spanish even though it is a Chinese phone manufactured in China - must have something to do with government regulation and their marketing strategy).

This apps has 3 sections: Downloads, Drivers-Tools and Tool ROMs. According to the apps description, it allows the user to do the followings:

"Formal implementation of Jiayu, with this application you can identify your Jiayu and access all the available downloads for your phone within www.jiayu.es, you have roms, tutorials, recoverys ...
With this application you will have to update your terminal Jiayu:
- Access to individual downloads for your device
- You can download and install roms from this application with just 3 clicks.
- You can install or change the recovery
- Install downloaded applications
- Backup and restore your IMEI
- Access to video tutorials youtube
- Get the support forum
- Access the web
- Get in touch with us "

After the successful installation of Jiayu apps, I then downloaded TWRP v2.8.4.0 custom recovery.  I also downloaded ROM MANAGER from Googly Play Store to install TWRP.  After the TWRP was installed, I then created a complete system backup of the phone onto the sd card before I attempted to make any further changes to the phone.

I then searched and downloaded the latest Google Apps (pa_gapps-modular-full-4.4.4-20150215-signed.zip) for my stock Android 4.4.4.  After the installation of the Google Apps using TWRP, the Gmail is now working.  However, the Google Calendar still doesn't work.   I think I will fix this when I do the Android 5.0 update when JiaYu releases it.

My First China Phone - JiaYu S3

A year has gone by since my last post.  It's unbelievable fast!

This post is about the new phablet  I bought to replace the Nexus 4 which I have used for 2 years.  Although it has served me well over the years, I try to replace my cellphone every 2 years just to keep up with newer hardware and software.  LG Optimus One was the first smartphone I bought in April of 2011 (see my older post) followed by LG Nexus 4 in 2013.

For details of this phone, follow the link below to manufacturer website:
JiaYu S3

First, here are some screen shots of my 5.5" phablet (volume down+power - an Android 4.4 feature):

 

I bought this phone pre-ordered for $177.93 USD from Aliexpress on January 10, 2015 and received it six weeks later in February 2015.  I chose free shipping by Singapore Post and it did not cost me any duties or taxes.  Together with the phone, I also bought a glass screen protector for $7.59 and a clear silicon soft back case for $4.99.  So far, I am very satisfied!

From what I know, all Android phones purchased from China do not have any Goggle apps installed!  Fortunately, the reseller I bought the phone from had pre-installed Google Play Store which made my subsequent works on the phone so much easier.

There are a few things I want to put on this phone, namely:

1. Gmail (the installed Gmail could not be started becasue of Google Services problems);

2. Custom recovery either TWRP or CWM (stock Android Recovery System is not good);

3. New Google Calendar (I do not like the installed older version Google calendar).

I will talk about these changes in my next post.