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[release notes] Sailfish X Beta (3.0.1.14) [released]

asked 2019-01-31 13:54:26 +0300

jovirkku gravatar image

updated 2019-05-23 16:04:50 +0300

Sailfish X Beta is now available. It comes with the awaited Android apps support for Xperia XA2 devices including major architectural changes, and upgrades the support from Android 4.4.4 to Android 8.1. This is a major upgrade and will open up a wide range of additional Android apps to enjoy in your beloved Sailfish device and, even though still in beta, we are confident that you will enjoy using it to take full advantage of the latest apps.

Further the release comes with predictive text input, MS Exchange Support, software updates and support.

Sailfish X Beta is delivered in Sailfish OS update 3.0.1.14.

The release notes of update 3.0.1 for other devices are here.

THIS IS WHERE WE STARTED with Sailfish X for Xperia X devices.
Please find the more recent release notes of Sailfish OS and check the improvements added to Android 8.1 Apps Support for Xperia XA2 devices.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Update version history

How is Android 8.1 apps support better than that of 4.4.4

  • More apps will be supported, especially those targeted at newer android versions.
  • Security fixes are at the level of Android 8.1 (r46).
  • Linux Containers (lxc) are used for separation of SailfishOS and Aliendalvik (Android Support).
  • Applications which only work on non-rooted android devices behave better now (e.g. banking apps).
  • Driver support is improved, also bringing benefit for stability, memory usage and reliability. Especially:
    • camera - proper support for XA2 camera API
    • graphics - proper support for XA2 graphics API.
  • Overall performance improvements and memory usage improvements (inherited from Android, see Android release notes). Performance difference between the new AlienDalvik and AOSP is negligible according to benchmarks.
  • Better notification integration.
  • Integrated more tightly with Sailfish OS.

Highlights of the current features

  • Network connectivity: you can already have network access over WLAN connectivity.
  • Location service works, so you are able to use map apps e.g. HERE WeGo.
  • Sensors work so you are able to use apps in all orientations.
  • Your photos and contacts on Sailfish OS side can be accessed from Android apps.
  • Camera works in Android apps.
  • Basic audio works.
  • Notifications from Android apps are received (but tapping them sometimes has no effect).
  • Aptoide Store is available for Xperia XA2 in Jolla Store. From Aptoide you can install Android apps to your XA2.
  • Installing of downloaded APK files works.
  • Uninstalling of Android apps at the App grid works in the same way as for Sailfish apps.

Known issues with Android 8.1 apps support (Sailfish OS 3.0.1.14)

  • Mobile data is not detected properly by some Android apps (Internet connections over WLAN work, though).
    • There are quite many apps that cannot communicate via mobile data (including Aptoide). On the other hand, several apps can communicate via mobile data.
    • Some apps (e.g. Spotify) claim that "You are offline. Please connect to the internet..." when using mobile data. The connection works, though.
    • Few apps (e.g. Whatsapp) need be set up via WLAN as mobile data does not work for this. After setting up the app mobile data works as a connection media.
  • Recently created files are not always detected by Android apps (device restart helps)
    • Files (e.g. pictures taken) recently added to Sailfish folders do not appear to Android apps (e.g. Whatsapp) before the device has been restarted.
    • Files (e.g. pictures taken) recently added to Android folders do not appear to Sailfish apps (e.g. Gallery) before the device has been restarted.
  • Audio and multimedia are not fully functional in all apps
    • Some Android apps may not be able to play video sound (or the sound volume level is minimal).
    • Some apps may crash when trying to make video/audio calls (e.g. WeChat).
  • Generic known issues
    • Stopping Android Support (Settings > Android Support) makes the display go black (Power key to be used to wake it up).
    • No installation dialogue appears when an Android app is installed by tapping an APK file in Settings -> Transfers. The installation works, though.
    • Some Android apps (when installing them) do not get the icon to the application launch grid (just the name of the app is shown).
    • Some gestures (e.g. swiping Top Menu visible) must be done as if the app were in portrait mode (i.e. starting the swipe from the device top edge) although the app is in landscape mode.
    • Not possible to copy/paste text from Android apps to Sailfish apps. The opposite works, though.
    • Scrolling through a long page does not work smoothly in some apps (e.g. Facebook).
  • Google Play services are not supported; therefore certain apps may not function properly.

How can one get Sailfish X Beta

a) Over the air

If you have installed Sailfish X to your XA2 device previously then use your XA2 to search for Sailfish OS updates. Update 3.0.1.14 is required for Sailfish X Beta. Install this update. Turn your XA2 off. Then buy the Sailfish X Beta license at https://shop.jolla.com/, to which you sign in with your Jolla account (the same account (*) that is used in your XA2). After the purchase restart your XA2. Now Jolla Store has Android Support, Exchange and predictive text input for you.

(*) if you purchase the license with a different Jolla account, then sign in to this account from your XA2.

b) By flashing

If you have not installed Sailfish X to your previously then go and buy the Sailfish X Beta license at https://shop.jolla.com/. Once done, you are able to download Sailfish X from https://shop.jolla.com/downloads/ . Follow our official instructions, please.

In case of technical or license problems

File a ticket to Jolla Customer Service, please.

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The question has been closed for the following reason "released in a software update" by olf
close date 2019-12-28 22:17:09.487734

Comments

10

Nice, thanks for your hard work to keep the promised release date. :)

Alex ( 2019-01-31 17:41:15 +0300 )edit
1

Excellent, thanks for keeping the deadline. ;-) Already ordered it and downloaded the flashable image V 3.0.1.14.

Is there an option to upgrade from 3.0.1.11 to 3.0.1.14 without flashing? SFOF updates in Settings tells me that I'd be up to date. Jolla Store also doesn't offer any new packages to install.

jollajo ( 2019-01-31 17:56:16 +0300 )edit

No OTA ? Reflash needed ?

phgerin ( 2019-01-31 17:57:12 +0300 )edit

Did I must flash ROM again ? Or update via OTA?

Stanislav1988 ( 2019-01-31 17:57:53 +0300 )edit
8

No need to flash. You can update the OS normally

Keto ( 2019-01-31 18:13:57 +0300 )edit

7 Answers

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6

answered 2019-01-31 20:57:04 +0300

Direc gravatar image

updated 2019-01-31 20:57:23 +0300

Congratulations for releasing the Android support for XA2 series on time!

Now, let me buy and download it real quick and start some serious torture testing! I will report my findings in comments below.

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Comments

2

Really running smooth here on an XA2 Plus! Amazing what this small team at Jolla is able to accomplish!

Nice, they also understand the value of the community and feedback:

If you purchase Sailfish X Beta for your XA2 range device now, you will get the future updates, removing the beta tag, without any additional costs.

JSEHV ( 2019-02-01 00:08:19 +0300 )edit

Right! Android supports rocks most of the time, but there are some issues, as expected. Some of these are already known issues, but I included them anyway, as I stumbled across them. Here goes:

  • Satakunnan Kansa doesn't detect nor use mobile data, wifi works
  • WhatsApp notification icon is generic info symbol instead of WQ logo
  • Opera (non-mini) Night Mode always popups Android permission reminder/notification
  • WhatsApp displays one notification per conversation plus one summary notification enery time a new message arrives on any chat
  • WhatsApp doesn't always refresh when activated, e.g. scrolling refreshes the view
  • Android Settings app is reachable via Opera Night Mode reminder after specific set of actions, but can't be launched separately
  • Reboot is required for camera pictures to appear in e.g. WhatsApp
  • WhatsApp videp playback fullscreen view is not really fullscreen ("glitchy")
  • Spotter (Seven) works! Hooray! This is awesome!
  • Fuel Fellow (Tankille) doesn't show maps (I know, Google Play Services not installed...)
  • Corrupted pixels near top right corner, appears in every application
  • Applications rotate, but menu/close/minimize gestures work as in portrait mode only
  • system_server sometimes gets stuck in a loop, using ~50% of battery in ~8h
  • dboxed_process3 does tge same
  • Opera frequently goes to background and immediately gets activated back when closing tabs
  • Keyboard makes double click sounds sometimes

I'm running SFOS 3.0.1.14 on Xperia XA2 Ultra single-SIM. Here are the application versions:

  • Opera 49.2.2361.134358
  • WhatsApp 2.19.30
  • Satakunnan Kansa 2.2.1

I think that's it for now. I'll comment again should I find anything else worth mentioning.

Direc ( 2019-02-07 21:47:37 +0300 )edit

Here's a really annoying one:

  • Can't close Firefox; it immediately re-opens itself. Both long-press close and swipe down close do the same. Killing it from Settings work (but all user data is erased)
  • Opera flickers in and out both creating and closing tabs (not just closing, as I said above)
Direc ( 2019-02-08 14:01:33 +0300 )edit

Okay, system_server tends to get really often stuck in a loop, and Android support needs to be restarted. One indication to spot this is that the app drawer scroll is not silky smooth anymore. It also causes Spotify audio to stutter heavily.

Direc ( 2019-02-09 09:12:26 +0300 )edit

Hi, Can you check if the pictures appear with date 1970-01-01 in the gallery instead of not appearing at all. If so, then the bug could be similar to one with android 4.1 in Jolla C. I don't dare to install Sailfish on my Xa2 yet to test this myself.

Raphendyr ( 2019-02-10 02:30:09 +0300 )edit
5

answered 2019-02-15 21:29:31 +0300

daneos gravatar image

updated 2019-02-20 20:33:07 +0300

Hi all, As this is my first post here, I don't really know if this is a right way of doing this kind of stuff. If not, please tell me :)

I installed Sailfish X Beta on Xperia XA2 Plus Dual-SIM H4413 a few days ago, and tried to test it as thoroughly as I could. I'd like to share all problems I found :) Please keep in mind I was a N900 user for many years, then switched to N9 for another many years, however never used Sailfish before, so I can be a little bit biased.

Overall, I must admit I'm positively surprised, I didn't expect this much for a beta :) Anyway, you can find my report below. I didn't include things said to be not working in the release notes, but I hope fingerprint and NFC support is on the roadmap, as well as fixing mobile connectivity issues with Android apps.

Sailfish X on Xperia XA2 Plus Dual-SIM (H4413)

Sailfish OS problems

Bluetooth headset sometimes doesn't show up in call, sometimes it does.

After restart, sometimes a SIM switcher appears on the top menu, and sometimes it does not. Sometimes it disappears after a while. What does it do, though? (I have SIMs set up as "Always ask")

When the SIM switcher is visible, signal strength bar on not selected SIM is white, when it doesn't both of them have signal bar in the ambience colour.

SMS read receipts don't work (or at least aren't shown in the UI).

Jolla Store is sometimes stuck on loading.

SIM app pops out of a folder after restart (and what's interesting, this bug was also present back on N9's MeeGo).

Android support problems

Many Android apps do not show notifications (this is particularly annoying in case of IM apps like Messenger).

Some apps are unable to save e.g. login credentials or tokens (this may be because of missing Google Services, but I just don't know).

After each reboot, the Android support wants me to set up a hardware keyboard.

After installing a few Android apps, next ones do not have an icon in app drawer.

Orientation lock doesn't work for Android apps.

Hardware adaptation problems

The device has 8 CPU cores, they are visible under /proc/cpuinfo, but htop sees only 4.

Plugging in the audio jack does not automatically switch to the jack output. This can be however done manually, and audio is correctly pushed to the jack out. Similarily with disconnecting the jack. (It seems this behaviour depends on the device on the other side of the cable, it works with my headphones, but requires manual switch for the speakers)

The battery life is about a half of what it was with Android. This is suprising for me, as I thought Sailfish is much more lightweight.

Maximum photo resolution available in settings is 20Mpx, while the device's camera is 24Mpx.

WiFi connection is a bit unstable.

Missing features

Swype keyboard. Seriously THIS is missing in a swipe-based interface?

It should be possible to set different call/SMS ringtone for each SIM card.

A built-in phone number blacklist would be nice.

There is no way to set or check camera video resolution.

Private notifications (hide notification content on lock screen).

Select ringtones and sounds from files not indexed by tracker.

Make LED colours and patterns editable (similar to what was done for N900).

Configurable DHCP settings for hotspot.

It would be great if connected hotspot clients were displayed (e.g. in notification area) with possibility to disconnect selected client.

That's it for now, I hope it will be helpful. I will expand this list in case of new findings.
And thank you for giving us this great OS!

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Comments

2

Hi, exhaustive report. It would be better placed into its own post rather than as a reply to another post. Moreover, since there are one or two wiki posts already in place on the subject, it would be very useful if you contributed to them adding subjects you found and that are not yet present there.

Giacomo Di Giacomo ( 2019-02-16 12:42:02 +0300 )edit

I posted here, since I found the problems with the specific release I have installed. I'd be more than happy to contribute to the wiki, could you point me there?

daneos ( 2019-02-16 12:47:53 +0300 )edit

About "missing" cores: it's the Android HAL that "hides" the cores from the view, and pops them back in when needed. Basically it's just aggressive power management that causes it, and it doesn't affect performance (vs. native Android).

Android orientation lock can be found in the Android settings menu - which is sadly accessible only via a quirk. Try installing Opera, enable night mode, and then click the notification to get started ;)

Audio plug not working is a known issue Jolla is currently working on.

Swype keyboard is something I would really like to have, too... OKBoard does fine job already, but it's far from perfect still.

Direc ( 2019-02-20 23:28:02 +0300 )edit

@Direc Thanks for the explanation! I'm not sure how exactly Android HAL relates to Sailfish, but I guess it has something to do with libhybris and Android drivers. And you're right, number of cores reported by htop varies.

I think Sailfish's orientation lock should be applied to Android apps, but I'll check your solution, thanks!

I heard about OKBoard, but it doesn't work on a screen larger than 5".

daneos ( 2019-02-21 21:16:04 +0300 )edit
2

answered 2019-01-31 17:44:44 +0300

lethe gravatar image

I just checked the shop and am left a little confused... On shop.jolla.com the "Sailfish X Beta for Sony Xperia™ XA2" is listed for 29,90€. Great deal! However when I login and click on the buy button, the price jumps to 49,90€.

Which price is actually correct?

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Comments

I checked right now, logged in and see "Total 29.90 EUR" and a "Pay" button. Do I need to go further to see €49,90 again? I actually don't want to purchase it right now, so I'm reluctant to click "Pay". :)

ossi1967 ( 2019-01-31 17:57:36 +0300 )edit

I paid 29.90 Euro but I never bought any sailfish OS licence

Stanislav1988 ( 2019-01-31 18:09:23 +0300 )edit
2

29,90 Is the correct price, we'll investigate why you are getting different

Keto ( 2019-01-31 18:16:18 +0300 )edit

@lethe: the price of Sailfish X Beta is 29.90 €.
I tested the purchase once again, and did not see the price going up to 49.90 after clicking on PAY button.

jovirkku ( 2019-01-31 18:18:09 +0300 )edit

Ok, seems like the shop is somehow discriminating my account that's active on my XA2. When I create a new account, the price stays at 29,90€ on the checkout page...

Edit: I did not purchase the Xperia X version, but I had to purchase the XA2 version for 0€ back when it was first released.

lethe ( 2019-01-31 18:19:06 +0300 )edit

Same situation. Purchased the Xperia X version previously, in case this is somehow related.

Mike B ( 2019-01-31 18:21:03 +0300 )edit

Page fixed now, showing correct price -- purchase complete!

Mike B ( 2019-01-31 18:35:03 +0300 )edit

The issue seems to be fixed, I was able to buiy the beta for 29,90€ using my existing account.

I'm still not able to test the android support though, because my XA2 denies the existance of 3.0.1.14 (update check claims 3.0.1.11 is the latest release).

I guess I'll have some fun with a manual update now... ;)

lethe ( 2019-01-31 19:01:42 +0300 )edit
0

answered 2019-01-31 21:30:32 +0300

Stanislav1988 gravatar image

Can someone test Google Music, I must wait to tommorow because, I don`t have wi-fi in work

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0

answered 2019-01-31 21:51:56 +0300

Will-Do gravatar image

updated 2019-01-31 21:53:33 +0300

I I'm a little confused as well. At the 28th of November 2018 I bought the Sailfish X licence to install on my Xa2. I've just upgraded my Xa2 to 3.0.1.14, and I see some androidapps in the store, but not Android support itself. I'm connected to the wifi (not mobile). Do I need to register for developer updates, do I need to reflash my phone or is there another setting to get the new features and the Android layer to my Xa2?

Edit: When I try to download the paid version of Sailfish X for Xa2 it asks me to pay again. I've used a voucher (from the tablets) to pay for Sailfish X in November, but the voucher can't be used a 2nd time.

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1

I have the same issue with the tablet voucher. I suspect the license ist bound to Xperia X devices because it was the only available version of Sailfish X back then.

See https://together.jolla.com/question/198450/xperia-xa2-android-support-missing-after-update-to-30114-and-buying-licence/

I wrote a request on Zendesk. I will share any updates here.

scharelc ( 2019-01-31 22:29:04 +0300 )edit

Thanks! Saw your other comment as well. Have requested via Zendesk as well. Will keep this updated once I know more.

Will-Do ( 2019-01-31 22:35:24 +0300 )edit

It's been fixed by Jolla <3. I bought the wrong licence. Back in november I bought the 'normal' Sailfish X licence (because the Xa2 licences weren't available yet). Jolla changed into a Xa2 license and now I have the full Sailfish

Will-Do ( 2019-02-02 01:18:14 +0300 )edit
0

answered 2019-02-01 13:23:33 +0300

cemoi71 gravatar image

updated 2019-02-11 22:49:26 +0300

Hello,

I Have an other Problem. I got in the past a sailfish X license, that i still don’t use. Because i’m interested on the XA2 plus, and waited so long. May I use it for the acquisition of the XA2 plus?

The main problem is that I’ve seen this license for sure on my account of the jolla shop (I think) for some weeks ago. Now I don’t see it any more… Where may i have an overview of my owned license please? An then will be interested to use it for the XA2 device.

Thank you very much in advance for your answer.

Problem now solved, have contacted the jolla zendesk, expose my problem. And in less time the person in charge contacted me and do a conversion from my unused license on the correct one. Need only to get the device and put the sfos on it.

Thank you all and especially to jolla zendesk :-)

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Does your question state any answer? I'd suggest to convert it to a comment.

jollajo ( 2019-02-01 13:28:23 +0300 )edit
1

@cemoi71 I'd suggest to contact Jolla via Zendesk and ask them to transfer your license to your new phone.

jollajo ( 2019-02-01 13:29:15 +0300 )edit

Where did you find purchased licenses?

magullo ( 2019-02-02 09:23:51 +0300 )edit
1

cemoi71, I had the same problem. Vía Zendesk, I discussed it with Jolla's support and they transferred the license to my XA2 Plus.
Good Luck !

manu007 ( 2019-02-06 14:25:50 +0300 )edit

@manu007 thx for your feedback, may i ask you if the XA2 plus is with double-sim?
because i think that i saw anywhere that it gives 2 type of xa2 plus one with 1x sim, one with double-sim

The background of my question is i want to buy the XA2 plus with double-sim, but not the XA2 ultra.
I've ask for the license conversion through zendesk, and have done it (they are pretty fast by jolla, cool :-) )
And the one who did the job told me, converted into XA2 ultra license...
Is that correct? Works the XA2 ultra license for the XA2 plus double-sim?
I wait for these question in zendesk, but if you could inform me on how it was on your side, i would be grateful. ;-)

cemoi71 ( 2019-02-06 18:51:14 +0300 )edit
0

answered 2019-02-10 18:22:15 +0300

Pim gravatar image

Does Internet Sharing (Wifi hotspot) work? I read it previously didn't work with XA2

Does Whatsapp work fully, including audio on video calls? I previously there was no audio on outbound video calls.

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Wifi hotspot works fine for me on the XA2 Plus

rgp ( 2019-02-10 19:08:53 +0300 )edit

I can confirm that for the xa2 (single sim), wifi hotspot works fine. In my case it first didn't, but when changing the pre-defined password, it works.

voilier ( 2019-02-11 23:44:20 +0300 )edit

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Asked: 2019-01-31 13:54:26 +0300

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Last updated: May 23 '19

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