Why did Verizon decide to not include the OPTICAL READER app and the BLOCKING MODE on the GS$?
marplo
Newbie

Why did Verizon decide to not include the OPTICAL READER app and the BLOCKING MODE on the GS$?

0 Likes
Re: Why did Verizon decide to not include the OPTICAL READER app and the BLOCKING MODE on the GS$?
japetty
Specialist - Level 1

I believe I remember them saying their were already other options available for these either at VZW or the Google play store.

Re: Why did Verizon decide to not include the OPTICAL READER app and the BLOCKING MODE on the GS$?
Heretic1989
Specialist - Level 2

I believe the correct answer is; so that they (verizon) can continue nickeling and dimeing us.

0 Likes
Re: Why did Verizon decide to not include the OPTICAL READER app and the BLOCKING MODE on the GS$?
dakota2rt
Enthusiast - Level 1

It is very unfortunate Verizon has decided to remove features that are essential features of the phone. Have they removed the feature from the iPhone since Samsung builds all Apple's chips?  Is Verizon not making enough money from Samsung that they have to penalize its customers that choose to go with a more Open Source approach to technology? If the company is going to do this, then they should provide an equally suitable app for free.  Give us instructions on how to enable these two features (Optical Reader and Blocking Mode), an update to re-install the features or create apps that do the same thing for free. Let not history repeat itself for Verizon like other companies have experienced when a monopoly was all these companies could think about.

Re: Why did Verizon decide to not include the OPTICAL READER app and the BLOCKING MODE on the GS$?
uncle64
Newbie

Some of us paid full price for our gs4, so Verizon didn't subsidize the price of my phone, so no features should be missing from my phone. I hope a lawyer reads these complaints and bring forth a class action suit. I would be happy to sign up.

0 Likes
Re: Why did Verizon decide to not include the OPTICAL READER app and the BLOCKING MODE on the GS$?
Richs10
Enthusiast - Level 3

My Verizon Droid Charge had Blocking Mode. 

My Verizon S3 had Blocking Mode. 

The AT&T and Sprint S4's have Blocking Mode. 

Whatever possessed Verizon to remove this feature on their S4 is a mystery for the ages.

Unfortunately, I get to think about it every time an email comes in at 3 AM and my phone lets me know. 

Just ridiculous.

0 Likes
Re: Why did Verizon decide to not include the OPTICAL READER app and the BLOCKING MODE on the GS$?
jrh4054
Specialist - Level 3

What kind of an optical reader are you talking about.  Bar code readers are 'dime a dozen' from the Play Store.

0 Likes
Re: Why did Verizon decide to not include the OPTICAL READER app and the BLOCKING MODE on the GS$?
lordbah
Newbie

Is this information still current - Verizon is still removing the optical reader and Blocking Mode?

I was considering upgrading to a GS4 but after reading this and the other nasty things Verizon is doing to it, I think I may switch carriers instead.

0 Likes
Re: Why did Verizon decide to not include the OPTICAL READER app and the BLOCKING MODE on the GS$?
suzbwise
Enthusiast - Level 2

I don't know about *blocking* but I found out that they had to remove Optical Reader (an amazing app!) because an AT&T employee wrote it.  AT&T *could* allow it, but they are greedy.  VZN just *could* pay for it to make it available to their customers but they are greedy, too.  Please request this!  Let's not have another "cable company vs channel" dispute - the only losers are the customers (us!)

BTW - just search for info on Optical Reader - more than a scanner for QR codes, bar codes, OCR - it also magnifies "live" (no photo necessary) - you can touch a word to find the definition (like an e-reader) AND it translates on the spot. I would love to have this app!