Refresh Roundup: week of September 26, 2011
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it’s easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don’t escape without notice, we’ve gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery from the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!
Official Android updates
- The top story this week revolves around the HTC Thunderbolt’s long-awaited Gingerbread OTA update. It was finally rolling out, which was exciting news for owners of the device — until it had to be pulled because of some rather significant bugs. The largest of them all was that voicemail notifications no longer worked properly; video chatting through Google Talk was also slightly messed up as well. No word on when we can expect to see it come back with those bugs fixed. [Droid-Life]
- Unfortunately, the Thunderbolt isn’t the only phone falling victim to pulled revamps; the LG Optimus S on Sprint had its Gingerbread update kiboshed, though users have had two weeks to get it — plenty of time for anyone to experience some of the bugs, which included the phone not charging, the SD card not being recognized when the phone’s connected to the computer, no access to data services, and predictive text on the virtual keyboard stopped working. It’s disappointing to see this happen so soon after the Kyocera Echo update went through a similar debacle. [SprintFeed]
- LG Optimus 3D: V10K firmware update, enables phone to convert OpenGL-capable 2D games into stereoscopic 3D. Note: this still runs Android 2.2.2, so we’re still waiting for Gingerbread. [AndroidCentral]
- Motorola Xoom WiFi: Android 3.2.1 is beginning to roll out. [AndroidCentral]
- Dell Streak 7: Honeycomb update rolling out now to unspecified regions [AndroidCentral]
- Asus Eee Pad Transformer: Revamped to Android 3.2.1, adds other bug fixes [AndroidCommunity]
- Casio G’Zone Commando: Gingerbread rolling out now [Droid-Life]
- Motorola Droid 3: Minor maintenance refresh; enhances Google Talk with video chat support, several other fixes. [PhoneDog]
- T-Mobile Samsung Nexus S: OTA install (with option to manually install) to Android 2.3.6; doesn’t appear to break tethering. [AndroidCentral]
Unofficial Android updates, custom ROMs and misc. hackery
- The Android 2.3.5 ROM for the global Samsung Galaxy S II leaked early this week. [Pocketnow, SamFirmware]
- You can now download the Android 2.3.4 SBF for the Motorola Droid X2, courtesy of XDA. [Droid-Life]
- If you have a Sony Ericsson Xperia-branded device from 2010 or 2011, CyanogenMod7 support will most likely come included as part of an upcoming update. Ten Xperia devices will be added, though a timeframe for release wasn’t announced. Check here to see if your device made the list. [XperiaBlog]
Other platforms
- Check here to see if your phone is ready to receive Windows Phone Mango.
- The ultra-rare AT&T HP Pre 3 just received an OTA update to 2.2.3.2207, right after a new webOS Doctor became available for the same refresh. [PreCentral]
Refreshes we covered this week
- Windows Phone 7.5 Mango update now rolling out
- How to force Mango to your phone right away
- Samsung Taylor receiving Mango?
Refresh Roundup: week of September 26, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Keyboard Fixer Update Now Rolling Out For The Motorola Droid X
A new software update has begun rolling out for the Droix X. Build number 4.5.605 otherwise known as “the keyboard fixer update” should address a lot of the issues Droid X users have been reporting while using the virtual keyboard on the device. Things like freezes, random reboots have been plaguing the device so this 116MB update should come as a welcome fix. If you haven’t been prompted, feel free to pull the update by jumping into your Settings > Settings > About phone > System updates. Good luck!
[Via Droid-Life]
Refresh Roundup: week of August 15, 2011
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it’s easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don’t escape without notice, we’ve gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery from the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!
Official Android updates
- The HTC EVO 3D is now ready for a maintenance fix called 2.08.651.2, which offers some nice improvements like allowing more Sprint bloatware to be uninstallable by the user, contact transfer via bluetooth, fixes for the lock screen occasionally freezing, and GPS enhancements. This update is available through a manual install. [via SprintFeed]
- Speaking of the HTC EVO 3D, the bootloader unlock tool is now ready for your enjoyment on the company’s fancy new dev site.
- Android 2.3.4 is finally rolling out on T-Mobile’s HTC Sensation 4G, and all users should receive the OTA update by the end of September at the latest. Aside from the standard 2.3.4 enhancements, Sensation 4G owners can also expect better battery life, additional software stability, extra touchscreen responsiveness, and improved “device reboots.” Curiously, the refresh also promises better screen and photo resolution. All in all, this is the kind of firmware boost we love to see. (Thanks, Anonymous) [via TmoNews]
- If you’re using a Samsung Fascinate 3G on Telus, you’ll be interested to know that you may now have Gingerbread bestowed upon your device. It’ll involve a manual install using Samsung Kies, so go to the website to get all the instructions. [via MobileSyrup]
- The five people enjoying their Motorola Flipside can finally be treated to Android 2.2. Yes, that’s Froyo. Go here to get the update manually. [via AndroidCentral]
- Some Motorola Droid X users complained about bugs after its bump up to Gingerbread, which should be resolved by installing version 4.5.602. It’s a simple maintenance fix that throws in a couple additional enhancements at the same time. [via AndroidCentral]
- HTC Droid Incredible is inching closer to getting upgraded to Android 2.3.4, according to the support page Verizon recently set up on its site. [via Droid-Life]
- In time for today’s launch, Samsung has released the source code for the Conquer 4G. Devs, head here to download it — you’ll know what to do after that. [via Android Police]
- For everyone who chooses to get the Conquer 4G, it’s supposedly set to receive a device security enhancement today as well, according to some leaked screenshots. [via SprintFeed]
Unofficial Android updates/custom ROMs/misc hackery
- This was fast — the same bug fix update for the Droid X that we mentioned above has already been rooted. Go to the via for the full details on how to get it. As always, diving into these types of processes are more advanced, and you should follow the instructions to the letter. [via Droid-Life]
- The MIUI custom ROM is starting to gain a lot of momentum in the Android community, and if you’re interested in checking it out on your device without going through the hassle of installing the full version (let alone rooting your phone or buying a MIUI-supported phone), an XDA developer has created a clone of the MIUI launcher and has made an APK available for your downloading pleasure. The via has a large screenshot gallery to check out. [via AddictiveTips]
- We’ve seen a lot of leaked Gingerbread ROMs surface for the HTC Thunderbolt, but this time an “official” update has made its ways to the Android dev world. It’s been told that this is not yet the final build, so it’s bound to get even better with time. Still, the impatient users may want to get this as soon as possible. [via RootzWiki and AndroidCentral]
- Another build of Gingerbread, EH06, has leaked for the Samsung Epic 4G. [via AndroidCentral]
- The HTC EVO 4G update to Android 2.3 can now be rooted, courtesy of Revolutionary. [via AndroidCentral]
Refresh Roundup: week of August 15, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 15:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Did Verizon Reject Motorola Gingerbread Updates for Being Overly Buggy?
When Verizon’s Droid X received its update to Gingerbread, we hoped it would mean smooth sailing for the rest of the carriers high-end handsets from Motorola on their path to Android 2.3. A Gingerbread “soak test” followed shortly for the Droid 2 Global, but a few weeks later the update has yet to rollout to the general public. So what gives?
According to a report by DroidLife, Verizon hasn’t been all that pleased with the quality of the updates being provided by Motorola. Bugs uncovered in the Android 2.3 upgrade for the Droid X have led the carrier to reject the current round of updates prepped for the Droid family until Motorola can work out the kinks. This includes the Droid 2, Droid X2, and Droid Pro (which had its own flirt with Gingerbread last month). Motorola is apparently hard at work getting the updates up to standard, going so far as to assign new members to the teams working on the Gingerbread builds. Still, there is no telling when their labors will actually result in the final release of Android 2.3 for Moto’s Droid lineup.
[via DroidLife]
Netflix for Android Gets Updated to Add DROID X (Gingerbread Only) Support
Our inbox is chock full of excited little DROID X owners who, upon checking the Android market, were surprised to see that Netflix is now officially available for their devices. The caveat is that you must be on Android 2.3, but that shouldn’t be much of a problem these days, should it? Go on, catch it if you can in the Android market. [AndroidForums.com, Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
CyanogenMod 7 Officially Finds a Home on the Droid X
Even if you don’t have a Motorola Droid X most people involved in the Android modding scene already know their reputation of being locked down so tight — even Motorola can’t crack them.
Well, a lot of that may soon change with this recent breakthrough in the Droid X modding community. Apparently, the developer known as CVPCS, through the use of black magic and some kind of “2nd-init workaround,” has managed to get both stock, vanilla Gingerbread and CM7 up and running on the uncrackable Motorola Droid X. Needless to say, the Droid X modding community is partying like it’s 1999.
While the ROM is still very BETA and far from perfect (still no working camera/video, etc.), this is definitely a step in the right direction to getting custom ROMs like MIUI (my personal favorite) onto the Droid X. Additionally, to make this ROM easier to flash, developer P3Droid has developed two flashable applications that will allow rooted Gingerbread users to easy flash back and forth to and from the new Cyanogenmod 7 Beta.
While I tend to specialize more in the Evo hacking/modding stuff and all this Droid X stuff is a bit over my head, I can definitely imagine how happy the Droid X community must be right now — having been deprived of custom ROMs since the device was launched. What a day for Droid X’ers!
The Cyanogenmod 7 Beta can be found here. Just be sure to read thoroughly all the information on the thread before attempting to get a taste of stock, vanilla Gingerbread on your Droid X.
[Special thanks to Steven58 from our very own Android Forums! Couldn't have written this up without you!]
Despite Bootloader Woes, Developer Gets CyanogenMod 7 Running on the Motorola DROID X [Video]
You folks have been waiting for this one for quite some time. Due to the Motorola DROID X’s bootloader being locked, it’s quite difficult to get truly-custom ROMs up and running on it. Notice I use the word “difficult” and not “impossible”. Developer cvpcs has somehow found a way to get CyanogenMod running on the Motorola DROID X. Here are his words on the feat:
So this leaves a lot of questions! Such as what works and what doesn’t! From what I could tell by playing around with it, the following definitely work: Radio, Wifi, USB, Charging, various sensors, lights, vibration, standard bluetooth. The following MAY or MAY NOT work (unable to tell for sure yet): GPS, 3G/data, camera, camcorder, bluetooth audio. And the following definitely do NOT work yet: audio (this includes phone calls, speakers, microphone, etc).
He stresses that the bootloader is still locked, so CyanogenMod 7 will unfortunately be limited to running on the DROID X’s stock kernel. Still, we’re glad to see that all signs of MOTOFLUFF can be scrubbed off of the device for a near-stock experience. (Let’s face it – CyanogenMod is too different to be called stock, but that’s a good thing.) Take a look at video proof above and look forward to the CM7′s official debut on the DROID X whenever he believes things are stable enough to publicize. [RootzWiki, Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Droid X Users – Be Careful When Updating To Gingerbread
UPDATE: Our Editor, Rob Jackson, has the Droid X and wanted to chime in. If you’re updating your Droid X to 2.3.3 PLEASE be patient. It’ll take a LONG time and your phone will sit on the Red Droid screen for 5-10+ minutes. It isn’t frozen. Don’t pull the battery. Problems are likely originating from antsy users who think their phone froze and do a battery pull. Patience is a virtue!
Although I have yet to see any Phantips from our readers on the subject, Mobile Crunch is reporting that more than a few Motorola Droid X users have come into some difficulty when updating their phones with the latest Android 2.3 Gingerbread OTA that’s being pushed out. Apparently, Droid X’ers from multiple websites and forums, are reporting their devices freezing after updating, requiring a battery pull. Even then, some people are having issues even getting the phone to boot after that.
This really comes as no surprise to me. Android updates are anything but 100% bug free and are not unique to a specific manufacturer. I’ve seen it time and time again, where people have completely different experiences even when updating the exact same device. Actually happened to me when updating my trusty HTC EVO 4G to 2.2 back in the day. Lucky for me, a good ‘ol fashioned factory reset fixed my problem right up.
In any case, I’ve always known Verizon to be very helpful during potentially stressful times like OTA updates and I’m sure they will be more than happy to help you out. So tell me Droid X users, have you guys experienced any hiccups while updating to Gingerbread? Any tips you can provide for updaters?
[Via MobileCrunch]
Motorola Droid X Gingerbread Update Rolling Out to All
Motorola’s “soak” test of the Gingerbread update for the Motorola Droid X must have gone off without a hitch, as we awoke this morning to reports that Android 2.3.3 was beaming down to X handsets near and far. As you might expect from an update that brings with it a new Android version (and a new MotoBlur on top of that), the install file is a rather large 111.8 MB. You can check for it on your handset by navigating through your settings menu to “About Phone”, then “System updates.”
[Thanks to all who sent this in!]
Motorola Droid X “Soak” Test Starts Tonight, Gingerbread Coming to Limited Users
It turns out the announcement that the Gingerbread update for the Motorola Droid X won’t begin rolling out to all users today, after all. Word has come in that tonight the “soak test” we caught wind of earlier in the week will begin rolling out to select members of the Motorola support forums. Chances are that the soak will be the initial wave of the update, and if all things go well all users will start to see the update following shortly.
The update won’t be pushed until late tonight, so many may not find it on their phones until morning. Rooted users will have to go back to your standard signed Droid X software.
[via DroidLife]