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Sep

Sprint's LG Optimus S Gingerbread Update Rolling Out Now

Posted by Aaron Gingrich in LG, News, Optimus S, Sprint

Last Updated: September 25th, 2011

Update: It looks like many users are having issues with the update, so we have written a new post specifically to address and discuss them.

Sprint's LG Optimus S may be a budget Android device, but apparently that isn't going to stop Sprint and LG from providing Android updates going forward. Today, Sprint announced via its Community Forums that an update to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) is rolling out to some devices beginning today, with all devices being updated within 10 days.

The official enhancements/fixes list:

LG Optimus S Software Update - Android 2.3 (LS670ZVH)

Enhancements/Fixes:

- Volume adjustment from handset when backlight is off and in a Bluetooth call

- Initiation of a 3-way call in certain markets

- Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)

- Updated color scheme (includesdarker notification bar and black-based menus)

- New on-screen keyboard (supports multi-touch input and a smart auto-correction function)

- Improved cut-paste functionality

- New integrated download application for ease in accessing downloaded files

- Updated camera application

- Power management and task killer applications

Important Notes:

- The new software version is: LS670ZVH

- Released in stages with 100% of devices having received the update within 10 days

- Refer to the LG Optimus S Software Update blog for install instructions

All in all, not a bad update, and one that should help the low-end device run just a little smoother and faster.

Aug

Samsung Announces Alphabet Soup Of Galaxy Smartphones

Posted by Abhiroop Basu in News, Samsung

Samsung announced today that it will be launching four new Galaxy smartphones together with a completely revamped naming strategy for these and future devices.

This "simplified" system of naming smartphones will group Samsung's upcoming devices into five distinct classes from entry-level phones ("Y") all the way to premium models ("S"). Each class will be represented by a different letter and additional indicators (such as "Pro", "Plus", and "LTE") will be used to identify the "specific functionality" of that device.

The first set of devices to utilize the new nomenclature include the GALAXY W, the GALAXY M Pro, the GALAXY Y, and the GALAXY Y Pro all running on Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

Aug

DROID Incredible Gingerbread Update Needs More Testing, Delayed Until Further Notice

Posted by David Ruddock in Gingerbread 2.3, HTC, Incredible, News, Verizon Wireless

The DROID Incredible has remained without Gingerbread while its successor, the Incredible 2, has had it for well over a month. A Verizon support rep is now claiming that the Incredible's long awaited Ginger-bump has been put on hold pending final approval from Verizon's product team - which basically translates to: we're not happy with it yet.

It could be a single bug, or wider user experience problems. This means the delay may last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks - or more. We'll keep you updated if more information develops, but for now, your guess on a date is as good as ours.

Aug

Kyocera Echo Gingerbread Update Officially Confirmed, Brings WiFi Calling And NFC Support

Posted by Abhiroop Basu in Android OS, Echo, Gingerbread 2.3, Kyocera, News, Sprint

Last week we got our hands on the Sprint Playbook which indicated that the Kyocera Echo would be receiving a firmware update to Android 2.3. Accordingly, a page has now gone live on the official Kyocera Echo webpage confirming that an update to Android 2.3.4 is imminent. By the looks of the Echo webpage this update will bring some major features and enhancements to this unique device.

As indicated in the Playbook the update will include Swype 3.0 with "Tap Correction and Horizontal Word Choice List" (i.e. predictive text), an improved "Downloads application", and the eponymous "Echo Mode" which is essentially an app to manage the device's battery.

Jul

Exclusive: Kyocera Echo Gingerbread Update Coming Starting August 1

Posted by Aaron Gingrich in Android OS, Echo, Exclusives, Gingerbread 2.3, Kyocera, News, Sprint

Last Updated: June 5th, 2012

Today's Sprint Playbook just landed in our inbox, and one thing stands out: the Kyocera Echo will be receiving an update to Android 2.3. The update will be over the air (OTA), and will be rolled out across a four-day period beginning August 1 at a rate of 10%, 25%, 25%, 100%.

The details of the update (as shown in the screencap above):

Eco Mode
EAS enhancements
Swype 3.0
Miscellaneous security patches
Gingerbread Android OS software update

Including improved power management
Improved text input
Minor performance improvements
Manage Applications Control
Download Manager

[Thanks, Captain Anonymous!]

Jul

Samsung Epic 4G Android 2.3 Update Imminent? Looks Like It.

Posted by Aaron Gingrich in Epic 4G, Gingerbread 2.3, News, Sprint

Nearly a month ago a Gingerbread build for the Samsung Epic 4G leaked, and if Sprint's website is any indication (and it is), the finalized update may be nearly ready to go. The official product listing for the Epic now says the device ships with Android 2.3 - a pretty strong suggestion indeed, and not likely to be a typo.

We don't have any indication of when, but given Sprint and Samsung's history on updates, anything we did hear - even if official - would probably get pushed back anyway. With that in mind, let's just hope it's soon, but don't get your hopes too high, eh?

Jul

[Updated With Screenshots] DROID Incredible 2 Gingerbread OTA Documentation Found On Verizon Site, Update Imminent

Posted by David Ruddock in Gingerbread 2.3, HTC, Incredible 2 (Vivow), News, Verizon Wireless

Well look at what we found. It seems the Dinc2's Gingerbread update is on the way, and should be arriving soon - very soon. This update differs from previous leaks (though it is still Android 2.3.3), here's Verizon's breakdown of the new features:

We're not sure when this update's coming, but when Verizon tosses up these support pages, it's usually a good sign that an OTA update has been given the green light. Let's hope it doesn't take them too long. Please note, when this update does come around, it will remove root access from your phone if you're rooted - and there's no way to get it back at the moment.

Jun

Download: Official DROID Charge Gingerbread Leak - Complete With Netflix Compatibility

Posted by David Ruddock in Android OS, Charge (i510), Gingerbread 2.3, News, Samsung, Tips & Tutorials

Update 2: SMS send and receive and mobile hotspot are non-working. Do not download this file (the link has been removed) - wait until a more stable release is available. If you need to flash back to Froyo, please check out this thread on MyDroidWorld.

Update: HDMI-out functionality appears to be non-functional in this update build.

Disclaimer: This article contains very device-specific flashing instructions. Read them carefully. We are not responsible for any damage, bricking, loss of data, or inadvertent explosions resulting from your attempts to flash this update onto your DROID Charge. Proceed 100% at your own risk.

Jun

[Updated: Some Apps Will Be Cut] HTC: We're Bringing Gingerbread To The Desire (But Only Because You Asked Nicely)

Posted by David Ruddock in Desire (Bravo/BravoC), Gingerbread 2.3, HTC, News

Update: In a new Facebook update, HTC explained that some apps would be cut to allow enough space for the Gingerbread update. Looks like it was all about internal storage after all, rather than RAM.

That was quick. HTC, via its UK Facebook page, has announced that Gingerbread will be coming to the Desire after all. Despite the all but scientific conclusion of HTC's engineers, after rigorous testing, that "there isn’t enough memory to ... both to bring Gingerbread and keep the HTC Sense experience on the HTC Desire." So will the Desire be going Sense-less? Probably not, but that would be a very interesting move on HTC's part.

Jun

[Updated] EVO Shift 4G Gingerbread OTA Update Dropping June 17th

Posted by David Ruddock in EVO Shift 4G (Speedy), Gingerbread 2.3, HTC, News, Sprint, Tips & Tutorials

Update: The EVO Shift 4G will be getting this OTA on the 17th if you initiate the update check manually, and by June 20th, it should start rolling out to all devices automatically! So be on the lookout for it on Friday.

You thought we couldn't pack any more EVO exclusives in today? Well, you thought wrong! We've learned from our intrepid tipster, Captain Anonymous, another interesting tidbit this afternoon: EVO Shift 4G Gingerbread update (version 2.76.651.4) - June 20th. The EVO's younger sibling won't have any reason for version envy come Monday. Oh, Shift users will also be getting Swype as their new stock software keyboard option - so that's a plus, if you like Swype.