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Sep

Updated: Experiencing Issues After Updating Your Sprint LG Optimus S To Gingerbread? Here Are Some Potential Workarounds

Posted by Aaron Gingrich in LG, News, Optimus S, Sprint, Tips & Tutorials

Last Updated: September 28th, 2011

On September 14, Sprint revealed that an update to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) was rolling out for the LG Optimus S. Seems like a good thing, right? Not so fast, actually - it turns out there are some fairly substantial bugs that weren't worked out before rolling out the update. Sprint is aware of the keyboard issue but has yet to acknowledge the other problems users seem to be experiencing, such as issues charging and using USB storage.

Update: Sprint pulled the Gingerbread update for the time being.

We've already had over 150 comments relating to the update, issues, and potential fixes, so I thought it would be a good idea to compile some of the suggestions into a post.

Sep

Samsung Galaxy S II Sales Hit 10 Million, Excluding The U.S.

Posted by Aaron Gingrich in Galaxy S II, News, Samsung

We already know the Samsung Galaxy S II (SGSII) is a huge success (even compared to the original SGS), but now sales of the uberphone have been kicked up even higher. In the last 8 weeks, sales have gone from 5 million to 10 million - or 625,000 units sold per week. And here's the real kicker: the press release expressly states "Model: GT-I9100," meaning these sales figures don't even include the United States.

Between the Sprint SGSII (the Epic 4G Touch), which just hit shelves, and the U.S. T-Mobile and AT&T variants going on sale soon, that number should ratchet up even further.

Sep

[Review] Samsung Epic 4G Touch: Big Power, Big Performance, Bigger Package

Posted by Aaron Gingrich in Epic 4G Touch, Reviews, Samsung, Sprint

Here we are: the launch of the first Samsung Galaxy S II to hit a U.S. carrier, dubbed the Epic 4G Touch (E4GT) and landing on Sprint today. It certainly took long enough for the SGSII to hit U.S. shores - it was announced by Samsung in February during MWC, and launched as early as May in some markets. It was a huge success even before launch, with Samsung receiving millions of pre-orders, and for good reason - the SGSII was incredibly well rated, with reviewers universally praising it as one of (usually the) best Android device available. Consequently, for months after its international lanch, it was highly anticipated in the U.S.

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.

Sep

Initial Impressions And Hands-On With The Samsung Epic 4G Touch For Sprint

Posted by Aaron Gingrich in Epic 4G Touch, Galaxy S II, News, Samsung, Sprint

Last Updated: September 16th, 2011

The Samsung Galaxy S II (SGSII) has been one of the most highly anticipated devices in recent memory - perhaps second only to the annual new iPhone. There are two very good reasons for this: first, the original Galaxy S devices were hailed as some of the best on the market. Second - and more importantly - from its start as an on-paper proof, to its run on the trade show circuit, through its international release, the Galaxy S II been hailed as one of (if not the) best phone on the market.

Unfortunately for those of us in the States, we've had to wait quite a bit longer than our European counterparts to get our mitts on the hottest piece of Android kit ever to hit the market.

Jul

[Moar Bacon] First CyanogenMod Nightly Drops For Samsung Galaxy S II

Posted by Aaron Gingrich in Android OS, Development, Galaxy S II

Just over a month ago, Samsung sent out free Galaxy S II's to a few of the developers behind CyangonMod with instructions to get CM working on the uberphone as soon as possible. The first real sign of progress came a few days ago when they released a video showing CM7 running on an SGSII along with a message that nightlies would be following soon. Well, we're happy to report the first official build is now available to download and install.

First off, you have to be rooted. If you're not already rooted, check out this XDA thread and follow the instructions.

Jul

Sprint-Branded Samsung Galaxy S II (Within) Poses For Mr. Blurrycam

Posted by Aaron Gingrich in News, Sprint

The all-around awesome Galaxy S II has made debut all over the world to the tune of major success, but nary a peep (aside from the occasional rumor) has been heard about any versions of the phone bound for the US. Today, however, we have a new detail in the form of two blurry shots of the Sprint variant (dubbed the Within), and... well, let's just say anyone who's seen pictures of the GSII before knows what to expect, because not a lot is different here. Of what is shown, the most notable difference (aside from the Sprint branding) seems to be the shape of the camera.

Jun

Official Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread) Build Leaked For Samsung Fascinate, Now Available For Download And Install

Posted by Aaron Gingrich in Android OS, Fascinate, Gingerbread 2.3, News, Verizon Wireless

P3Droid of MyDroidWorld has scored an early (debug) Gingerbread build for the Samsung Fascinate, and it's apparently quite polished. So far P3 and Justin (of AndIRC) are the only two to have laid hands on the build, but the issues they have found are that Tetris force closes, Google Maps isn't pre-installed, and some market apps don't show. Otherwise, they say it's a very solid build. P3 has provided a quick (37 second) video preview:

Justin was also kind enough to snap a few quick photos:

Ready to take the dive? Hit up the source for instructions and download links.

May

Galaxy S And Tab To Get Gingerbread According To "Regional Plan" - Whatever The Hell That Means

Posted by David Ruddock in Galaxy S, Galaxy Tab, Gingerbread 2.3, News, Samsung

Samsung has just announced via press release its plans to officially update its Galaxy S line of phones (yep, including North American ones) to Gingerbread starting this week, with the UK and Scandinavian countries first on the list to get the Ginger-bump. Samsung has again remained characteristically ambiguous about exactly which Galaxy S devices will be eligible (and when) for the update directly from Kies, Samsung's device management software.

It's entirely unclear if "North American" Galaxy S phones include the heavily carrier-customized versions of the device in the United States (Captivate, Fascinate, Vibrant, Epic), or merely unbranded Canadian versions of the phone and European imports that have snuck their way onto US shores.

May

Samsung Galaxy S II Coming To US As Attain, Function, And Within On AT&T, VZW, And Sprint?

Posted by David Ruddock in Galaxy S II, News, Rumors, Samsung

Pocketnow, via a wireless accessories website, has apparently discovered the names of 3 of the carrier-branded versions of the Galaxy S II that will be coming stateside later this year. The device will be known as the Attain on AT&T, the Function on Verizon Wireless, and the Within on Sprint.

Mysteriously absent is a T-Mobile version, suggesting either that the device won't be coming to America's pinkest carrier, or that it will be arriving in a different (QWERTY?) form-factor which does not fit the case being advertised on the source webpage. Either that, or they just don't know the name of it, yet.