The DROID BIONIC, it's no secret, hasn't been launched bug-free. In fact, there's a number of bugs, particularly the dreaded data connection drop, that make using the BIONIC a major annoyance at times. Verizon has apparently been keeping track, and has a very detailed list of the glitches currently afflicting the phone, given to a customer in a support e-mail (weird, we know). The good folks over at Droid-life have compiled a "Top 10" bug list along with all the reported issues (here), and we've excerpted a few that we've noticed most:
1. Issue: 4G/3G Service – Data Connectivity
- Marginal 4G to 3G transition: Loss of data connectivity – The device may display 3G service indication but no data connections are possible.
- Action: The user will need to power cycle the device or enable/disable Airplane Mode.
- Resolution: A fix for this issue is under review and will be included in the first post launch maintenance release software for this device. The tentative release date is early November 2011.
2. Issue: High Pitch Headset Noise:
- A customer may experience high pitched “screetches” [SIC] while using high end wired headsets.
- Action: There is no known work around.
- Resolution: A fix for this issue is under review and will be included in the first post launch maintenance release software for this device. The tentative release date is early November 2011.
4. Issue: Non-branded Chargers:
- The XT875 can only be charged with Motorola or Verizon Wireless branded chargers.
- Action: No work around required.
- Resolution: No resolution required, working as designed and approved by Verizon Wireless.
5. Issue: USB Cables:
- The XT875 can only be used with Motorola USB cables.
- Action: No work around required.
- Resolution: No resolution required, working as designed and approved by Verizon Wireless.
Oddly, as to #5, my BIONIC has the opposite issue - it refuses to connect to my PC with the Motorola-supplied cable, but works fine with my old HTC USB cable. In regard to #4, this seems to be only true on some handsets and with some chargers. My BIONIC won't charge past 40% on my Samsung or HTC chargers, but works fine on the Moto charger. I still find the fact that the BIONIC somehow works differently with different chargers and brands of USB cables to be totally absurd. Anyway, moving on.
I noticed the high pitch headset noise, but it only seems to affect a portion of BIONICs out there, with some users reporting that upon receiving replacement handsets, the noise was no longer present. Of course, the doozy is #1: data connectivity. Let's hope Moto and Verizon's promised November update actually fixes the data issue, and doesn't just tell us it has.
I'm happy to see that Verizon has been keeping close watch on these issues, and we'll be eagerly awaiting leaked builds to get our hands on these fixes.