My name is Taylor Wimberly and I’m an unhappy Verizon customer. Five months ago I walked into a Verizon store, purchased two Galaxy Nexus phones, and ported my numbers over from T-Mobile. I knew there was a strong chance I might regret that decision, but I wanted to try out Google’s flagship smartphone on [...]]]>

My name is Taylor Wimberly and I’m an unhappy Verizon customer. Five months ago I walked into a Verizon store, purchased two Galaxy Nexus phones, and ported my numbers over from T-Mobile. I knew there was a strong chance I might regret that decision, but I wanted to try out Google’s flagship smartphone on America’s largest wireless carrier.

Google bent over backwards to get their flagship device on Verizon’s network so we thought they would provide a stellar experience. However, I found the entire experiment to be a big failure and I wish I could go back in time to purchase the unlocked GSM Galaxy Nexus and stick with T-Mobile.

Verizon and Google originally planned to launch the Galaxy Nexus back in October, but numerous bugs were discovered and the launch date was pushed back multiple times. On December 15th, Verizon finally released the Galaxy Nexus to retail stores, bugs still present, and issued a small patch on that same day to address some of the issues.

Unfortunately, the patch from Android 4.0.1 to 4.0.2 only addressed a small number of issues and the Galaxy Nexus was left with a good chunk of annoying bugs.

We were told that Verizon and Google were already working together on another update to address the complaints from those of us that rushed out to purchase the device, and we believed them. But never in our wildest dreams did we think that five months would pass and Verizon would still not release a software update to fix all the known issues.

I’ve already covered the bugs and Google has fixed the majority of them with the latest Android 4.0.4 update. The disappointing thing is that Verizon has been testing this update since February, but they have not rolled it out to customers yet.

We reached out to Verizon to get to the bottom of the delay and they told us they needed more time to make sure the software update “won’t harm either customers’ phones or our network.”

I’m fully aware I could hack my phone and flash one of the test builds which would end my misery, but I decided to stick with the official Verizon software build so I could endure the same experience that the average subscriber would see on their device.

For all we know Verizon could announce tomorrow that a new software update is finally available for their Galaxy Nexus, but the public image of this device is now forever tarnished and I would no longer recommend that any Verizon customer purchase it.

Drive-by Conclusions

In my five months with the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, I have learned some interesting things:

• The process in which US carriers update the software on their Android phones is completely broken, and Google knows this.
• The average Android phone ships with numerous bugs and it could take your wireless carrier half a year to fix them.
• Most Android users don’t hack their phones, and they have a shitty experience.
• Google’s solution to this whole problem is to just buy a phone directly from them.

At the end of the day, I’m still glad that I got to experience being a Verizon customer. Their in-store staff and phone support is top tier, and I understand there is nothing they can do to fix the problem with Android updates. They offered me the chance to switch to a different smartphone, but I think I’m better off paying the $300 early termination fee and returning to an unlocked device.

Maybe Google will fundamentally change the way that Android devices are updated, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. In the mean time it appears that only a Google backed device should expect regular updates, but even that’s not certain.

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is an amazing phone, but customers who purchased the Verizon version have not been too happy with the device because of a number of bugs. After nearly 5 months of waiting, it appears that Verizon could be close to releasing a software update that resolves many of the known issues that [...]]]>

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is an amazing phone, but customers who purchased the Verizon version have not been too happy with the device because of a number of bugs. After nearly 5 months of waiting, it appears that Verizon could be close to releasing a software update that resolves many of the known issues that users have been complaining about.

Verizon customers with the Galaxy Nexus are still running Android 4.0.2 (unless they hacked their device), while most other Galaxy Nexus models have already moved on to Android 4.0.4. The latest update included over 100 changes and fixed many of the annoying bugs that people were complaining about.

This week several lucky Verizon subscribers started reporting that their device received an upgrade to Android 4.0.4 over the air. This latest software package included a build number, IMM76K, that was newer than the Android 4.0.4 build that Verizon was testing back in February.

Several persistent hackers were able to discover the download URL for the update package, but Google quickly pulled it down after it leaked out. There are instructions floating around all over the web if you want to try and manually flash it, but keep in mind this might not be the final version that goes out to all Verizon customers. I have decided not to hack my Galaxy Nexus because I want to share the voice of the average Verizon subscriber who has no clue what flashing is.

We recently reached out to Verizon to see if they could provide us a statement on the software upgrade for the Galaxy Nexus and we finally received something we could share.

All updates are a result of work with our hardware and software partners and have to be tested on our network just like our phones. When they are ready we push them to handsets but we don’t do that until we are absolutely certain they won’t harm either customers’ phones or our network.Company RepresentativeVerizon

Based on that statement it appears that Verizon might be testing a new update with a small group of devices. We don’t know when the broad rollout will begin, but Verizon has a good track record of letting the online media know when new software updates are available.

As we reported last week, a Google employee said they were “very glad that Google is back in the business of selling phones directly without any middlemen to interfere.”

It’s unfortunate that Verizon customers had to put up with a device that randomly reboots daily, has multitouch issues, drops call, and suffers from poor battery life, but at least help is on the way.

Going forward, Verizon and Sprint customers should get used to the fact that their Galaxy Nexus devices will likely lag behind the GSM version by at least a month when it comes to new updates.

It might not be that big of an issue after this Android 4.0.4 update is out and fixes most of the known bugs, but it could be annoying when your friends on AT&T and T-Mobile are enjoying Android 5.0, and you are stuck waiting on your carrier to approve the update.

Look for an update as soon as we hear the official update is going live.

If you own the European HTC One X, you might want to go check for software updates. HTC just pushed out a new update over the air (OTA) that upgrades the firmware to version 1.28.401.9. We don’t have a full changelog yet, but we think this is the update that includes the fix that [...]]]>

If you own the European HTC One X, you might want to go check for software updates. HTC just pushed out a new update over the air (OTA) that upgrades the firmware to version 1.28.401.9. We don’t have a full changelog yet, but we think this is the update that includes the fix that increases battery life by up to 20%.

Some press units of the HTC One X shipped with firmware 1.26, that had some issues with battery life and this was reflected poorly in some early reviews. HTC updated some devices to 1.27, which improved the battery life and fixed some bugs, and it’s nice to see an official OTA hit the European units now.

A quick check of the software settings shows this latest 1.28 update includes a new baseband version (1.1204.103.14) and new kernel (2.6.39.4-g86aa44d). The build date of the release is April 14th, so this is hot off the presses.

We hear that performance scores have also gone up in the latest software release, but we have yet to run it through all the benchmarks.

If you have the One X, let us know if you grab the latest update.

The official release date of the Android 4.0 update for the HTC Sensation and HTC Sensation XE is expected before the end of March, but today HTC announced that a preview of the Ice Cream Sandwich update with be made available to the public within the next few days. But don’t get too excited. [...]]]>

The official release date of the Android 4.0 update for the HTC Sensation and HTC Sensation XE is expected before the end of March, but today HTC announced that a preview of the Ice Cream Sandwich update with be made available to the public within the next few days. But don’t get too excited.  HTC has a very limited scope with the Android 4.0 update preview and will only be releasing it to a few hundred users in Europe.

HTC is doing something new and pretty cool in the coming days: we’ll be releasing an “early access preview” of our ICS upgrade for the Sensation and Sensation XE. This will be limited in scope (just a few hundred users and only in Europe) because we’re still scaling up back-end resources for general availability worldwide, and our hope is people will play with it and enjoy getting used to the ICS experience with Sense. We’ll be doing similar previews for other devices in the future, too.HTC

While we doubt any US HTC Sensation 4G users will be getting the update to play around with, we’re excited to see HTC planning to use this approach going forward with other devices as well. Many of us have experienced how Android updates can go horribly wrong, so this final phase in the software testing process should help them identify any issues which were not identified in HTC’s labs.

If you live and Europe and own the HTC Sensation or Sensation XE, keep an eye on your notification bar for the Android 4.0 update. How many of you will be lurking on XDA-Developers or your favorite development forum to get a first look at the official Ice cream Sandwich update for the two devices?

If you own the Sprint Nexus S 4G and are waiting on the official update to Android 4.0, then we have some good news for you. A new internal testing ROM was just spotted on Google’s servers that updates the Nexus S 4G to Android version 4.0.4, build number IMM26.

The file was quickly pulled [...]]]>

If you own the Sprint Nexus S 4G and are waiting on the official update to Android 4.0, then we have some good news for you. A new internal testing ROM was just spotted on Google’s servers that updates the Nexus S 4G to Android version 4.0.4, build number IMM26.

The file was quickly pulled after it was spotted, but if you are adventurous you can head over to xda-developers and grab a mirrored copy. I’d normally post a guide with instructions for the manual update, but since the official file has been removed from Google’s servers we just suggest the average user wait it out.

Reports suggest that this version was signed with release keys, which likely means it’s we will see the official update in the coming weeks. I’ve been using Android 4.0 on my T-Mobile Nexus S that I gave to a family member and its been running great so far. If you try out this leaked software on your Sprint Nexus S 4G, let us know how it performed in the comments below.

According to a new support document for the HTC Rezound which just went live on Verizon’s website, the handset will soon be getting a new software update. I know we’re all eagerly waiting to see which (non-Nexus) handset will be the first to be updated from Gingerbread to Ice Cream Sandwich, but unfortunately this is [...]]]>

According to a new support document for the HTC Rezound which just went live on Verizon’s website, the handset will soon be getting a new software update. I know we’re all eagerly waiting to see which (non-Nexus) handset will be the first to be updated from Gingerbread to Ice Cream Sandwich, but unfortunately this is not the update you are looking for.

The new 2.01.605.11 software build for the HTC Rezound is a minor update intended to fix a few issues with the handst’s various radios and improve the Rezound’s software stability.

As of now, we don’t know how large the update is or when Verizon plans on rolling out the 2.01.605.11 software build to the HTC Rezound. Verizon is typically good at sending out minor software updatres to HTC’s phones just as long as it’s not the HTC Thunderbolt.

Check out the list below to see all the features being addressed in this latest system update for the HTC Rezound or you can read the official support PDF from Verizon’s website.

• Updated signal strength meter to 5 bar Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI).
• Screen Timeout issues while connected to Wi-Fi have been resolved.
• Resolved issue with Mobile Hotspot data stalling while multiple users are connected.
• Improved audio quality during voice call.
• Reduced forced closures related to the People application.
• Improved device stability reduces continuous reset
• Resolved issue with Task Manager stopping Mail background service

ASUS and NVIDIA were the first to demonstrate Android 4.0 on a tablet and now it appears they will be the first to deliver the update to customers who purchased the Transformer Prime. Today ASUS announced on their Facebook page that the Transformer Prime would receive Android 4.0 via an over the air [...]]]>

ASUS and NVIDIA were the first to demonstrate Android 4.0 on a tablet and now it appears they will be the first to deliver the update to customers who purchased the Transformer Prime. Today ASUS announced on their Facebook page that the Transformer Prime would receive Android 4.0 via an over the air update starting January 12th.

Other news released today addressed the locked bootloader and GPS issues that some users have been reporting with the Transformer Prime. ASUS said they are developing an unlock tool for the modding community (similar to what HTC did last year) and they expect to release it in the coming months.

As for the GPS issues, ASUS just released a software update (version 8.8.3.33) that enhances the performance, but they admit the Transformer Prime is not a professional GPS device. ASUS said, “To avoid inconveniencing users who demand a powerful GPS device, we made the decision to remove it from our specification sheet and marketing communications.”

The Transformer Prime continues to sold out at most retailers, but normal inventory levels are expected later this month. It’s been about one month since we first unboxed the Transformer Prime and it remains to be my favorite Android tablet. ASUS has already delivered two software updates in the first month and this quick upgrade to Android 4.0 shows their commitment to providing excellent customer support.

We always enjoy software updates on our phones, especially when carriers and OEMs push out update which fixes issues that were introduced in previous updates. T-Mobile and HTC have a new update available for the HTC Sensation 4G which improves the screen’s responsiveness, handset stability, introduces a new dictionary update for HTC Trace, but also [...]]]>

We always enjoy software updates on our phones, especially when carriers and OEMs push out update which fixes issues that were introduced in previous updates. T-Mobile and HTC have a new update available for the HTC Sensation 4G which improves the screen’s responsiveness, handset stability, introduces a new dictionary update for HTC Trace, but also fixed the icon pixilation and screenshot issues which somehow made it through the different testing phases with the last update for the phone.

T-Mobile will be gradually pushing out the update for the HTC Sensation over the next few weeks, but you can always try to manually trigger the update by pressing Menu > Settings > About Phone > HTC software updates > Check.

Below, we’ve included T-Mobile’s official list of fixes, updates, and new features that are included in the software update. So what are you waiting for? Download the update and let us know if your phone runs any better. Let’s hope T-Mobile and HTC actually did their homework this time, giving HTC Sensation 4G users anupdate that makes the phone better, not worse.

New Features

• Software stability
• Improved battery life

Improvements

• Improvements to Trace dictionary
• Screen unresponsiveness resolved
• Device taking screen shots resolved
• Lock screen shifted up resolved
• Icon pixilation resolved
• Improved Wi-Fi connection
• Green lines on photo resolved

Frozen Yogurt is delicious, but you have to change things up after a while. The original Samsung Galaxy Tab has been around for about a year now, marking the beginning of the tablet wars. While it is definitely not the best tablet around, many of us hold it very close to our hearts.

If [...]]]>

Frozen Yogurt is delicious, but you have to change things up after a while. The original Samsung Galaxy Tab has been around for about a year now, marking the beginning of the tablet wars. While it is definitely not the best tablet around, many of us hold it very close to our hearts.

If you happen to still be a proud owner of one of these 7-inch Froyo tablets, you might be in for a treat. Verizon’s version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab is getting an upgrade to Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread, and it’s time to start checking for OTA updates.

Aside from Gingerbread (which should make the tablet much better in and of its own), Verizon/Samsung is also throwing in some extra improvements and features. Let’s take a look at the list:

Email and Messaging

• Improved Word Selection and Copy Functionality:
  New capability to select a word via press-hold. A second press
  of the selected word copies the selected characters.

Web Browsing and Data Access

• The “View Data Plan” icon has been added to replace the “Music Player”
  icon on the homescreen. Using this function, a Pay-As-You-Go user
  can adjust their Data Service subscription. Month-to-Month users can
  continue to use the “My Verizon Mobile” app to monitor their data usage.
• A “Verizon Data Service” feature has been added to the Settings
  menu. Using this function, Galaxy Tab users can view their current
  plan and usage, learn how to change service plans and activate or
  renew data services.

Device Features and Applications

• Download Manager App:
  New App to manage all of your downloads from web browsing,
  email attachments and other apps.
• App and Power Management Details:
  Under Manage Applications, a new “Running” tab displays a list of
  active applications and the storage and memory being used by each.
• Use the front-facing camera as a camcorder. Alternate between the
  front-facing camera and camcorder with the slide of a switch.
• Download App icon now displays within the Applications page.
• Widgets will resize to accurately reflect landscape or portrait mode.
• Enhanced display options have been added (wallpaper, color density, etc.).
• Supports Verizon Pay As You Go prepaid data service plans.
• Downloads no longer timeout in Android Market.
• Corrected recorded video orientation.
• Includes Google security patches.

There you go, guys! Though it isn’t Honeycomb, it’s always nice to see updates coming, even if they may be a little late. Go check your software updates and see what your good ol’ Tab has in store for you. Don’t forget to hit the comments and let us know how Gingerbread is treating you. Does the tablet feel much better? Is it enough to keep you from purchasing another device for a while?

If you own the HTC Sensation 4G or the HTC EVO 3D, keep an eye out for a new software update for your device. T-Mobile and Sprint have started pushing out the latest Android 2.3.4 build for the two devices along with a few handset specific fixes and enhancements.  T-Mobile plans to complete the OTA [...]]]>

If you own the HTC Sensation 4G or the HTC EVO 3D, keep an eye out for a new software update for your device. T-Mobile and Sprint have started pushing out the latest Android 2.3.4 build for the two devices along with a few handset specific fixes and enhancements.  T-Mobile plans to complete the OTA rollout for Android 2.3.4 for the Sensation 4G by late September, but Sprint’s support page make no mention of when all EVO 3D owners will receive the update by.

HTC Sensation 4G Android 2.3.4 Fixes and Enhancements

• Software stability
• Improved battery life
• Improvements to Trace dictionary
• Improvements to screen responsiveness
• Improvements to video playbook
• Improvements regarding device reboots
• Improvements to icon pixelation
• Improvements to Wi-Fi connection
• Improvements to screen/photo resolution

HTC EVO 3D Android 2.3.4 Fixes and Enhancements

• Making additional preloaded apps un-installable by user.
• Updates to applications: Spiderman, Watch, Qik
• Device Lockscreen stuck in “half-state”
• Ability to transfer all contacts over Bluetooth
• Birthday one day off between contacts and Facebook when synced
• Random GPS coordinates issue – stuck in Taiwan
• Lockscreen displays 3-digit temperature correctly
• Spiderman demo lockup

As far as we know, there’s no way you can force the update on your phone, but if you want to make sure you didn’t accidentally dismiss the update notification, you can check by using the steps below.

1. From the Home screen, press the Menu key.
2. Touch About phone.
3. Touch HTC software updates.
4. Touch Check.

Have any of you received the Android 2.3.4 OTA update on your HTC Sensation 4G or HTC EVO 3D yet? Let us know how the update process goes and if you notice any significant performance improvements on your phone.  Happy updating!