Worth getting the Fascinate? - Fascinate General

So, I'm due for an update soon and the Fascinate physically appears to be a perfect device for me. I've never had an Android before, but am very willing to get into rooting/hacking. That being said, I do like to keep relatively on top of updates and new technology/software... so my concern is the Fascinate getting updates.
From what I see, it appears that the Droid X, and for that matter, most of the Droid series gets a number of updates... prob more than expected. I mean, the Droid Eris even appeared to go way past it's initial version.
If Verizon tops out at LETS SAY 2.1 or they get 2.2 out eventually... is it worth getting this phone? I mean, am I better off painstakingly waiting for a similarly designed phoned to come out that we know will get updates? Or will the dev community support this phone enough to not need Verizon/Samsung's updates? And by that... I mean will we be able to get 2.2, 2.3.... through skillful community members?

Don't get one. Wait a few months for the dual core LTE phones to be released and stay away from Samsung.
Sent from my Samsung Fascinate running BH3.0, DL09, 125mv undervolt Voodoo5 using SwiftKey and Tapatalk

iTz Nicholas72 said:
Don't get one. Wait a few months for the dual core LTE phones to be released and stay away from Samsung.
Sent from my Samsung Fascinate running BH3.0, DL09, 125mv undervolt Voodoo5 using SwiftKey and Tapatalk
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QFT. The Fascinate hardware is amazing, but its not worth it to waste an upgrade with so many great LTE phones coming so soon. HTC Thunderbolt, LG Revolution, Moto Droid Bionic, etc.

Yeah, the fascinate is a nice phone and, I am happy with it, but a bunch of new phones are coming out soon that are even better.
Sent from my Fascinate - DJ05/SuperClean/Adryn's 12/30

Yeah, those look great... but I think it's worth nothing... I didn't plan on throwing down for a 4G/LTE data plan. I've never had a smartphone before (despite techy), and was perfectly happy with unlimited 3G.

Stay away from samsung, if you get one you will regret it in a few months when the kickass phones come out.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

I appreciate everyone's opinions, they do help... but I am concerned that everyone answering will be LTE adopters. I plan on going the $29.99 unlimited 3G data route, but do not plan on throwing down extra for LTE. Does that factor into this decision at all?

Buy it.. Our devs are rocking
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Hello I'm reading people talking about the new phones coming up, the lte, the 4g etc, my question is, with this nw phones will I have to pay the extra $10 for the 4g like sprint charges???? Cause in my area I don't think the 4g exist anyway I don't care about it thanks, hour hope you understand my question, my english no good
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Bwangster12 said:
I appreciate everyone's opinions, they do help... but I am concerned that everyone answering will be LTE adopters. I plan on going the $29.99 unlimited 3G data route, but do not plan on throwing down extra for LTE. Does that factor into this decision at all?
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I agree, the unlimited 3g is enough for me have wifi with 10mbpsspeed so I'm good.....
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

I'm glad there appear to be a couple of people who understand my position.
I don't anticipate opting for LTE coverage, nor do I need it. I would assume these new LTE phones will work on both 3g and LTE, but am I forced to get an LTE plan if I get one of these phones? Also, I'd assume that these new phones will be higher than the $199 price point.

The slew of new phones won't be available for a couple months anyways, so if you're looking for something in the immediate future, the Fascinate has the best hardware available right now. OEM support is lacking, but our devs are making tremendous progress on porting 2.2 and 2.3

At this point, I don't think anyone knows what lte plans will cost or if they will be above and beyond a normal 3g plan. We can't even say they will be required yet. With so much unknown, and really much better phones on the way, the safe thing is to wait. Honestly, I can't see the fascinate getting more expensive.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App, swypos are part of the fun

Despite the Froyo delays, i have been more than satisfied with this device. I also concur that our devs do indeed rock.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

iTz Nicholas72 said:
Don't get one. Wait a few months for the dual core LTE phones to be released and stay away from Samsung.
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"Few months"? Thanks to Apple, the first dual-core (Bionic) isn't coming until June.
LTE will be a mixed blessing.
Swyped from my Voodoo-powered Fascinate via XDA

s44 said:
"Few months"? Thanks to Apple, the first dual-core (Bionic) isn't coming until June.
LTE will be a mixed blessing.
Swyped from my Voodoo-powered Fascinate via XDA
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I feel like a few months, coming soon, Q1 2011 and first half 2011... really all mean mid year. My upgrade is January 21st, and I don't really know if I wanna wait that long. I have patience, if its warranted... but is it worth it to wait for one of these recently announced phones if I don't plan on getting LTE?
My main concern is updates to Android. I don't want to get a phone that will cease to be supported because the manufacturer sees opportunity to make more money elsewhere. While I like the form factor of the Fascinate more than any other current Verizon phone, am I better off just getting a Droid X or Droid 2.

Bwangster12 said:
I feel like a few months, coming soon, Q1 2011 and first half 2011... really all mean mid year. My upgrade is January 21st, and I don't really know if I wanna wait that long. I have patience, if its warranted... but is it worth it to wait for one of these recently announced phones if I don't plan on getting LTE?
My main concern is updates to Android. I don't want to get a phone that will cease to be supported because the manufacturer sees opportunity to make more money elsewhere. While I like the form factor of the Fascinate more than any other current Verizon phone, am I better off just getting a Droid X or Droid 2.
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Or an iPhone 4.
Unless you really against it like many here. Then DX D2G would better suit you.
Fascinate is really nice machine but lack of oem support. Unless you don't mind replacing it when or if something does happen to it while flashing dev version of froyo/gb then go ahead grab one.
Personally would suggest an iPhone to first time smartphone users. It has great support guaranteed updates annually. More solid user experience it has more and better apps compared to Android.
Despite many claims.
Non-jailbroken iPhone > unrooted Android device.
Jailbroken iPhone = rooted Android device.
I have nothing against Apple/IOS or Google/Android. Above is all based on personal experiences (iPhone 3/3GS. Droid 1/Fascinate). and by no means to start another Apple vs Android mouth fight.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

After owning this phone along with the moto droid and droid x and htc incredible and eris i would say get the iphone 4 its better.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

First an foremost, i understand where.yor coming from about the 4G. My opinion on the fascinate is that its an amazing phone. Best phone i've owned. I've had the x, the inc, the og droid, and iphones. I love this phone. Fast smooth. Camera is amazing. The only drawback os customer service and.the upgrades. But when you root samsungs customer service goes out the window anyways. And the rate our devs are going who needs verizons updates. Now the question is what devs will stay around when the new lte phones come out in the main factor. Cause without devs you wont have updates. Im staying with sf as long as the devs continue to work as hard as they are to produce these amazing updates. Just my two cents.

zachsx said:
First an foremost, i understand where.yor coming from about the 4G. My opinion on the fascinate is that its an amazing phone. Best phone i've owned. I've had the x, the inc, the og droid, and iphones. I love this phone. Fast smooth. Camera is amazing. The only drawback os customer service and.the upgrades. But when you root samsungs customer service goes out the window anyways. And the rate our devs are going who needs verizons updates. Now the question is what devs will stay around when the new lte phones come out in the main factor. Cause without devs you wont have updates. Im staying with sf as long as the devs continue to work as hard as they are to produce these amazing updates. Just my two cents.
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I see that this community is really churning out some great roms, in fact, I found XDA because of all the talk about it on other forums I frequent. That being said, I see A LOT of roms and kernels for 2.1 What is the typical timeframe for ports of newer Android versions? I've read other phones getting ported to 2.1, 2.2... without the carrier even releasing it. I know this phone has only been out since November, but are we on track for 2.2? Or at this point, is the dev community already behind.
I swear, that the main thing I'm looking for is supported updates. I know iOS has that, but other than that... I like everything about Android.

Related

[Q] Fascinate Devs, at what point will you jump ship?

I'm new here obviously. A Linux user about to buy my first Android phone, likely a Fascinate. The development work going on here is central to that decision, because I only want a Fascinate if it will eventually have custom Froyo ROM's. If I pull the trigger, I'm locked into a 2year contract with this phone.
My holdback concern is that the phone may never see its full potential due to Samsung's delay in releasing 2.2, and the draw new phones on the market, like the the Continuum, Droid Pro, Nexus S, etc. may have on the dev's currently working on the Fascinate. The development team here is small, but mighty, and really can't afford to lose many key players.
My question is, At what point will those dev's give up on the Samsung Fascinate? If Froyo doesn't release until, say, January, will there be anybody around to save us from TouchWiz and Bing, lol?
The Continuum and Nexus S will have virtually the same hardware as the Galaxy S series, so I don't really see a lot of "pull" there. Sure, people will develop for those phones as well, but this one will still be plenty popular for some time yet. Remember that the Nexus S is likely not going to be on Verizon, and not everybody will like the ticker screen concept. Oh, and I don't see the Droid Pro as a threat in the least. It's more of an entry level device for Blackberry addicts. Oh, and I don't think we'll have to wait until after the first of the year for Froyo. I could be wrong, of course, but with Samsung starting to roll it out overseas, it shouldn't be too much longer.
One last thing. If you're concerned about contract lock in, just do what I did, which was renew with a 1 year contract, which actually allows you to upgrade every 10 months. I ordered my Fascinate exactly 10 months after buying my Eris (which was the day after the Fascinate was actually released; I smell a conspiracy), which I also got on a 1 year contract. The only catch is you pay $70 more for any phone on Verizon when choosing a 1 year renewal, so the phone would cost you $270 plus taxes. I would recommend buying it online from Verizon's website, to avoid the messy rebates.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Salivating for Froyo is the most common post I have seen since [recently] joining this forum. I bought mine from best buy's free phone Friday event, for $0, signing a 2 year contract for $30 extra a month was an easy decision. The only things this phone is missing are a front camera (which the sprint epic has in addition to a qwerty that makes the phone a lot thicker than this one) and a dual core processor (which the droid pro has). I'm addicted to the look of this super amoled screen myself. Another thing to be aware of is the phone can be a little sluggish in finding GPS satellites out of the box.
So it's all about what your concerns are. I think it is worth knowing what you are getting into. I happen to love this phone and wish I bought it earlier
If you are waiting for another phone, the HTC Icredible Pro / mecha popped up in rumors tonight, but isn't likely to be on shelves immediately (not even expected this year), and you'll have to wait for root.
The Fascinate has a lot going for it. Galaxy phones are apparently making a big splash in Japan. The previous (wonderfully written) post also pointed out the compatible nexus s and continuum hardware. The Fascinate is also easily routed and readily Clockwork modded, with several roms already available including debinged browsing and voodoo lagfix.
The point being,most of what people want from Froyo can already be modded on this phone. The people I have seen posting here at XDA are also quite wonderful and inspire a lot of confidence.
(One thing I am hoping to get out of Froyo that I have not found yet is a way to do wifi calls while using a bluetooth headset as an audio source)
EDIT: I recall reading pre-release data that said the Droid Pro was going to be a dual core. Phonescoop lists the Droid 2 Global and Droid Pro as having 1.2 and 1 GHz TI OMAPs. My info was totally wrong. I read it incorrectly, and should not have posted unchecked information like that -- thanks for catching me.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
The Droid Pro doesn't have a dual-core processor
Answer is simple if any dev trully wanted to work on the phone they could've. A stock 2.1 was no where to be seen. Fascinate is not popular enough sadly.
So I'm. Jumpin ship. I have a brand new in box...ready to sell fascinate.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Thanks for the info guys. I'm coming from Symbian on AT&T, so I'm going to miss Flash support until 2.2, but Verizon is a must have so Symbian is out. Re: Continuum, the ticker is nice but not worth the drop to 3.5"; dedicated camera button is a bigger pull. But the Fascinate is cheaper at $40 w/2year contract. A one year contract would be way better, but that's a big jump to $270 since I would have to buy from Verizon to get the 1year. Probably cheaper to pay the remaining ETF at 1 year, which I might do.
Original question still stands. As nice a ship as the Fascinate is, it will sink if the developers here jump off. I'm hesitant to come aboard if it looks like that might happen, and all the people jumping off are making me wonder.
Have you even looked in the development and themes forums? there is a lot of activity. There's even more that is just published directly to ROM Manager / IRC.
ivorycruncher said:
One last thing. If you're concerned about contract lock in, just do what I did, which was renew with a 1 year contract, which actually allows you to upgrade every 10 months. I ordered my Fascinate exactly 10 months after buying my Eris (which was the day after the Fascinate was actually released; I smell a conspiracy), which I also got on a 1 year contract. The only catch is you pay $70 more for any phone on Verizon when choosing a 1 year renewal, so the phone would cost you $270 plus taxes. I would recommend buying it online from Verizon's website, to avoid the messy rebates.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
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I did think about getting the one year contract too but finally decided against it. I would have to spend 270 now for the phone with a one year contract + about the same next year when I upgrade. So that's like 500+ out of my pocket. I can just buy a new phone next year with that money so its not like I'll save anything.
However the one year contract does give you the freedom to switch carriers.
Also, my logic applies only if you get the phone for free (BestBuy - free phone fridays, LetsTalk, etc.)
Just my 2 cents
SupraLance said:
I'm new here obviously. A Linux user about to buy my first Android phone, likely a Fascinate. The development work going on here is central to that decision, because I only want a Fascinate if it will eventually have custom Froyo ROM's. If I pull the trigger, I'm locked into a 2year contract with this phone.
My holdback concern is that the phone may never see its full potential due to Samsung's delay in releasing 2.2, and the draw new phones on the market, like the the Continuum, Droid Pro, Nexus S, etc. may have on the dev's currently working on the Fascinate. The development team here is small, but mighty, and really can't afford to lose many key players.
My question is, At what point will those dev's give up on the Samsung Fascinate? If Froyo doesn't release until, say, January, will there be anybody around to save us from TouchWiz and Bing, lol?
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Just come to irc
there are no true roms yet..... everything is touchwiz based!!!
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
BingoDanny said:
Answer is simple if any dev trully wanted to work on the phone they could've. A stock 2.1 was no where to be seen. Fascinate is not popular enough sadly.
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Or, a simpler explanation is that nobody wants to waste time on 2.1 with 2.2 so close to release. I know I wouldn't if I was a dev. Tweaking the original Touchwiz ROM is relatively easy, so they're probably just playing around with it for right now. When we get a proper Froyo kernel and base ROM, then the real development will begin. There's probably more development on other US variants because they've been out longer. We're too close to the Froyo release to mess with Eclair very much anymore.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
BingoDanny said:
there are no true roms yet..... everything is touchwiz based!!!
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
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If you can flash it in CWM, then it is a true ROM. If you think that the stock build is the same as running jt's Super-Clean or SonofSkywalker's Blackhole, then you really should try them. They are amazing.
Sent from my Fascinate using the XDA app
suppliesidejesus said:
If you can flash it in CWM, then it is a true ROM. If you think that the stock build is the same as running jt's Super-Clean or SonofSkywalker's Blackhole, then you really should try them. They are amazing.
Sent from my Fascinate using the XDA app
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Thumbs up to this. Blackhole is lightning fast.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

Possibly buying a Fascinate

Well, I was going to buy one of the new 4G phones because as it was rumored the Thunderbolt was supposed to be available this weekend.. but it is not to be I suppose SOOO..
I'm looking to buy a Fascinate off contract in order to save my upgrade.
Just wondering if there is anything I should know? I have an Incredible and I know depending on your model number it's either AMOLED or SLCD. Now I know all Fascinates are SAMOLED, but I was just using that as an example of something I would need to know if I was buying an Incredible.. if that makes any sense at all.
Thanks for your time
As far as I know there are no differences in the fascinates out here beyond best buys unique white model.
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Honestly wait for the iphone. Android is garbage in my opinion. I had the fascinate and well without the applications to spruce up a phone......well its just a phone. And i think we all want more!!!
BigBonkers said:
Honestly wait for the iphone. Android is garbage in my opinion. I had the fascinate and well without the applications to spruce up a phone......well its just a phone. And i think we all want more!!!
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And I guess the iPhone is so much more than a phone without applications to spruce it up Once again, stop trolling here. You have 20 posts and none of them have something besides bashing the Fascinate or Android.
Just another jealous Icrap fanboy who has nothing better to do than hang out in here...Get a life and a real PHONE!
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Hands down, better than the Incredible.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
If you're going to end up upgrading to a 4G phone soon after you buy the Fascinate, then why get it at all? It's just a waste of money when you already have an Incredible. Just wait for a good phone to come out.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Yeah, if I hadn't just gotten the Fascinate I would probably prefer to wait for the i520. The new SAMOLED+ looks even more amazing than SAMOLED, and I'm probably one of the few who wishes the Fascinate had a bigger screen.
I have a fascinate and an incredible right now. The fascinate is better hardware wise. The only thing keeping me on the incredible is cyanogen.
The fascinate is STILL stuck on 2.1 and while it performs well it still feels like it's missing something. I also miss the track ball and the camera of the incredible. And the name is much better IMO
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Just wait for the new 4.3 inch beast phones coming out for Verizon right now.
Rockin' DJ05, Minimal Icognito, Clocked at 1.3Ghz
Dizfunky said:
If you're going to end up upgrading to a 4G phone soon after you buy the Fascinate, then why get it at all? It's just a waste of money when you already have an Incredible. Just wait for a good phone to come out.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
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Well I can get a Fascinate for cheap without wasting my upgrade since a friend has it, and we need another phone in the family since my sister broke her original droid (it held up admirably for a good while).
TheSonicEmerald said:
Just wait for the new 4.3 inch beast phones coming out for Verizon right now.
Rockin' DJ05, Minimal Icognito, Clocked at 1.3Ghz
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None of the new phones introduced at CES will be released for several months...
Last I heard, the HTC Thunderbolt, an LTE phone, was going to be released later this month. I could be wrong though.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
BigBonkers said:
Honestly wait for the iphone. Android is garbage in my opinion. I had the fascinate and well without the applications to spruce up a phone......well its just a phone. And i think we all want more!!!
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Why do you even come to these forums?
ivorycruncher said:
Last I heard, the HTC Thunderbolt, an LTE phone, was going to be released later this month. I could be wrong though.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
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At the press conference today they mentioned that all of the ten new devices they showed will be available the first half of the year, and "some as early as March"... So we are probably looking at April-May-June for most LTE devices
Guys no need to get angry. The guy asked for an opinion on the fascinate. And I think he needs one from someone who came from an Iphone on ATT to Samsung Fascinate on Verizon. What can he learn about a phone from ONLY people who are stuck with it........... Nothing. I think a negative review helps alot.
The fascinate has good hardware. But ive always said that android lacks in the applications department. Plain and simple.
Be smart the IPHONE is getting released on February 3rd. Wait try them both out....Then decide for yourself. Whats good for one person isnt good for another.
Another negative point SAMSUNG has the worst reputation with updating there android phones. Just a thought.
Your opinion does not make fact.
BigBonkers said:
Guys no need to get angry. The guy asked for an opinion on the fascinate. And I think he needs one from someone who came from an Iphone on ATT to Samsung Fascinate on Verizon. What can he learn about a phone from ONLY people who are stuck with it........... Nothing. I think a negative review helps alot.
The fascinate has good hardware. But ive always said that android lacks in the applications department. Plain and simple.
Be smart the IPHONE is getting released on February 3rd. Wait try them both out....Then decide for yourself. Whats good for one person isnt good for another.
Another negative point SAMSUNG has the worst reputation with updating there android phones. Just a thought.
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Click to collapse
However, his question was not about which overall phone he should get. Just if there were anything specific to know about within the Fascinate family.
As for your opinion, its just that, you're personal opinion that only fits you. You were used to an iPhone and the apps you had. You got a completely different product that you are less happy with because you probably can't find the same apps or ones that worked comparably to what you had. Does that mean its automatically inferior, no, we as humans are just habitual and dislike change.
As for hardware, yeah, the iPhone's front camera and Apple's specific image software to tip the scales for the iPhone4 over the Fascinate. However, the EVO 4G easily bests the iPhone4.
If he were to wait on a different phone, he should do as others said and keep the Incredible and wait until later this year when a slew of LTE phones drop that ALL destroy iPhone4 and probably 5 as it will not be 4G.
As for iOS vs Android, meh, personal opinion. I like Android better as a techy guy and love the better inclusion of Google products. Again, we humans are habitual and my short stints with friends iPhones really don't do much.
For me, I'll stick with a far more open option that is rapidly surpassing anything iDevice has offered. Plus, I can create my own apps for free and without having to buy a Mac.
BigBonkers said:
Guys no need to get angry. The guy asked for an opinion on the fascinate. And I think he needs one from someone who came from an Iphone on ATT to Samsung Fascinate on Verizon. What can he learn about a phone from ONLY people who are stuck with it........... Nothing. I think a negative review helps alot.
The fascinate has good hardware. But ive always said that android lacks in the applications department. Plain and simple.
Be smart the IPHONE is getting released on February 3rd. Wait try them both out....Then decide for yourself. Whats good for one person isnt good for another.
Another negative point SAMSUNG has the worst reputation with updating there android phones. Just a thought.
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It's not about anger or hostility.
If you don't like this phone, why don't you go bug those people on the iphone forums. It just makes very little sense for you to come here and talk trash.
Didnt mean to talk trash guys. Wasnt my intention.

Samsung Holding Back Froyo!

AndroidSpin and BGR are reporting that a reliable T-Mobile Source told them that there is a fully functioning 2.2 OTA for the T-Mobile Vibrant, but that Samsung is holding the OTA back. The report then says that Samsung fears that if the OTA is released then this would devalue the upcoming T-Mobile Vibrant 4G. (I would post a link, but I do not have 8 post. If someone could for me that would be great.) Now, I know that the hardware is different, but does anyone think that Samsung may be doing the same thing to us fascinate users considering that a new Samsung LTE phone is coming out soon? This would make sense condersidering the Telus fascinate got 2.2 before we did. Now again I know the hardware is different, but it doesn't make sense they would get it before us considering the fascinate has been out longer for us and that they are more of us. It would also explain the DL09 release. Samsung may just be trying to hold us over until they decide to release 2.2 once the LTE phone sales are up. This is just something to think about. I personally am just going to flash Kaos's 2.2 once the data works
Source:
http://androidspin.com/2011/01/12/breaking-t-mobile-internals-confirm-samsung-is-holding-the-android-world-hostage/
Is there a new Vibrant-style Sammy coming to Verizon that might put us in the same boat as our T-Mobular comrads?
"SamsungMobileUS Samsung Mobile USA
We want Galaxy S owners to have simple/reliable upgrade. We r running tests due to complexity/unique functionality.
4 Jan Favorite Retweet Reply
SamsungMobileUS Samsung Mobile USA
We are working to make the Android 2.2/Froyo upgrade available to all U.S. Galaxy S owners as soon as possible.
4 Jan "
That is complete and total crap..... they shouldn't be holding back Froyo just to "improve" sales of the Vibrant 4g... the 4g should make enough incentive if someone really wants the 4g version of the phone. Also, isn't it a little early to be releasing a 4g phone when it is just now becoming available? I could be wrong!?!?!?
DarthCivicus said:
That is complete and total crap..... they shouldn't be holding back Froyo just to "improve" sales of the Vibrant 4g... the 4g should make enough incentive if someone really wants the 4g version of the phone. Also, isn't it a little early to be releasing a 4g phone when it is just now becoming available? I could be wrong!?!?!?
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T-Mobile has had their "4G" out for some time now. Not quite as long as Sprint, but it's been around for a few months at least.
Just some more information. The Samsung LTE phone is suppose to hit Verizon in February. There are a few Samsung Galaxy S phones rumored to be getting froyo in March. This would leave a month for 3g galaxy s phones to still be on 2.1 while the new phones are on 2.2 or 2.3.
So the samsung LTE is probably to complete with the Iphone release 2/10/2011?
Seems totally non-bogus to me. If they already have working builds of froyo on the Galaxy Tab and 4G phones, which all contain pretty similar hardware, it's no doubt that Samsung has working froyo builds for the Fascinate.
It makes perfect sense in regards to their effed up strategy plan of continuing the release of updated phones but delaying software updates on already released ones. It's clear that these guys are holding back the 2.2 update on our device so that they can make more sales on the upcoming devices.
To be honest, it's not that my fascinate doesn't already do what I need it to do or gives me certain issues on its current software, but I just can't stay loyal to a company that continues to disregard their customers' concerns.
Natamos said:
Seems totally non-bogus to me. If they already have working builds of froyo on the Galaxy Tab and 4G phones, which all contain pretty similar hardware, it's no doubt that Samsung has working froyo builds for the Fascinate.
It makes perfect sense in regards to their effed up strategy plan of continuing the release of updated phones but delaying software updates on already released ones. It's clear that these guys are holding back the 2.2 update on our device so that they can make more sales on the upcoming devices.
To be honest, it's not that my fascinate doesn't already do what I need it to do or gives me certain issues on its current software, but I just can't stay loyal to a company that continues to disregard their customers' concerns.
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My sentiments exactly. The question is, will this rumor affect their timetables? This whole thing is so political...
I don't buy it. The draw of the new phones is 4G, or LTE, not the version of Android it's running. The fact that it's running 2.2 wouldn't sway someone to buy one phone over the other for the general consumer. And that is the market that matters most to the manufacturers. To the more advanced users it might make a difference, but they make up a very small percentage.
Doesn't hold weight in my opinion.
Kevin Gossett said:
I don't buy it. The draw of the new phones is 4G, or LTE, not the version of Android it's running. The fact that it's running 2.2 wouldn't sway someone to buy one phone over the other for the general consumer. And that is the market that matters most to the manufacturers. To the more advanced users it might make a difference, but they make up a very small percentage.
Doesn't hold weight in my opinion.
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Its a bullet point. Since Samsung did not opt to be part of the droid line on verizon, any additional bullet points adds to the selling factor of the phone. Sales people will use this to push people to the newer phones, saying things like "Its got the latest Android 2.2" or "It has the version of Android that supports flash". Its just in poor taste for Samsung to do this, and to me, its the same with Apple releasing the same iPhone for verizon that's been on at&t for 7 months or so now. I wouldn't get an iphone until after there announcement later this year, because since 2008, they have released a new iphone every year. Ok, sorry, I got off topic, but as you can see other companies do similar things just to sell more phones. Looking at all the companies with android smartphones, HTC and MOTO have done good jobs keep their android phones up to date. Samsung needs to step it up.
If said source is referring to JL5, there is a reason they are holding it back...its a piece of garbage.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Count me as skeptical, the source seems contradicts himself, unless I'm misreading:
…Being that, Vibrant 4G and Vibrant have exactly same stats, added FFC and a new movie and the 4G. But i will tell you this, the original vibrant CAN utilize 4G FULLY. Yes FULLY. not what they are telling you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In a subsequent correspondence:
We have already put it out there that most of out devices would see a speed boost with the new network. Just the Vibrant will see a bit more. So I dont see why that is such a huge surprise to your readers. But not full 4G.
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Click to collapse
Still, who knows. It wouldn't surprise me if they scheduled the update to be closer to the release date (VZW released 5.0 for the Storm 1 a day or two before the Storm 2 went on sale). If it does exist, and isn't a POS, it will probably get leaked.
I can see this, but it is stupid as the LTE feature alone should be enough to push people to upgrade. Additionally, those with Galaxy S phones have all had them for less than two years (typical upgrade timeframe). So how many people do they really think they can pursued to switch? Seems far more harmful to continue to piss off your existing user base who might consider later LTE phones at end of year or next when upgrade option is available.
I don't think they want to try and get people to switch. Its more for new sales. If the vibrant is sitting there for half the price (galaxy S phones are reaching the discounted portion of their lifespan) running nearly the same specs, minus the 4G, it will look pretty attractive to a decent chunck of consumers. If salesmen can say "this new one is faster and has a newer operating system" most people will think "new MUST be better" and blindly go for that.
Like someone else already said, it would just be a bullet point for salesmen.
from a business point of view, samsung did the right thing. Why fix what isn't broke, while making something in the future look much more desirable. They will make most of their money this way.
Honestly, the dev community is a very very VERY small portion of their clients. A couple thousand out of however many million phones they've sold... Most people are perfectly happy living in ignorance about all these damn desert names. ESPECIALLY now that they have a working GPS on the phone.
So why please a couple thousand, when they could be making millions on future phones?
Unfortunately for us, this blows! But they are a business. Businesses lie. ultimate goal is to make the dough...
BSayre18 said:
Just some more information. The Samsung LTE phone is suppose to hit Verizon in February. There are a few Samsung Galaxy S phones rumored to be getting froyo in March. This would leave a month for 3g galaxy s phones to still be on 2.1 while the new phones are on 2.2 or 2.3.
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Click to collapse
I wouldn't count on a Feb release....
DarthCivicus said:
So the samsung LTE is probably to complete with the Iphone release 2/10/2011?
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Click to collapse
The ONLY LTE phone that would be able to meet a Feb 10th deadline would be the HTC Thunderbolt. And thats not even a for sure, BUT, its the only shot, if any.
I guarantee it will be out by Valentine's Day, not that anyone cares, except for me. But you have my word, nonetheless.
Two words:
Screw Samsung.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Wtf does a Vibrant story have to do with us? Nothing.
Those guys have a zillion Froyo variants leaked anyway. Don't cry for them.
s44 said:
Wtf does a Vibrant story have to do with us? Nothing.
Those guys have a zillion Froyo variants leaked anyway. Don't cry for them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has a lot to do with us. If they have froyo held back, we have froyo held back.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

New 4g Phones

Anyone jumping on one of these phones when they come out? I am thinking about getting the thunderbolt seeing as its all based off the dinc and they have has some success modding that.
destroyerbmx said:
Anyone jumping on one of these phones when they come out? I am thinking about getting the thunderbolt seeing as its all based off the dinc and they have has some success modding that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally do not find anything on the next gen phones ( at least the ones displayed at CES ) that I would trade my fascinate in for. I am going to wait for a bit.
4G just isn't in my area yet. I am between 2 markets.
Where I live I dont get 4g but I travel a lot and some of the places I go have 4g. I am interested in the thunderbolt because it has the large screen and its not motorola.
I have 4g coverage in my area, work and home. But going to hold onto the Fascinate until something peaks my interest. Seems like all the 4g phones have 4.3" screens. Seems kinda big to me...
jv
I am interested to see how the orion and tegra 2 do. I already have heard many say there is a large battery drain with the tegra 2.
Upon further digging the snapdragon isnt the same as the dinc, its a next gen one, still not dual core though, heres a comparison against the samsung for 3d
http://www.mobiletechworld.com/2010...htc-desire-hd-vs-samsung-galaxy-s/#more-17339
Considering 4G won't be in my area until end of year, I'll start looking then.
However, my next phone will have to have these conditions:
1. Dual Core
2. Rear Camera of 8MB or >
3. Front Camera of 2MB or >
4. Android 2.4 or >
5. USB connection
6. SD card support
7. Ability to become PC. i.e. Moto's Atrix laptop doc or similar doc that would allow connection to full screen/keyboard (or phone would be kb/mouse).
I think these requirements are easily doable by end of the year. Plus, I don't think battery is going to be very much affected as some think by dual core. Most phones now use a 1500mh battery whereas the notes for dual cores so far are 2000mh batteries. So, I'm betting life is roughly the same.
Though, by next year we need to see a newer technology for portable devices.
Yeah, I really like the Atrix, its got all the stuff, and 1gb of ram. For some reason no one else is making that much ram on the phone. I just dont like how moto locks their phones, I get 2 upgrades a year since I have two phones so I am planning, right now, on getting the thunderbolt and then something around september.
destroyerbmx said:
Anyone jumping on one of these phones when they come out? I am thinking about getting the thunderbolt seeing as its all based off the dinc and they have has some success modding that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to wait for the hardware to mature first.
1) 4G is not available in my area.
2) Battery life? Everyone is focused on 4G and dual-core... nobody has said a peep about battery life.
3) I'm in love with the Samsung Fascinate hardware. Going to an LG or HTC phone feels like a step backwards.
4) Hackability. I want to only buy phones with lots of custom ROM support, and will wait to see how the modding / ROM scene develops first.
5) I don't buy new phones. I wait at least 2 months, then buy used devices. I can use the phone for several months, then sell the phone as used for about the same price I paid. Doing this allows me to frequently switch devices, so I can switch hardware almost at-will at no cost to me.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AnCYASmJQAUhdGlsbDVVZFpyNnRQWTF2RE9IZUxvN3c&hl=en
Theres a full comparison of known stuff at this time, battery life is mentioned in there
I've just come to the conclusion that I am getting an HTC when my time is up. I really love this phone but the lack of updates from Samsung is just too much. This is my 4th samsung. I had the i760, the omnia 1 and 2 and now the Fascinate. I will not throw any more money to them.
just my 2 cents.
jv
what the hell is fido? and where u get it?
johnnyv5 said:
I will not throw any more money to [Samsung]
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Click to collapse
Yeah, the lack of post-launch updates is incredibly frustrating.
But they just make such sweet hardware... SUCH sweet hardware.
akaine2001 said:
what the hell is fido? and where u get it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question and I don't know ... it was bestowed upon me!
jv
kent1146 said:
Yeah, the lack of post-launch updates is incredibly frustrating.
But they just make such sweet hardware... SUCH sweet hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I honestly love the phone. Not that I wanna be a poser froyo boy but I think we deserve to have the latest and greatest. This phone has such potential but when you see what's coming out as far as in OS improvements and your not sure if or when it is going to be put on your phone I can't stand it. Oh well. I have one more year for a new every two so I'll just enjoy this pohone until I can get a 4G phone.
jv
Although I'm fairly sure 4g is available in my area (I live in Chicago), I'm totally content with my Fascinate at the moment. I'm planning on waiting a while for the next wave of 4g phones before I consider making the switch.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Thrillhouse847 said:
Although I'm fairly sure 4g is available in my area (I live in Chicago), I'm totally content with my Fascinate at the moment. I'm planning on waiting a while for the next wave of 4g phones before I consider making the switch.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, going to have to be sure the next phone is going to last me a few years seeing as Verizon is getting rid of it's new every two program. I wonder what they are going to replace it with, "Get Screwed every two"?
jv
big thing I am looking at with the thunderbolt is the xda community and mods possible with it, all htc phones have had great support from xda. Modding is my #1 reason for getting a phone, I thought the fascinate would have a great community since it was all unlocked and open sourced, but that fell short. Not slamming JT or Dirrk, geeknik...etc, they have all done outstanding work, but I thought it was going to be like the original droid crazy, w/ custom roms left and right. I know the HTCs pretty much carry that and I am guessing they will be able to port anything over. My 2nd phone down the road this year will be based on HW, something crazy again, I dont like having a slow phone.
My brother-in-law Facebook'ed a message earlier this morning.
He is a die-hard Apple fanboy, has been waiting for a Verizon iPhone for the past 3 years, and just got his Verizon iPhone 4 yesterday. 2 months ago, I convinced him to buy an Android phone, and taught him how to root it and play with custom ROMs.
"Not impressed with the iPhone, hate the stock OS. Wish I could put a custom ROM on it."​
That makes me happy.

[Q] Which new phone are you getting this year?

I think if the Samsung Galaxy S 2 comes out for Verizon, I'll get that one. But if not, I think I'm getting the Samsung Charge, or Iphone 5. What phone are you most excited about?
iPhone
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sgs2, I hate apple so undecided on iphone 5
SC2.8 WP7 Revolution
None. I'm stuck on the two year contract. I don't know how you are not?
SGSII definitely. I'm avaliable for an upgrade anytime til my contract ends November.
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Nothing from Samsung, that's for sure.
I actually really like this phone once its de-bloated and de-crapified. Actually its probably my favorite phone I've ever had. (that includes numerous smart phones and platforms going back to the nokia 3650 on symbian os). Im going to stick around with it until there's something amazing released.
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do you know if its coming to verizon?
I'll get the SGSII, IF and only if it doesn't have anything locking it down and preventing custom ROMs/Kernels. Otherwise, I'll find something else.
imnuts said:
I'll get the SGSII, IF and only if it doesn't have anything locking it down and preventing custom ROMs/Kernels. Otherwise, I'll find something else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Supercurio has been posting numerous Tweets on his Twitter bout that, seems that there's not too much to worry about that
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This mod will be getting a Thunderbolt when his contract with ATTmobile is up.
Moderated from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium.
TheSonicEmerald said:
Supercurio has been posting numerous Tweets on his Twitter bout that, seems that there's not too much to worry about that
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, didn't see those when I posted that. Just need to make sure that VZW doesn't request that the bootloader be locked and Samsung follow through with it.
bwt_3 said:
Nothing from Samsung, that's for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What she said! F' Samsung! I've had all 3 omnia's and now the Fascinate and am sick of having to wait for updates whilest others bask in the update glory!
jv
imnuts said:
Yeah, didn't see those when I posted that. Just need to make sure that VZW doesn't request that the bootloader be locked and Samsung follow through with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Saw this posted on twitter ... Wayne and company are generally a solid source.
http://www.gizmoninja.com/2011/04/15/samsung-will-not-lock-its-bootloaders/
So will unlocked bootloaders win out over slower software updates? For me personally I say yes.
Sent from my Droid Incredible using Tapatalk
bobloblaw1 said:
I actually really like this phone once its de-bloated and de-crapified. Actually its probably my favorite phone I've ever had. (that includes numerous smart phones and platforms going back to the nokia 3650 on symbian os). Im going to stick around with it until there's something amazing released.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm probably going to do the same, I'm hoping that it can get me til sometime in december of 2012 so i can leave verizon...though my contract is "up" in march of 2012 my girlfriend's line doesn't end until 12/23/2012
I just jumped ship from the Fascinate to the Thunderbolt a few days ago. Rooted and have been experimenting.
After getting a sense of the Thunderbolt and putting it side by side with the Fascinate, its not as dominant as I would have expected. The Fascinate's SAMOLED screen is just substantially better than the Thunderbolt's S-LCD. Its not even close really. Also, the latest gen Snapdragon + Adreno 205....doesn't seem as snappy as the Fascinate SoC. Fascinate definitely has better graphics. Very subtle stutters on the Thunderbolt after testing a few ROMs and Kernels. Also, its certainly a matter of opinion, but the Thunderbolt is just a tad too big compared with the Fascinate. They have the power button on top like an iPhone, and the way I would naturally grip the phone puts the power button barely out of reach of my index finger. I have to do a very small phone adjust in my hand to allow my index finger to get on top of the power button, but the Fascinate's 4 inch screen is about as large as I would imagine it could get for it to require no movement of the phone in the palm while operating it, which is preferable I think.
On the other hand - Verizon's LTE network is stupid fast. NYC with its saturated 3G networks -- the LTE network is like coming up for air after nearly drowning. Its rock solid everywhere I've been, almost like ubiquitous WiFi. When you really think about it, even the best Dual-Core Cortex A9 phones on ATT can't really touch a Cortex A8 experience on WiFi. The network makes an enormous difference and that can't be stressed enough.
The Thunderbolt is sexier than the Fascinate with its screen off. I don't really care about the kickstand, but the feel and heft is a welcome change from the Fascinate. Although not a graphics beast, it is by no means a slouch. The UI is very snappy, and I'll be very curious once CM7/AOSP gets released.
Thats the final thing about the Thunderbolt that I think is worth mentioning. The Thunderbolt forum is buzzing. Lots of devs, people are gearing up for CM7 nightlies/crackflashing. Not to say this forum wasn't Fantastic, but the Thunderbolt, and HTC in general, seem to have a slightly more robust community. I'm not at all upset with my decision to switch, but the Fascinate is by NO MEANS old hardware right now, in fact using the Thunderbolt makes me appreciate how good Samsung was on the hardware side.
sunder74 said:
Saw this posted on twitter ... Wayne and company are generally a solid source.
http://www.gizmoninja.com/2011/04/15/samsung-will-not-lock-its-bootloaders/
So will unlocked bootloaders win out over slower software updates? For me personally I say yes.
Sent from my Droid Incredible using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, and with an unlocked bootloader and a whole SLEW of awesome devs that I know are gonna jump on this beast of a phone and with Sammy leaking source code and updates like EB01/EC01 for free beta testing, we don't need official OTA updates. I WILL BE GETTING THE GALAXY S 2!
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That is a great question. I bought a used Fascinate to hold me over, and to learn the Android system. I am hoping that later in the year I can get something with dual core and LTE. But I also don't want to give up battery life. So this may not be possible.
I like Android, but have a bad opinion of Samsung compared to my previous multiple HTC WinMo devices.
So I want:
For the OS: Android, likely not Microsoft, never Apple.
Manufacturer: HTC, maybe Moto, Samsung is low on the list.
Carrier: Verizon...........period.. What I need it for, other choices fail.
Dual core would be nice, but not at the expensive of a lot of battery life.
I want LTE. Not badly, but there is not much reason to throw away a 2 year contract and not get it.
The Thunderbolt is almost it, and may BE it, for me. Maybe I really don't want dual core just yet anyway. The new SGS II is probably nice, but I'm sure I would be returning in to Verizon as it would have the same hardware weaknesses that I see in the Fascinate.
So I'm waiting it out for now to see what else comes along. Until I smash this P.O.S. Fascinate against the ground and I'm forced to decide.
It's going to be really tough for me to buy another Samsung phone. The internal guts of the Fascinate are awesome (which is why I bought it), but the lack of support and poorly written code is a real let-down. I'm definitely going to explore other phone manufacturers and carriers to see how things compare. If another network suits my daily needs, I'll definitely switch... possibly to T-Mobile given their upcoming line-up of phones. I'm not excited about the possible AT&T merger, but I definitely won't be locking myself into any contracts in the near future. Android progresses way too quickly to get locked into anything longer than 1 year - and those contracts are going away.
As much as most would hate to hear it, if the iPhone had Google Navigation, a universal micro-USB port and maybe removable internal storage + battery... I would consider it. I doubt those things would ever happen, so no iPhone for me. An MIUI-compatible Android would be much better anyways.
Galaxy S2. Samsung is improving. I mean, GB is rolling out to the i9000 before any other phone. Their hardware is superior. With the Galaxy S2, it's EXT4. AND, the bootloader is gonna be open. It seems that they ARE listening to the consumers. Though I'm angry that we still don't have 2.2, I blame Verizon for that more than Samsung.

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