If you are interested in updating to Android version 2.3, then head on over to the update page for the run down on what you can expect during the process located on Samsung’s website here.

Related posts:

1. AT&T Samsung Captivate update part 2 GPS fix CONFIRMED!
2. AT&T Samsung Captivate gets update but not Froyo 2.2
3. Review of Samsung Captivate SGH-i897

Earlier this week I was relieved to hear that update 8107 for Windows Phone was beginning to rollout to fix the “disappearing keyboard” bug, that I suppose was one of the 500 new features we got with the Mango update. That disappearing keyboard thing is one of those dark WP secrets that we fanboys (and girls, or maybe fanpeople) don’t talk about when touting how amazing our phones are. But it has honestly been a super PITA since it first appeared. Especially when the keyboard would vanish, after spending 5 minutes to write a thorough and concise response to an article on MD or other sites, while you were working on the final, “making my point”, sentence.

So I was a little more than dismayed when I read a couple days later that Microsoft is rolling the update out, “to those carriers who request it”. WTH! Anyone who has waited for a Carrier update knows what that means. I wonder what the current line in Las Vegas is for AT&T (and other US carriers) making this update available for any WP, and especially discontinued Gen1 devices. Of course there are reasons for not making the update available, first and foremost because they need to dedicate resources for “TESTING”. But we all know in mobile speak that means, “we want you to buy a new phone from us, preferably on contract so we can lock you in for another two years”.

Let me try to understand this. Microsoft released the highly touted, and long anticipated Mango update that every WP handset was eligible to receive. AT&T, along with every other Carrier, had many weeks, probably months to TEST this update before it was released to their customers. But yet they overlooked; the disappearing keyboard bug, the GMail syncing bug, the Exchange missing forwarded message bug, the voicemail notification bug, and the location allowed access bug. Ok, these are OS issues and I guess AT&T was not looking of them, but then what do they need to TEST in order to “allow” an update to be pushed through on their network. Why do these updates, which include bug fixes and features, need to be bundled? Why can’t Microsoft push bug fixes, that have absolutely nothing to do with the OEM or Carrier, stand alone and over the air. Why does AT&T have to test a bug fix, essentially a defect. Does your local car dealer TEST every manufacturer recall, and decide which one to make available. Help me to understand, please!

I have PCs, a laptop and a notebook, at home and at the office all running version of Windows, built by different manufacturers and using Bright House and AT&T as service providers for Internet/Data access. And I get updates from Microsoft every few days for each of them. Plus, if I check Windows Update, I often get updates for peripheral devices attached to these machines. Do Bright House or AT&T check these updates to make sure I still have an Internet connection after they are installed? No, why not?

Sure, I know that I can get this update manually by following Ramon’s well written directions here, but I have always been a stay between the lines kind of guy. I don’t install custom ROMs because every one I have read about fixes one thing and breaks or leaves off another. Basically, the only ROM I would be happy with would be one that I brewed myself. The Farmer Ted way of thinking. Now, I will be at my nearby AT&T store on March 18th looking closely at the Nokia 900/Ace and will most likely leave with one in hand, making my current Surround fair game for whatever I choose to do with it. But it does cause me to stop and think, do I really want to be at the mercy of my Carrier for another two years, “hoping” they “request” updates from Microsoft. I really can’t afford it, but an unbranded phone sounds better to me every day. Something to think about.

Related posts:

1. AT&T still ‘testing’ NoDo on all WP7 models, HD7 & Venue Pro updates coming soon
2. MS On The Record: Carriers CAN Block WP7 Updates – Update Coming Soon
3. Should Microsoft be targeting the Carriers in the Patent Wars?

After seeing so many apps updated to Mango over the past two weeks (Incuding my new favorite app), I reached out to Best Buy Customer Relations last week to find out when the Mango version of their app would be released.  Below is their response:

Hello E.Powell,

Thank you for filing a feedback for the Best Buy mobile app. I wanted to inform you that we are working on an upgrade for the app for Windows Mango version. This should be released as soon as the kinks and bugs are all worked out and unfortunately we do not have a set date yet. However, as we learn more we will communicate to our customers of the upgrade.

We are constantly improving and developing this app for one purpose: to serve you better. And, the best way for us to serve you, is to hear from you. We highly appreciate your ideas for features you would like to see (or fixes that need our attention) in future releases.

Thank you
Ishraf
Best Buy Mobile Apps Team

For those of you who need refreshing, skip to 6:06 to see Joe Belfiore’s demo of the app.

- Fight

Related posts:

1. Web-Based Version Of Windows Phone Marketplace Confirmed For Mango
2. New Windows Phone 7 features surface for the forthcoming mango update
3. WP7 Mango–Sprint Today!

New rumor suggests that Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7.5 update, codenamed Mango, will be released on September 15th.  In case you weren’t aware there is an event being held by HTC and everything points to Windows Phone Mango devices being announced.

Another point to consider is an exposed customer service chat HTC had where a September release of the update was scheduled.  All things considered its looking like everyone will definitely have their Mango fill by the holidays.  With the iPhone set to debut on all carriers in the coming months and Ice Cream Sandwich ready to showcase itself on the latest and greatest hardware Android OEMs can slap it on it’s a good sign that Microsoft is getting their anticipated Mango update out in the wild before all this happens.

To make it clear, Microsoft can not afford to be late to the party.  Release at the same time as the iPhone and they are dead in the water.  Nobody will pay attention to Microsoft no matter how good Mango is.  Not to mention you’re bound to see gangs of the latest and greatest Android phones being given away for free when Ice Cream Sandwich hits.

Will BUILD produce a winner for Microsoft on both the tablet, desktop and phone screens at the same time?  Is fall 2011 the start of a beautiful 2012 for Microsoft? Lets hope at least the phone crowd has reason to rejoice.

Source: WeLoveWP

Related posts:

1. Microsoft Continues to Cater to Devs By Releasing Mango Soon?
2. Microsoft and Apple’s Fall 2011 Time Machine
3. Microsoft Confirms Custom Ringtones in Mango

New Version of NICQUE's popular freeware program, GCzII is released

NICQUE, the popular author of Windows Mobile freeware released a brand new version of GczII on July 1st (version “0.2.35.76”). GczII is a popular freeware Geocaching.com client, where you can search for geocaches by Zipcode, cache name, author’s name, trackables, and of course geographical distance from your current GPS location. For those of you not familiar, Geocaching is a sport which (after registering for a free account on their website) allows you access to the coordinates for thousands and thousands of geocaches worldwide. Each geocache is a container hidden somewhere in public which can be located with the coordinates provided for it on Geocaching.com, which can get you around 10-30 feet from the “cache” (from there, GPS is too imprecise and you must use your wits to find the spoils). When you get to the cache (these can be in parks, parking lots, off a hiking trail, etc.), you can sign the logbook and if the cache is physically large enough (the size of the cache varies wildly – usually a small plastic box though), exchange small trinkets. When you get home, you also sign the log on the site.

GczII saves the user the hassle of not only needing to have a separate GPS receiver, but you also do not have to print off countless cache pages or worry about typing the coordinates just perfectly into a secondary receiver. It is a “green” solution, and also much easier.

::AB

Related posts:

1. winmoFinance Gets Updated To Version 1.8
2. TOUCHTWIT for Windows Mobile updated to Version 1.8
3. Spb Software Minor updates: SPB News updated to v. 2.1, SPB TV for WM – to v. 1.2.1

The year was 2007 and Apple had released the iPhone to great reviews but was lacking features.  Many brushed aside Apple’s chances to be a serious contender to Microsoft’s mature Windows Mobile platform.  Apple had complete faith in its product and what they wanted to change about the smartphone.  It wasn’t until several updates later that they adopted the app store and began to take the market by storm.  They were innovative, a breath of fresh air and had what their competitors lacked-a compelling vision.  Over the years the iPhone platform has become mature and predictive.  Major yearly updates and product releases that you could set your watch to.  Until now!  Instead of releasing iOS5 this summer as everyone is accustomed to the major update will be coming this fall.

 VS.

Microsoft saw the writing on the wall as it saw market share dwindle away each year until finally in 2009 Microsoft ditched “Photon” the awaited major update to its Windows Mobile platform and pulled the Windows Phone team together as they set a course to rejoin the smartphone conversation with something new to say.  They could have easily been another Android with their Windows Mobile history but that wasn’t good enough for them.  The Fall of 2010 saw the launch of Windows Phone 7 to great reviews but lacking features to make it competitive in an ever increasing tough smartphone market.  Android was on fire and Apple was stretching its reach across the globe too.

This Spring Microsoft unveiled previews of Mango.  Mango is the upcoming major update to the Windows Phone platform that both fills in the feature set while adding several differentiating features and services to the platform.  Everyone who stayed objective had nothing but rave reviews for the Mango update with one caveat.  Timing.  It was only logical to wonder if Windows Phone who entered late to the current smartphone scene could wait another 6 to 8 months to release the Mango update.  iOS5 was due to be unveiled in June at Apple’s WWDC and it was expected that a new iPhone would accompany the announcement and be available in July.  Apple, you see, had a proven successful yearly release of new products.  Android is also due to release a major update this fall codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich.  Things changed at the WWDC.

There was no earth shattering announcements by Apple for the iOS5 software update.  They instead polished the OS and added a few requested tweaks to important systems.  Even the iCloud isn’t the revolutionary announcement we’ve all come to expect from Apple.  Suddenly with a meaningful, yet slightly underwhelming iOS5 due to be released in the Fall the attention turned back to Mango and what it means to the Windows Phone platform.

Put simply. Mango puts Microsoft’s Windows Phone right in line with Apple’s iPhone as an appealing choice for the consumer.  The irony now is that Apple has the mature, market leading platform who doesn’t see Microsoft’s offering as a threat.  Microsoft’s Windows Phone is the new kid on the block with the fresh ideas that has something new to say to the conversation.  Several bloggers openly questioned Microsoft’s strategy to do once a year major updates but isn’t that exactly what Apple does?  In between its fine to refine or tweak a feature or two, even add a feature as a minor update.  These are the top two tech companies in the world so if both of them are following this model, chances are they know something we don’t.

This Fall Mango and iOS5 will be released within weeks of each other both offering compelling experiences and each have a voice of its own.  The battle lines have once again been drawn and the frenemies are fast becoming serious competitors with each other.  I’m personally rolling with Windows Phone as the SkyDrive, Groups and Threads features complete with the coming tie-ins with Xbox Live and the Windows PC is a natural fit.  Others are going with iOS5  with iMessage and iCloud- also because they have come to appreciate the iPhone for the mature, polished offering it brings.

To each his own but I want to hear where you stand. Windows Phone or iPhone?

Related posts:

1. Microsoft Continues to Cater to Devs By Releasing Mango Soon?
2. iPhone 5 Delayed until fall 2011? [UPDATED]
3. Microsoft will preview Mango May 24th

That’s right, Facebook Chat integration!  Apparently integration is the big theme of Mango.  What the Windows Phone team wanted to release from the start.

Group Texting: Create a group and message the entire group in one swoop.  Combine this with Live Tile and that’s two presses to group text.  Efficiency at its best.

The Games Hub is getting revamped and it looks like the games are moving to the Xbox Live Hub instead of the Zune Marketplace.  It is probably a precursor to the Zune branding being phased out.

Not sure what to make of this but its some kind of auto sync and my guess would be for it to be related to online leaderboards.

Office365 support on the phone!  As someone who is Beta testing and looking to use Office365 in the retail release this is an exciting development.  Those who are unfamiliar should really do themselves a favor and check out Office365.com.

Yes you will have a simpler way to access the SkyDrive.  You will even be able to choose to open docs in the browser or work on the phone.  Nice simple way to get things done.

The previous leaked info WPDevPodcast released was Bing Vision, Bing Audio, Speech to Text and Turn-by-Turn Navigation.  This update looks to be more than I hoped for but I can’t speak for you all.  What say you, color yourself impressed yet?

Source: Windows Phone Dev Podcast

Related posts:

1. Windows Phone Mango update to include Visual Voicemail?
2. New Windows Phone 7 features surface for the forthcoming mango update
3. Microsoft Unveils Mango Madness for Windows Phone

It is a good day for AT&T Surround users. Reader IDrankBlueKookAid tipped me off so I plugged into Zune and there was the February update. Got the notification on my phone at the same time. February update took about 7 minutes. Without unplugging I went to check for another update and noticed the message was already on my phone screen. The March/NoDo update took a total of 57 minutes to complete, including 24 minutes for Step 6, the backup process. FYI, I have about 6.5GB of data on my phone, including about 150 apps/games, 601 songs, 680 photos and a bunch of videos.

Have not even taken a cruise around the phone but the OS, Firmware, Radio and Bootloader have all been updated:

OS – Original: 7.0.7004.0 / New:7.0.7390.0

Firmware Rev No. – Original: 2250.09.10307.502 / New: 2250.21.15204.502

Hardware Rev No. – 0003 – No Change

Radio Software Ver. – 5.51.09.06.22.30.50.09H / New: 5.66.09.09_22.46.50.21H

Radio Hardware Ver. – A.26.0.D4 – No Change

Bootloader Ver. – 1.3.2250.7(111288) / New: 1.52.2250.4(120323)

Chip SOC Ver. – 2.2.5.0 – No Change

So plug your phone in and go get those updates. I can’t wait to buy something so I can cut & paste one of those long tracking numbers. Hopefully the extensive testing was worth it. Enjoy.

Related posts:

1. AT&T still ‘testing’ NoDo on all WP7 models, HD7 & Venue Pro updates coming soon
2. Updates Start Rolling Out for Tmo US Venue Pro and HD7 Owners
3. Microsoft “Updates” Windows Phone 7 infrastructure today!

It’s not exactly the best news Windows Phone users are looking for right now, but those looking for the famed “NoDo” update can stop compulsively checking Zune for at least a few more weeks. While the NoDo update has indeed begun to roll out, a new support page launched by Microsoft makes it rather clear that the carriers are holding up the updates, and not them. All of the current AT&T devices are listed in “Testing,” phase 1 of the update process. Once the updates clear testing, they then move into scheduling, which “typically lasts 10 days or less,” and then the actual delivery state, which “might take several weeks.” With international carriers setting rough April dates for the NoDo update, this all but confirms a Windows Phone user’s worst fear, and keeps them wondering if the Mango update (Multitasking, IE9) will really be on phones by Christmas. Fortunately, there is some good news for HD7 and Venue Pro users, as their version of the update is now in the ‘scheduling’ phase, meaning it should be available in the next few weeks.

For a more exact timetable (and a new thing to compulsively hit refresh on), check out the following links:

”Where’s my phone update” – USA
”Where’s my phone update” – International

Related posts:

1. MS On The Record: Carriers CAN Block WP7 Updates – Update Coming Soon
2. Pre-NoDo Samsung Updates Are Rolling Out Again
3. MS On The Record – They Control WP7 Updates

I was reading through the HTC forums tonight as I often do and ran across a new post asking about pending Microsoft updates for the HTC Surround. Below is the response from the Forum Moderator, who I would assume has more than some basic knowledge of the update process:

OK so here is how it goes.

MSOFT Completes their Generic Update and gives it to the OEM’s.

The OEM’s take the update to the carriers.

The carriers then tell the OEM’s what they want changed/added/removed/etc.

The carrier then has to take the Generic ROM back to MSOFT to have these changes made.

The Modified Update is then given to the OEM who in turns provides it to the carrier and both test. If everything works out as it should, it is then released to users.

This can take at least 16 weeks from start to finish.

The update will not come from MSOFT but rather from your carrier.

So for starters. Is this not enough motivation to never own a carrier branded phone ever again. The carriers have you by the cohones for two years, or three years in some parts of the world, because they give you a couple/few hundred dollars off on a phone. That limits your ability to get the phone you want, when you want, or change carriers when jobs, location or other variables change, and more importantly get timely updates. I realize that going unbranded may not be feasible for everyone but definitely something to think about. BTW, on a two year contract, that’s 0.41 per day (assuming $499 for a non-subsidized phone /$199 subsidized). Won’t help that much with the above immediately, but if enough users did go independent it would certainly make the carriers nervous.

OK, but that’s not going to solve the current issue which appears, at least to me, to be a broken process. Not sure if all the detail is included above, but shouldn’t the carriers only be seeing the changes that directly affect them, like maybe the way a call is handled and NOT cut & paste for example. Show ten people something and you are almost certain to get ten different opinions of what would make it better. I don’t have a problem with Microsoft sharing a planned update with OEM’s and carriers, but feedback should be in the way of “suggestions” and not “dictates” as to how the OS will change. And it we have learned anything in the past six months it’s that all the testing in the world (i.e. SD cards / Focus updates / alarms) will not make something foolproof. When dealing with multiple OEM’s and device models the variables are endless. Does Microsoft not test this stuff before releasing to the OEM’s/carriers. Of course they do. So what is the carrier actually testing? Oh, that’s right; did they add the ability to send video over MMS – scratch that, and are they allowing your to send video or audio files via email – not, and they didn’t go and sneak one of those front facing camera thingies or any WiFi calling API’s, or tethering in there did they – no, no, no. And all while the carriers are producing another round of commercials touting how they have the fastest, most robust network. Rubbish.

I don’t think Microsoft checks with all their PC OEM’s before releasing updates for their Windows/Office/Other products and I think the days of  “getting permission to update” from phone OEM’s and carriers needs to come to an end. Let the OEM’s focus on building stylish phones but based on the detailed specs provided and let the carriers focus on improving their networks rather than worrying about the feature set on a phone. Microsoft has done pretty good so far. Get out of their way. Or maybe they should really stick their necks out and just buy an OEM (or two) along with a carrier (or two) and put an end to all this nonsense. Time to go check again for an HTC or Windows (carrier) update.

Related posts:

1. MS On The Record: Carriers CAN Block WP7 Updates – Update Coming Soon
2. Microsoft Provides Info On The Pre-NoDo Update Issues
3. March 8 – The New Windows Phone Update Date