Re: Samsung Galaxy S2 release date please!!!

crimedog1973 · ‎09-18-2011

I'm not familiar with Android, but if any given company would just let you downgrade, then you could just try the software and see what happens. If it adversely affects speed or whatever, you could just go back to the previous version. But, unfortunately, most of the time they don't allow you to do this.

I don't understand why, though. At the company I work for on all of our products, when the engineers do a software change, they always make it where you can move backward just as easily as forward in software. If the software is just flat out not compatible, then fine, just make it where you cannot upgrade at all. Seems easy enough to me and I think a lot less people would complain, because they know the company is doing their best to support all products, no matter how old they are.

Sounds like Android lets the carriers decide when/if the software will be updated. Well, we all know that the carriers feel that they have no, or not much, incentive to do that. Or, maybe, it's just that they feel it's too much work to test software on so many devices.

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

Or maybe it is to push people into buying a new phone and renewing a contract?

crimedog1973 · ‎09-18-2011

Very possible!

I guess that's the world we live in. Everyone wants to take advantage, when they can. Especially powerful and greedy big business! We middle class are just their puppets giving in to all of their temptations and tricks. Meanwhile, making them more powerful, rich, and greedy. That really just made me sad to think of that. Lol

ithrowitdown · ‎09-18-2011

sunday cant come any sooner

lemons4later · ‎09-18-2011

Totally agreeee!!

At least there won't be a line for it, since it seems as though maybe 10% of the ppl in the US actually know about it. Smh @ AT&T for the lame lack of info they got goin on. And I guess there r no pre-orders or any email updates for that matter via the hidden S2 page on their site. If they didn't email us the release date, why in the world would they release anything else. SMH.

spidertech · ‎02-27-2008

Irish Rose wrote:
spd2demun wrote:
I have a gripe with Apple since now lower gen Touches are locked out from upgrading to future iOS's.

Does this ever happen in Android-land? Or do people not hang onto their phones long enough to worry about the next upgrade?

Why are the upgrades stalled by carriers? I've read it's not just ATT; but when Apple pushes an update out, isn't it the same for ATT & VZN?

Android is no different. There are many 2 year old or even 1 year old Androids that will not get Gingerbread. I don't know if this is a Android thing or the wireless carriers because they won't push for the updates. I suspect that it might be due in part to some of the devices not being able to run the updates efficiently enough, but I'm not positive.

It's all really up to the manufacturer. I have the xperia x10 that has been out since Feb 2010 and just got Gingerbread this past summer. I think that's mainly because the owners made it very clear how upset they were about it. It was supposed to be SE's flagship android phone and AT&T didn't even have it on the shelves a year before declaring the "end of life" for the phone.

I sure didn't get the update through AT&T though. I didn't even get the phone's 2.1 update from them. They generally take 6-9 months to "update" the software on a phone once it's released to the rest of the world to add all of their crap. So then subsequent updates take the same amount of time from the date the manufacturer releases it to the date AT&T pushes it out (if they even DO push it out). I'm just glad it's not windows mobile lol.

crimedog1973 wrote:
.....Sounds like Android lets the carriers decide when/if the software will be updated. Well, we all know that the carriers feel that they have no, or not much, incentive to do that. Or, maybe, it's just that they feel it's too much work to test software on so many devices.

It's because like I said above, the carriers have their own version of the operating systems on the devices they carry. If users updated their phones with the software provided by the manufacturers then they would lose all of the carrier customizations put in place.

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

Then I guess Apple does have a leg-up in the update/OS department?

The only difference in their phones is which carrier it's tied to, everything else is the same and a few crap-apps that can be hidden on a back page. Or does ATT add specific apps to it, too?

I saw a commercial yesterday (same one as posted on this forum), but this time it was branded ATT at the top instead of Samsung. I swear it said Sprint another time.

Ann154 · ‎10-27-2010

spd2demun wrote:
Then I guess Apple does have a leg-up in the update/OS department?

The only difference in their phones is which carrier it's tied to, everything else is the same and a few crap-apps that can be hidden on a back page. Or does ATT add specific apps to it, too?

I saw a commercial yesterday (same one as posted on this forum), but this time it was branded ATT at the top instead of Samsung. I swear it said Sprint another time.

There are at least four versions of the Samsung Galaxy SII. The international version and the three US carrier branded versions (ATT, Sprint and T-Mobile). The international version is not dependant on the carriers for pushing out updates. Even so it is get to a point where Samsung will no longer support the device. The US carrier versions are physically different from the international version. They have the four button configuration at the bottom of the screen. They will also have carrier specific applications that are baked into the stock ROM. I know the ATT and T-Mobile versions of the Galaxy SII will not allow you to uninstall the carrier applications (aka Bloatware). The Sprint version should allow to uninstall most of the carrier specific applications if they are still holding to a statement one of their executives made.

Irish Rose · ‎11-30-2008

spd2demun wrote:
Then I guess Apple does have a leg-up in the update/OS department?

The only difference in their phones is which carrier it's tied to, everything else is the same and a few crap-apps that can be hidden on a back page. Or does ATT add specific apps to it, too?

I saw a commercial yesterday (same one as posted on this forum), but this time it was branded ATT at the top instead of Samsung. I swear it said Sprint another time.

No, none of the carriers have installed any of their apps on the iPhones as they are not allowed as per their agreement with Apple. When I activated my AT&T iPhone there was no carrier installed app at all on it, the Verizon iPhone is the same. If the other companies did the same thing, the wireless carriers won't get away with all the bloatware that they install on the other phones prior to selling them.

Irish Rose · ‎11-30-2008

Ann154 wrote:

spd2demun wrote:

Then I guess Apple does have a leg-up in the update/OS department?

The only difference in their phones is which carrier it's tied to, everything else is the same and a few crap-apps that can be hidden on a back page. Or does ATT add specific apps to it, too?

I saw a commercial yesterday (same one as posted on this forum), but this time it was branded ATT at the top instead of Samsung. I swear it said Sprint another time.

There are at least four versions of the Samsung Galaxy SII. The international version and the three US carrier branded versions (ATT, Sprint and T-Mobile). The international version is not dependant on the carriers for pushing out updates. Even so it is get to a point where Samsung will no longer support the device. The US carrier versions are physically different from the international version. They have the four button configuration at the bottom of the screen. They will also have carrier specific applications that are baked into the stock ROM. I know the ATT and T-Mobile versions of the Galaxy SII will not allow you to uninstall the carrier applications (aka Bloatware). The Sprint version should allow to uninstall most of the carrier specific applications if they are still holding to a statement one of their executives made.

Are you say that the US version of the Galaxy S2 doesn't have any carrier installed apps on it? Because I have seen a few unboxing/review videos of AT&T's version of the GS2 and there was definitely bloatware on it.

spidertech · ‎02-27-2008

Irish Rose wrote:
Ann154 wrote:
spd2demun wrote:
Then I guess Apple does have a leg-up in the update/OS department?

The only difference in their phones is which carrier it's tied to, everything else is the same and a few crap-apps that can be hidden on a back page. Or does ATT add specific apps to it, too?

I saw a commercial yesterday (same one as posted on this forum), but this time it was branded ATT at the top instead of Samsung. I swear it said Sprint another time.
There are at least four versions of the Samsung Galaxy SII. The international version and the three US carrier branded versions (ATT, Sprint and T-Mobile). The international version is not dependant on the carriers for pushing out updates. Even so it is get to a point where Samsung will no longer support the device. The US carrier versions are physically different from the international version. They have the four button configuration at the bottom of the screen. They will also have carrier specific applications that are baked into the stock ROM. I know the ATT and T-Mobile versions of the Galaxy SII will not allow you to uninstall the carrier applications (aka Bloatware). The Sprint version should allow to uninstall most of the carrier specific applications if they are still holding to a statement one of their executives made.

Are you say that the US version of the Galaxy S2 doesn't have any carrier installed apps on it? Because I have seen a few unboxing/review videos of AT&T's version of the GS2 and there was definitely bloatware on it.

Aside from the reviews, when they first showed it at the official launch event you can see an icon for the AT&T navigator on the home screen. They are sure to have the bloatware installed.

Irish Rose · ‎11-30-2008

spidertech wrote:

Irish Rose wrote:

Ann154 wrote:

spd2demun wrote:

Then I guess Apple does have a leg-up in the update/OS department?

The only difference in their phones is which carrier it's tied to, everything else is the same and a few crap-apps that can be hidden on a back page. Or does ATT add specific apps to it, too?

I saw a commercial yesterday (same one as posted on this forum), but this time it was branded ATT at the top instead of Samsung. I swear it said Sprint another time.

There are at least four versions of the Samsung Galaxy SII. The international version and the three US carrier branded versions (ATT, Sprint and T-Mobile). The international version is not dependant on the carriers for pushing out updates. Even so it is get to a point where Samsung will no longer support the device. The US carrier versions are physically different from the international version. They have the four button configuration at the bottom of the screen. They will also have carrier specific applications that are baked into the stock ROM. I know the ATT and T-Mobile versions of the Galaxy SII will not allow you to uninstall the carrier applications (aka Bloatware). The Sprint version should allow to uninstall most of the carrier specific applications if they are still holding to a statement one of their executives made.

Are you say that the US version of the Galaxy S2 doesn't have any carrier installed apps on it? Because I have seen a few unboxing/review videos of AT&T's version of the GS2 and there was definitely bloatware on it.

Aside from the reviews, when they first showed it at the official launch event you can see an icon for the AT&T navigator on the home screen. They are sure to have the bloatware installed.

Correct. This picture clearly shows AT&T's navigator app on the GS2. This app uses up a lot of storage space too, and should definitely be an optional app for customers to download. Given the fact that Google maps is already a free app on most if not all Androids, I don't think it's necessary to load up a device with two apps that are alike. http://cdn2.ubergizmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/samsung-galaxy-s2-att-161.jpg

Ann154 · ‎10-27-2010

Irish Rose, please re-read my post again. I said that the US versions have carrier specific applications that are baked into the stock ROM. This is includes ATT navigator and any other Bloatware the carrier throw into the ROM.

The international version doesn't have carrier applications.

jtrue28 · ‎10-24-2006

I was under the impression that the int'l versions do not work on AT&T's 3/4G networks (and probably T-Mobile/Sprint as well). Is this not the case? Would you rather have bloatware and have the phone get the best speeds possible, or no bloatware and the Edge network?

aintwaven · ‎09-28-2011

There was a review that I saw, and she indicated that you can now remove bloatware. The developer comunity at xda is very active on this phone, more so than any other phone I have seen. The firmware has already been leaked, and there should be a simple one click root app. availble by Sunday.

spidertech · ‎02-27-2008

For those interested, a couple of days ago slashgear did a full review with an unboxing.

http://www.slashgear.com/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-review-att-26182970/

There was also one done prior to that on androidcommunity.com where you can actually see some of the AT&T software they put on it. It actually doesn't look like it's too bad.

http://androidcommunity.com/att-samsung-galaxy-s-ii-unboxing-and-hands-on-video-20110923/

Irish Rose · ‎11-30-2008

Ann154 wrote:
Irish Rose, please re-read my post again. I said that the US versions have carrier specific applications that are baked into the stock ROM. This is includes ATT navigator and any other Bloatware the carrier throw into the ROM.

The international version doesn't have carrier applications.

My bad, Ann. I did read that post wrong the first time.

kidshanrock · ‎09-28-2011

Rumor/Update:

Coming back from Manhattan yesterday, I spoke with an ATT sales rep on the PATH train.

Upon asking him to confirm the 10/02 release date,

He said AT&T local stores have been told that the phone's release will probably be postponed for the NY/Metro area.

..Just a heads up.

Irish Rose · ‎11-30-2008

jtrue28 wrote:

I was under the impression that the int'l versions do not work on AT&T's 3/4G networks (and probably T-Mobile/Sprint as well). Is this not the case? Would you rather have bloatware and have the phone get the best speeds possible, or no bloatware and the Edge network?

Actually, the International Galaxy S2 will be able to access AT&T's 3G network on the 850Mhz Spectrum. It's as simple as accessing the menu and putting in a code that enables the frequency on the International version.

Irish Rose · ‎11-30-2008

kidshanrock wrote:

Rumor/Update:

Coming back from Manhattan yesterday, I spoke with an ATT sales rep on the PATH train.

Upon asking him to confirm the 10/02 release date,

He said AT&T local stores have been told that the phone's release will probably be postponed for the NY/Metro area.

..Just a heads up.

This is an incorrect "Rumor". The Galaxy S2 will be available in ALL markets on Oct. 2nd.

foxbat121 · ‎01-14-2005

jtrue28 wrote:

I was under the impression that the int'l versions do not work on AT&T's 3/4G networks (and probably T-Mobile/Sprint as well). Is this not the case? Would you rather have bloatware and have the phone get the best speeds possible, or no bloatware and the Edge network?

While that's normally true for 99% of the international phones out there. GS2 international version is a real gem: it actually contains quad-band 3G radio. So it covers all 3g bands for AT&T but not T-Mobile. And it also is compatible with AT&T's HSPA+, i.e. 4G.

The US version of GS2 for AT&T only contains tri-band 3G radio.

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

Thanks for the info. So why can't we be like Europe/International?

I can understand the retirement of an OS, support-wise. And more umph needed just like our regular computers. That's where I'm at now with the Touch, it can no longer support the newest iOS.

Now, I know where the companies are going with their own apps, they're hoping people will use them, not knowing there are free alternatives (like someone mentioned Google Maps vs. ATT Navigator). But let the customer decide what they need...

edit to add quoted posts

Ann154 wrote:

spd2demun wrote:

Then I guess Apple does have a leg-up in the update/OS department?

The only difference in their phones is which carrier it's tied to, everything else is the same and a few crap-apps that can be hidden on a back page. Or does ATT add specific apps to it, too?

I saw a commercial yesterday (same one as posted on this forum), but this time it was branded ATT at the top instead of Samsung. I swear it said Sprint another time.

There are at least four versions of the Samsung Galaxy SII. The international version and the three US carrier branded versions (ATT, Sprint and T-Mobile). The international version is not dependant on the carriers for pushing out updates. Even so it is get to a point where Samsung will no longer support the device. The US carrier versions are physically different from the international version. They have the four button configuration at the bottom of the screen. They will also have carrier specific applications that are baked into the stock ROM. I know the ATT and T-Mobile versions of the Galaxy SII will not allow you to uninstall the carrier applications (aka Bloatware). The Sprint version should allow to uninstall most of the carrier specific applications if they are still holding to a statement one of their executives made.

jtrue28 · ‎10-24-2006

I guess I'm confused. If everyone on here is so up in arms over AT&T releasing this phone, that has been available since May, why have you all not dropped the coin and picked up the int'l version? I guess I was lied to. I emailed someone selling a brand new int'l version on Amazon, specifically asking if it would work on AT&T's 3G network and was told "No".

rickyjeffers · ‎06-30-2006

Yesterday I went to a corporate store to see if they will be open sunday and if they will have the galaxy s II. The lady said " Yes, we will be open and will have them. In fact, I'm checking them in right now." I feel like a kid that caught a sneak peak at a christmas present and can't wait till christmas morning. lol.

WrecklessLove · ‎09-19-2011

the extra charger i bought for work showed up today. the case will be delivered tomorrow. as if i wasnt excited enough already!

c3373555 · ‎09-16-2011

I just checked the local AT&T store in Chicago, the rep said they are expecting the stock but nothing arrived yet, hopefully they get the stock by sunday.. i.e.in 3 days.

heylillie · ‎09-20-2011

In case anyone was wondering... a Costco in Dallas just told me that "we were told we would have them on launch day.... so we should have them on Sunday."

Radio Shack said, "Wellll.. I can't guarantee we will get it.... but we USUALLY get phones on launch days with other carriers... so I think so."

Best Buy said, "We are actually taking preorders for this phone right now so you can be guaranteed to get it when it does come in." BUT-- she didn't give me much of a definitive answer if they will even get it on Sunday. She did however talk to a manager who said that they don't find out until the day before... but they are pretty sure they will be getting it.

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

What is the advantage of buying at those places, price?

Irish Rose · ‎11-30-2008

jtrue28 wrote:

I guess I'm confused. If everyone on here is so up in arms over AT&T releasing this phone, that has been available since May, why have you all not dropped the coin and picked up the int'l version? I guess I was lied to. I emailed someone selling a brand new int'l version on Amazon, specifically asking if it would work on AT&T's 3G network and was told "No".

I had thought about purchasing the international version of the GS2, however, I don't like that the Waranty doesn't apply to that one here in the US. That means if you had a problem with it here in the US, you would have to ship it back overseas in order to get it fixed.

Irish Rose · ‎11-30-2008

I am trying to hold off on making my decision between the iPhone 5 and the GS2 until after Apples announcement on the 4th, but every time I watch this video the wait becomes that much harder and longer.