Samsung has just distributed the worst news of this Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade cycle: the popular Galaxy S smartphone that sold 10 million units last year and the 7-inch Galaxy Tab tablet won't be upgraded to Android 4.0. The company's argument is that they lack sufficient RAM and ROM to run the new OS alongside TouchWiz and other "experience-enhancing" software. This will come as a massive blow to the great many users of the Galaxy S, who would have rightly expected the 1GHz Hummingbird processor and accompanying memory to be able to handle ICS — it's the same hardware as you'll find inside the Nexus S, and that phone is receiving Android 4.0 over the air right now.
Samsung addresses that inconsistency by again pointing to the differing software provision; the Nexus S only has to run the basic Android OS, whereas the Galaxy S has to deliver TouchWiz, carrier services, video calling software, and, in some markets, mobile TV.
HTC had this exact same issue when upgrading the Desire to Gingerbread a few months back, and after some equivocation, it was forced to disable some functions of its own Android skin, Sense, in order to make the upgrade fit. So Samsung isn't alone in making its users suffer for buying a skinned Android device.
There are 347 Comments. Add yours.
I don’t understand the problem, this can easily be solved by purchasing a new phone and renewing one’s contract!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:08 AM EST reply Recommend (71) Flag actions
Given that the Galaxy S is still being sold in some markets, that’s not great advice.
http://shop.vodafone.co.uk/shop/mobile-phone/samsung-galaxy-s
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:14 AM EST reply Recommend (10) Flag actions
I think he was being sarcastic.
Although this could all be solved by reverse italics!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:16 AM EST reply Recommend (35) Flag actions
Ah, my sarcasm detectors don’t come online until noon.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:24 AM EST reply Recommend (32) Flag actions
They fixed that in 4.0 too.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:11 AM EST reply Recommend (18) Flag actions
Those reverse italics are surprisingly satisfying at communicating sarcasm. Now we just have to convince typographers to include it in there typefaces. Times New Roman Sarcastic, Helvetica Sarcastic,
Comic Sans Sarcastic(Sorry that last one’s just too silly) and so forth. I think it would bring internet communication light years forward.Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:48 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Got to get on my soapbox now: the Arabic question mark ؟ (Unicode 061F) serves well as the “snark,” a suggested punctuation for irony from way back
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:34 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
A simple /s will do the trick
Posted on Dec 24, 2011 | 1:46 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Great advice would be to not buy a phone on contract that’s been out for over a year. How could someone do that and then expect to always be on the latest OS? That’s not rational.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 5:29 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
It’s funny you say that when the iPhone 3gs from 2009 supports iOS5.1
Shit like this is exactly why I didn’t buy an android.
Posted on Dec 27, 2011 | 4:37 AM EST reply Recommend (4) Flag actions
That (and other obvious reasons) is why he added the ‘!’ to the end of his sentence.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 5:52 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
sure just give me the 500$+ that i would have to pay ti renew my contract and get a new phone…as if….this phone is not that old and should be getting this upgrade according to the agreement samsung entered into with google to supply updates for each phone for 18months after it comes out…why should i have to get a new phone…i pretty much just got this one. Plus it can run android 4.0 just fine…if it’s touch wiz it can’t handle along side it then just get rid of touchwiz.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:17 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Samsung never entered that agreement. Google announced the initiative, and the OEMs ignored them.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:26 PM EST reply Recommend (4) Flag actions
my bad then…i was sure i read that samsung had entered into it….either way the phone is not old and still very available in the market and should be upgraded.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:36 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
cyanogenmod to the rescue, for the galaxy s variants at least. It’s a fix but doesn’t make what Samsung is choosing to do any more OK in my book. IMO people shouldn’t have to install custom roms but that’s part of the appeal of android right? I’ll just stick with WP and get the official updates as i’m sure many iOS people are going to do the same.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:48 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
not for my t-mobile vibrant because Samsung had not released the source code. The reason for this is 911 call issues can not be “hacked” to work.
BUT this rom is awesome, still with some bugs but everything works!
ICS Passion v8 BETA
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1362961
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:18 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Cyanogen stopped support for the the Vibrant.
Posted on Dec 25, 2011 | 9:08 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
For what it’s worth: Even if Samsung honors the “google update alliance”, it never included the Samsung Galaxy S. The Galaxy S was first released in June 2010, and the Alliance only promised to update devices released after Google I/O 2011.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:54 PM EST reply Recommend (5) Flag actions
It’s been out 18 months.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 5:32 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
If you are serious about that comment.. you correctly named yourself slackattack!!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:47 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
CM9 to the rescue
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:08 AM EST via mobile reply Recommend (37) Flag actions
check out the alpha build they have already. it ran faster on my fascinate than any other rom i ever tried on it
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:14 AM EST reply Recommend (5) Flag actions
Great for enthusiasts, but what about the millions of regular people who have no idea about rooting.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:28 AM EST reply Recommend (10) Flag actions
They probably have no idea what the new update brings anyway. lol
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:40 AM EST reply Recommend (40) Flag actions
Exactly. Most people are completely fine running the old OS.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:41 AM EST reply Recommend (5) Flag actions
Of course, that means that when they wander into an Apple store and play with an iPhone-4S they will be comparing it against the Galaxy-S running Gingerbread.
One way or another this is going to reflect badly on Android for those users.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:48 AM EST reply Recommend (29) Flag actions
this is true. But they can just as well compare it to a Nexus running Ice Cream Sandwich. And then they say “Samsung devices suck. Next time I buy a Google.” Most people I know do not know what Android is. They know the Galaxy and the Desire and the iPhone.
Bad software support has nothing to do with the software that runs on your device, but with the company who provides the support. Apple does support it’s devices well, Google supports its devices well, Asus so far supports its devices well. Samsung does not support your device well. AT&T does not support your device well. Samsung could in theory provide active support for the Galaxy S without updating the Android version: They could improve core apps for example, or improve performance. That they do not do this is not an Android problem. Samsung is just a good hardware manufacturer who sucks as a service provider.
IMHO, as a consumer, your experience with a smartphone depends on the combination of software, hardware and service. Android is none of these three things. Android is just the base on which most mobile operating systems are based on these days.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:12 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Far more likely he’d just assume that all android devices suffered from the same lack of after sales service. We’re positing an unsophisticated consumer here remember.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:20 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
As benjamin.ferrari previously said: your unsophisticated consumer here would not be able to tell what OS they are even running. They base their phone of their company manufacturer. Thus, the Droid, Desire, iPhone, Nexus, etc. Are all completely different phones.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:44 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
They know that they’re running Android, though they probably call it ‘Droid’ if they’re american. They probably don’t know what version they’re running though. I haven’t yet found anybody so clueless that they didn’t know their OS, that would be a very small minority.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:05 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
It’s larger than you imagine. I know someone who picked a Samsung (Galaxy 551) and didn’t know anything about android until I told her, I was surprised with “And is that a good thing?”
Also I wasn’t surprised at all when it was announced that these devices aren’t getting ICS.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 3:32 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Does that mean they are not entitled to new features?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 5:01 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
lol what Gingerbread? Not on my T-Mobile Vibrant.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 5:32 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
You’re saying that iOS is superior to Gingerbread. Why didn’t you buy an iPhone? iOS hasn’t really changed that much since you got your Nexus.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 5:36 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
But really the question is: Do they have a right to (deserve to) know of the update and have access to it through Sammy? I think yes.
Just because you don’t know something exists that is better, doesn’t mean that you wouldn’t want it if you knew.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:16 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
And what about those nontechnical users who have a bad experience with Android due to the skins and then freak out when you tell them the only way to remove it is to root the phone?
They have a bad experience with Android due to skins, think all Android sucks, and switch to the iPhone when their contract is up. That is what happens.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:23 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
The manager in my office has just had this experience.
Just got a Samsung Fascinate, brought it to work, asked me for some advice on how to set things up. I pull our my Galaxy Nexus, he asks “why is yours so different” “why can you do that and I can’t”
He returned it during the 15 day grace period, got an iPhone. His response was “at least I know what I’m getting”
Fascinate was probably not the best initial choice, but how’s he to know…
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:42 AM EST reply Recommend (10) Flag actions
The really big threat is if they start returning the Android phone and getting a WP7 device. In the long run Android can co-exist happily with iPhone, because Apple isn’t interested in pushing below the top 25% of global income – but WP7 has the potential to compete with Android at practically every price-point.
In a strange way iOS actually protects Google from WP7.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:48 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
This doesn’t make sense to me. Right now in the US, an iPhone 3GS is $0 on contract. An iPhone 4 is $99 on contract. Both of these run the newest iOS 5 just fine, and give even the people “below the top 25%” features such as iMessage.
Right now, I can only wander into a Verizon store to buy one specific phone at $299 to get Android 4.0.
I agree that Apple and Android can coexist, but not because Apple isn’t aiming at the entire market. The whole “Apple stuff is overpriced and luxury items” has been a myth for a long time now, and more and more people are waking up to that fact.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:01 AM EST reply Recommend (5) Flag actions
You’re neglecting the entire pre-pay market, and the fact that outside the US the monthly contract on a 3GS would be far higher than on say a Galaxy Ace.
Android sells some phones at the top of the market, but Apple doesn’t sell any at the bottom – once you correctly determine where the bottom actually is.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:02 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Do you have any actual stats on the pre-pay smartphone market (both US and in other major regions)? I’ll be honest that it’s not something I’ve gone looking for to see what is going on there. My impression has been that the low end markets are still heavily serviced by the millions of “just a phone” devises companies like Nokia continue to ship.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:07 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
In the long run there won’t be a dumbphone market. I believe pre-pay is around 50% in western markets and more like 100% in many developing nations, and more recently industrialized countries.
I’ll try to dig up a decent source later.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:10 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
“83% of statistics are made up on the Internet.”
- Abraham Lincoln
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:15 AM EST reply Recommend (8) Flag actions
What? 84.22%. Get your damn facts straight!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:39 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
No, they’re made up off line then posted to the Internet.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 5:40 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Prove it.
Posted on Dec 27, 2011 | 5:20 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Phones like the HTC Wildfire (£99) and ZTE Blade (£75) are hugely popular on prepay in the UK.
Those are unsubsidised prices, of course.
Posted on Dec 24, 2011 | 5:49 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Doubly true when you consider that the monthly charges dwarf the initial phone cost after only a few months. Even at $0 compared to $200, the price difference between smartphones is all contract. Hardware cost is in the noise.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:17 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Agree completely. In New Zealand I go pre-paid because it works out at less than $30 a month for me. Getting the hardware (Optimus 2x) on a contract at $0 would have me in a $100+ a month contract. Considering I only paid $500 for the phone I’m breaking even just about 7 months.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 4:15 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Except developers are never going to target ICS for apps (or even build support for it), when you’ve got hundreds of millions of Android phones stuck on Froyo and Gingerbread.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:41 PM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
that’s such a flawed argument. that’s like saying, because someone doesn’t know how to build a new computer, they’re unable to notice the difference between their run of the mill dell, and a much faster/better gaming rig.
especially when newer phones start to come down the pike, people will start to wonder, why is that new galaxy nexus different from mine.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:33 AM EST reply Recommend (12) Flag actions
Thank you. The "let them eat cake" attitude of the geek elite is, well, so elitist. Drives me crazy.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:45 AM EST reply Recommend (13) Flag actions
This is true, which is also why they can’t send out a version of Android without TouchWiz. Those people who have no idea there is an OS new or old, or that they are running Android perhaps, are unaware of TouchWiz. IF Samsung sends out a TW free Android update, the average user will call in upset that the functionality they used to have is not longer there. It most likely wasn’t lost but maybe it was moved moved but to them it was what they were familiar with. So Samsung set this in motion by adding their “special sauce” sauce, but there are many end users who would be upset with an upgrade for having to learn anything new.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:41 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Then give people the choice. CHOICE is great!
You can easily “downgrade” a phone too. What Touchwiz with ICS? Great downgrade and stick with Gingerbread. Want ICS? Then no Touchwiz.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:24 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Explaining to people 1. What is Android, 2 What is Touch Wiz, 3, What is an upgrade/downgrade, is not an easy task. That is partly why Apple’s 1 piece of hardware, with no skins etc works well. Technologically challenged people using smart phones that don’t want to know very much, but want to do a lot is a support nightmare I would assume. The concept of support to Google is foreign, hence why Andy Rubins Nexus One efforts were shut down rather quickly.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:32 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
But they can provide update as Sony Ericsson does for X10: no OTA to ordinary users, but image without skin for technical people. They do not even have to go through the certification of carrier by doing this, a small group of engineers could finish the porting in a couple of weeks. The reason they do not is that they want people to buy new phones.
Posted on Dec 24, 2011 | 7:53 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
you do not need root access to install cyanogen on a Galaxy S.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:56 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Technically this is true. If you don’t have a locked bootloader and you can boot into recovery you can flash a rom.
So if you buy a phone and immediately install a rom on it, your new rom will be prerooted and you can just copy your titanium backup from your old phone.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:30 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Really dude, have u tried it b4? You do know what root is right?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:40 PM EST via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
For those who have no idea how to root, you can search for that on Google. Life doesn’t have a genius bar, it has a search button.
Or stop being so contemptuous of your nerdy friend who likes hacking and get him to do it for you.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:11 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Or choose a phone where you don’t have to do any of that to get timely updates.
Posted on Dec 24, 2011 | 5:53 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I concur – the teamhacksung ICS build is the best ROM i’ve ever installed on the fascinate – and i’m an OS whore.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:47 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
I would think that cyanogen workin for Samsung would have solved these problems.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:13 AM EST via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
You would think that but not the case. http://forum.cyanogenmod.com/forum-0/announcement-19-cm-vibrant-support/
Posted on Dec 25, 2011 | 9:14 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Except for Vibrant owners…
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/Samsung_Vibrant
“As of 2011 December 11, the Samsung Vibrant is officially no longer supported due to issue with E911. The Samsung Vibrant will remain unsupported until at least Samsung release source code to correct this issue, at which time the CyanogenMod team will re-evaluate support for the Samsung Vibrant.”
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:37 PM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
That’s a good point. But I would point out that there are other custom ROMS for the Vibrant. And while it may be true that AOSP would be the most likely route to ICS if it wasn’t being abandoned, I imagine some of the non-AOSP custom roms actually have a lot of the features that are new in ICS (resizeable widgets, for instance).
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:16 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
yeah, but only to the rescue for some galaxy s devices, not all of them. i have an epic 4g, and i’m kind of SOL with regards to homebrew because nobody wants to help develop for such a carrier specific device, even though there were millions sold.
for those of us with carrier-specific variants of the galaxy s, it’s the worst of both worlds: no manufacturer/carrier support, and no homebrew community galvanizing to come up with something better. we just have to content ourselves with obsolescence and wait until our contracts expire, which is a pretty bad spot to be in.
Posted on Dec 25, 2011 | 2:55 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Good job teamhacksung are on the case. The build they have available now is pretty stable (I’m running it as my daily driver without issues!) and by the looks of it, CM9 is going to run like a dream!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:08 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
So glad that I now have a Galaxy Nexus device, don’t have to look forward to things like this in the future!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:11 AM EST reply Recommend (10) Flag actions
I meant “a Nexus device”.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:11 AM EST reply Recommend (6) Flag actions
You say that, but look at the Nexus One. It’s only slightly older than the Galaxy S, and yet that isn’t getting Ice Cream officially…..
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:13 AM EST reply Recommend (6) Flag actions
as a N1 owner, i really didn’t expected to be upgraded to ICS and as a matter of fact, i think it’s time to put my N1 down. it has served it’s purpose. i barely have storage space and the first gen Snapdragon is too slow to run ICS smoothly. it’s time to let go…
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:21 AM EST reply Recommend (15) Flag actions
I also have a Nexus One (well, my Mum uses it now) and yeah, it does feel a little bit bogged down with Gingerbread. Don’t even get me started on the data partition…
Still, it was supported for 18 months from release, so I suppose Google have followed their own advice.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:25 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Exactly. They promise 18 months and they delivered. Besides, I’m sure most people have an upgrade by now or close to one. Helps boost Galaxy Nexus sales.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:41 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
I really like my NexusOne, and, truth be told, after messing with the new Nexus device at a Verizon kiosk, I sorta like the look and feel of Gingerbread better than ICS. Maybe it’s just me, but so be it.
The teensy-ness of the data partition is the flaw in the NexusOne that has always brought my ire, every time I upgrade an app or install a new one, I fear the thing will run out of space, or I won’t be able to move the app to the memory card where there is more room. That is the biggest Android flaw of all.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:50 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Nexus One’s hardware cannot run ICS. Especially with a 256 MB ram and a sub par GPU, ICS experience would have been horrible. Google did the right thing. That phone has served its purpose and it’s a museum artifact now :)
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:14 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
It’s actually 512MB — as much as the Nexus S. But you are correct about the GPU, it could not be able to handle ICS at all. Its very graphic intensive.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:45 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
The GPU is actually quite OK for ICS.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:45 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
A friend of mine tweeted that he had discovered that there was an ICS port for the Desire, but that it was reported that the camera wouldn’t work.
Does the Desire have any increased spec over Nexus One?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 3:07 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Nope, only the touchscreen controller is different.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:58 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Nexus One is 6 months older than the Galaxy S with older hardware. And part of it probably has to do with the kind of experience you’d get on any kind of Nexus One ICS release.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:42 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
well i have a Nexus S, and the update came in a month after the first device with ICS. so, still, they don’t care THAT much about keeping costumers happy
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:16 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
They released it the day after the last Galaxy Nexus phone in the US was released. Could you imagine how stupid it would have been for Google to have ICS offially running on phones in a major market BEFORE the Galaxy Nexus was released? I am certain that had the GNex been released on schedule, you would have had ICS much sooner. And back to the story, this is why my Tbolt is now sitting in a drawer and I am fondling my GNex. This will probably be the longest I will own one phone since the original Droid.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:37 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
You mean the way that iOS-5 was available for download several days before you could buy an iPhone-4S? Yes I can imagine that pretty easily.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:52 AM EST reply Recommend (12) Flag actions
Quite funny to be honest. But then again I don’t expect Samsung to push ICS in its stock form, no matter how much we’d like them too. Most of those sales are to people who won’t necessarily appreciate looking at their phone after the update and it’s totally different. Yes, it could be an optional update, but then you get fragmentation within one model of smartphone and thats pretty insane.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:12 AM EST reply Recommend (4) Flag actions
Well why not go further with fragmentation it is all Android is about….
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:27 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
I’m sorry, but the fragmentation is a non-issue. You are giving an optional upgrade for those who care (and BTW, you could say this removes all sw warranties, etc), and it will still be an official, stock, Android 4.0 device. Where is the issue here exactly?
It will be just like having a Galaxy Nexus or a Nexus S (from the software point of view): new delicious desert goodness and the same compatibility.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:15 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
The issue here is that the longer the general Android market is not at 4.0, the longer app developers have to either target the lowest common Android version. Or they have to work more to create different versions of their app, optimized for 2.3 and 4.0. Extra work spent duplicating the app for different versions is work not spent on adding new features or fixing bugs.
Fragmentation is an issue for any Android user. The 4.0 users suffer from inferior apps, and the 2.3 users may see reduced app availability of lots of 4.0 apps come out.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:04 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Which is Samsung should update the phones they make.
I hope that company burns down.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:39 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Lol!!!!! Android is all about the specs and greed, Apple and WP7 way to go
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:12 AM EST reply Recommend (15) Flag actions
Apple, doesn’t even support two year old phones. Have you seen how well iOS5 runs on two year old Apple devices? It doesn’t even run well on the iPad 1!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:25 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
That’s why I switched to a WP7. My fairly new Apple devices were slowing down with every update.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:33 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
You’re out of your mind if you think this. A 3GS and an original iPad handle iOS 5 just fine.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:34 AM EST reply Recommend (18) Flag actions
The only phone that has ever had problems running an iOS update was the iPhone 3G. The 3GS is in its third year now and it is STILL receiving updates that run just fine.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:36 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
You obviously don’t own a 3GS. It handles OS 5 just fine. Kinda awesome, considering the phone is well over 2 years old. Stop making excuses for your fragged, carrier-retarded, malware-infested platform.
Kthx.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:01 PM EST reply Recommend (11) Flag actions
What issues have you encountered with iOS5 on the original iPad? It’s been working out fine for me.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:11 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
My iPad 1 crashes all the time under iOS 5. It’s slow, Keynote Remote on iPhone doesn’t work properly any more. I use my iPad more than my iPhone or my home or work Macs. I use it for work and leisure all the time. But iOS 5 made it unusable.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:33 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
It’s also early for iOS 5. It seems to take Apple forever to get a good release and then, they stop updating it, preparing for the next major release.
Posted on Dec 26, 2011 | 3:29 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
My 3GS runs iOS 5 very well. I had been thinking of upgrading (partly as I cracked the screen) but I’ll probably wait out for the next iPhone seeing as the 3GS is coping so well with iCloud and all that.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:29 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Yeah right. The first iPad is easily more fun than a brand new Android tablet.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:41 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
I don’t own an Android device, but really – f*** Samsung.
It’s all well and good for XDA to do all their trickery but this just goes to show if you want a top notch user experience on Android you have to do it yourself. Verizon, Samsung, HTC etc. have tossed that to the wayside in favour of “differentiation”.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:14 AM EST reply Recommend (11) Flag actions
i’m not saying this is exactly what made me jump ship from android, but it is one of the few bullet point reasons for sure. i mean, i jumped ship from windows mobile because i hated loading custom roms every 3-4 weeks on it to make the phone run faster. of course you don’t have to do it w/ that kind of frequency with any android phone, but things like this do indeed show that if you want to be up to date and have a good user experience, it is very much a DIY platform with anything other than a nexus. but it really sucks that so many users are straight up EOLd with their flagship phones after a little more than a year.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:43 AM EST reply Recommend (7) Flag actions
For what it’s worth, this is exactly why I recently jumped ship from Android. Sure I disliked the manufacturer skins and was frustrated with the lack of polish from time to time, but the lack of upgrades was just too much.
I’m tired of the do-it-yourself hackery required just to be running the latest and greatest OS and I’m equally tired of how much the Android community defends the practice. “Advanced users know how to root and everyone else doesn’t care” is an awfully poor excuse for rationalizing the lack of official OS updates.
There are plenty of us out there who know how to root but don’t want to do it just to accomplish something that happens automatically on every other major platform. Likewise is it really fair to suggest that the average user doesn’t deserve an upgrade just because they don’t know any better?
Someday I’ll be back. But for now, I’ve sold my phone and my tablet and, outside of the little Android mascot on my desk, I’m 100% Android free.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:27 AM EST reply Recommend (13) Flag actions
yeah i’m 100% satisfied with wp7 right now. sure app and feature wise it has a little bit of catching up to do, but it really has the basics down. and one of the most crucial being a phone that will stay up to date, and not be EOLd right after you bought it. i mean, this isn’t nearly as bad as the all new, groundbreaking, refreshed and renewed BB07 that had torch owners literally torched after 10 months of ownership…but it isn’t much better either.
no one can expect to keep a phone 3 or 4 years and get all the update from the carrier/oem/google/msft/apple…but at the same point, i think it’s at least reasonable to expect to continue to get your updates until the end of your contract
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:37 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
Well said. I don’t think any of us expects a 3 year old phone to get a major OS update. That’s unreasonable. However an 8 month old phone should get updates and should remain supported for the full term of your contract.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:48 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
The 3GS is almost 2.5 years old and it runs iOS 5.
In fact, I have a 3GS on iOS 5 and it actually performs better in many cases than my Galaxy Nexus. Raw speed isn’t equal (benchmark, GPU, browser, etc), but general UI performance and responsiveness is often better on the 3GS. My Nexus One is even worse than the GN.
I don’t understand this at all. A 2+ year old device can run smoothly with a 600Mhz processor and 256MB of RAM, but these manufacturers can’t fit ICS on their devices with twice the specs.
Why is Android so less efficient with resources?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:37 AM EST reply Recommend (4) Flag actions
My 3GS on iOS 5 would like to have a word with you, but it can’t because it’s so slow.
And I use it every day. The 3GS is horribly inconsistent.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:06 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
I think it definitely depends. I’ve played around with my friend’s 3GS running iOS5 and it’s extremely smooth. Guess there are different use cases.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:48 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Well… Smooth UI is something that GN has as well.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:52 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
He’s talking about the 3GS so surely the comparison would be with the Nexus One?
Actually what’s interesting about the 3GS is it’s still on sale, so Apple will really have to provide an iOS-6 release for it, or leave a lot of people still on contract with an obsolete device. It will be interesting to see if they do.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:55 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Well so far Apple is not the “shining beacon of hope” in providing OS upgrades for their out of sale devices. (3G had only 5 months and 15 days post sale end upgrades)
Probably only MeeGo can be considered the best platform there…
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:59 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Og iPhone had pretty good out-of-sale support – but I agree, the 3G didn’t.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:03 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Even Nexus One got longer support span than 3G :( A full year and 2 months since being discontinued.
Really, there is no manufacturer that has a really good track record…
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:14 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Well yes, but that’s more because the Nexus One got killed off so fast isn’t it? How many months did they actively sell it for? 6?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:16 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
But then again, Nexus S has jupend from API lvl 9 to 15.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:33 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
3G was released in 2008 and was supported till 2010.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:51 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
It’s actually not correct to count the time since introduction. Post end of sale is the proper way. Because if you bought your iPhone 3G on the last day – how long would you get updates for?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:56 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
You probably shouldn’t have jailbroken it.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:03 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Sorry, I think my point got muddled up there a bit. I actually own an old 3GS running iOS 5 and agree that Apple has been fantastic with updates.
What I meant to say was that no one is really demanding that a 3 year old device gets a major OS update. It’s great that Apple does it, however if my 3GS didn’t receive iOS 5 I wouldn’t exactly be offended. It is, after all, an old phone.
Mindful of that, I consider any support beyond my 2 year contract to be a bonus. That said, HTC abandoning my 2011 Inspire is simply absurd. Even more so when you consider that one of the main reasons my device won’t get a timely update is because of Sense – something I don’t even want on there to begin with.
If manufacturers can’t provide updates because they’ve got too many models to support, how about they stop releasing new phones every three weeks? If the blame falls upon the custom skins, apps and junkware, how about they stop sticking that stuff on the phones to begin with?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:05 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Only thing keeping me from an iPhone is the small screen and lack of LTE. I really hope they upgrade to 4.3", not 4.0", with the next iteration. Just got a used Droid Charge and the screen size is perfect.
Oh also the lack of text reflow in the browser. I still don’t understand why that doesn’t drive people crazy. Android’s browser is pure heaven compared to Safari. Yes it has a “Reader” function, but that doesn’t work with forums or article comments.
Posted on Dec 25, 2011 | 2:08 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Lazy ass Samsung. If hackers can do it then they can. Go open Android.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:16 AM EST reply Recommend (4) Flag actions
the phone is old enough screw touchwhuz. Just update the phone. Nexus s owner
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:17 AM EST via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
Touch Wiz is pretty awful as well. I’ve helped just about everyone I know with a Galaxy S move over to Cyanogen.
Posted on Dec 25, 2011 | 1:02 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Cyanogenmod stopped support for the Vibrant.
Posted on Dec 25, 2011 | 9:13 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
This really boils my biscuits. So not only are these shitty manufacturer skins adding months to the update process they are stopping perfectly good phones with plenty of life left in them from getting updated.
I’ll never buy another Android phone that isn’t a Nexus.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:18 AM EST reply Recommend (15) Flag actions
You have just had an epiphany. If you like android nexus devices is the only answer. Well root and rom.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:21 AM EST via mobile reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Unless your on Verizon…..
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:28 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
this.
The Galaxy Nexus was a nice try, but besides it’s name it isn’t a ‘Nexus’ device. (You can’t get the source code for the Verizon version).
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:29 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Kernel sources need to be released, Samsung/Google/Verizon are forced to, because of the GPL. Moreover, the reason why Google went with TI OMAP instead of Samsung’s own chips is because TI is completely open.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 3:16 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Unfortunately I have an Galaxy S2 and the Ice Cream Sandwich rom development is currently stalled.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:07 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Where’s the “Android Update Alliance” when you need it?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:20 AM EST reply Recommend (12) Flag actions
Although it was a nice thing at the time, I don’t think many people actually believed it would happen – I know I remember thinking that I’d be very surprised if any device other than a Nexus device gets the AUA treatment.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:45 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Everyone in the press bought into it and thought that it was a sure thing. So much for that.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:35 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
“Sorry folks, we already effed up Android with our TouchWiz and this is the very reason we can’t update our devices that normally should be totally okay to receive it. So Don’t forget, always buy our latest phones, guys!”
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:21 AM EST reply Recommend (9) Flag actions
Lol Apple’s 2 and a half year old phone still gets the latest updates but a phone that is their “flagship android phone offering the best Android experience” doesn’t? Thank god for hackers as Samsung and Android will have a lot of angry customers on their hands!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:23 AM EST reply Recommend (12) Flag actions
That is a terrible excuse for being lazy.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:24 AM EST reply Recommend (4) Flag actions
They could offer an upgrade without TW, like HTC did for Desire. But I guess it’s better to lure customers on new devices.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:25 AM EST reply Recommend (4) Flag actions
Bingo!
Hardware manufacturers only make money when you buy new hardware…. so they want you to buy as often as possible!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:43 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
On the contrary, carries make more money when you don’t buy a new phone as often as possible (due to subsidized phones, and jacked up monthly payments).
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:33 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Depends on the market. Here in the UK a person can switch to post-pay once they’re out of contract and the carrier loses a lot of revenue.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:57 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
I mean pre-pay – gah – where’s my edit button!!!!!!!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:04 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
The European market is also a lot more consumer friendly.
In Europe you can pay full price for your phone ($600) and then only pay about $10 a month (in US dollars) without a contract. In the US the plans start at $50 a month, but every 2 years you can get a new phone for $200 if you sign a 2 year contract. So after only 10 months, it is cheaper to own a phone in Europe that the US, not to mention in Europe you can switch carriers on whim (all of them use the same technology [GSM]) w/o a huge early termination fee.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:22 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Well you will still have to pay out the duration of your contract or pay an ETF.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:22 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
And this… is why… you ALWAYS STICK TO THE NEXUS BRAND.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:32 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
You are wise.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:15 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
So much for that choice thing, huh? ;-)
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:30 AM EST reply Recommend (14) Flag actions
Unless you are on Verizon… The code for the Verizon version of the Galaxy Nexus isn’t open source.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:34 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
And the software isn’t updated by Google.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:34 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Actually, you are both wrong. The source code is available, you can go and download and build it yourself in it’s complete form.
Also, Google is in charge of updates for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. I believe they still have to go through Verizon’s testing, but I think that is true for any carrier locked phone.
Sources:
http://www.androidcentral.com/verizon-galaxy-nexus-now-available-online
http://www.androidcentral.com/app-tells-you-whos-updating-your-galaxy-nexus-cant-tell-you-whether-care
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:58 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Well, here this is the direct link for both:
http://groups.google.com/group/android-building/browse_thread/thread/90c844f8eae5e4a9?pli=1
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:18 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Hmm, when Android 4.0 source code was pushed into the AOSP repos. It explicitly stated that they only supported the GSM/HSPA+ version of the Galaxy Nexus and not the CDMA/LTE one.
http://source.android.com/source/building-devices.html
But now it reads:
“Galaxy Nexus is supported both in GSM/HSPA+ configuration “maguro” and in CDMA/LTE configuration “toro”. The GSM/HSPA+ configuration is only supported if it was originally sold with a “yakju” operating system."
I wonder when they put the CDMA/LTE version in there?
But, thanks for correcting me, I wouldn’t have noticed that they put the CDMA/LTE version in the AOSP repo if it wasn’t for you!
Now to make the big’ol decision to buy a Verizon Galaxy Nexus at full price (contract won’t be up for another 18 months) to be able to play around with the source code.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:32 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
You can play with the source code on any rooted Android phone. The Nexus series are special because the driver binaries are made available quite early on. However it is much easier to do this on a Nexus
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:35 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
This is why I will never buy an Android device that is not a Nexus.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:37 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
It almost sounds like that Samsung planned this so that everyone recommends a Nexus phone and guess who is the manufacturer behind the latest Nexus phone?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:53 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Except Samsung would far rather you buy a Galaxy S2 than a Galaxy Nexus. They want you loyal to the Galaxy part, not the Nexus part.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:58 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Riiight. Sucks that people are buying their Galaxy Nexus phones instead of S2. They must be so upset.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:53 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
They’d rather you buy a G-N than from another OEM, but they’d rather you bought a Samsung branded phone than a Google branded phone. Future upgrade income from Nexus customers is far less likely than from Galaxy S-2 customers. Do I need to draw a diagram?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:24 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
You don’t get it do you. Galaxy Nexus phones do not have Samsung branding.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:53 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
even better stick to iphone or wp7 and never buy an android.
Posted on Dec 24, 2011 | 5:16 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Only Tech enthusiasts, geeks,nerds will be angry about this. like 80% of the customers doesnt even know there is a “new” version for their phone. Just updated a Galaxy S from some1 that still had 2.1 for example. and i know more people that dont know updates from Samsung because they need “Kies” and dont use that.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:42 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
Yea, sure, maybe they won’t care, doesn’t mean it’s OK does it?
If it does, maybe MS should just not bother with Windows 8 when it has been released and just move on to Windows 9, why bother with bug fixes and security fixes right? Nobody really appreciates them anyway…
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:09 AM EST reply Recommend (4) Flag actions
If they don’t know how will they care?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:54 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
So that means that they don’t deserve it? What about the people who do know but feel uncomfortable about rooting and installing custom ROMs.
To paint this in a positive light is ridiculous.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:45 AM EST reply Recommend (10) Flag actions
They sure do deserve it, but they wont know it so most wont bother. it isnt good what Samsung is doing here because the Galaxy S is still availble in some places.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:30 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
that’s what always cracks me up about evangelists of android, iOS and android. i just got into a topic discussion elsewhere with some msft evangelist that wasn’t trying to reason with me that the 6 months in between a major release and the first BUG FIX update (no matter what the bug is) is not that bad.
you have them on every platform, android users who say it’s not a big deal, they probably aren’t even nerdy enough to really deserve the update
and iOS users who say, MMS…who really needs that, MMS is dead anyways…
i’ve NEVER understood people that are so in love w/ company or product x, y and z that they can’t even see the shortcomings.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:19 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Do you think there is anyone who prefers these Android skins to the stock experience? Why don’t the manufacturers create and bundle fantastic apps (which can be removed) if they are so keen to demonstrate their prowess in software creation? I really don’t like Apple but I have to confess that I’ll be tempted with my next phone.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:43 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Well touchwiz isnt really bad, it brings a few good apps and theming to Android… Sure isnt worth not getting an update though…
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:08 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Touchwiz is awful! My wife’s Epic 4G just got the Gingerbread update and believe me, she knows that her phone just got less stable and more sluggish. I’m willing to bet that Touchwiz has a lot to do with that.
This really is the last straw though. I just can’t recommend an Android phone that isn’t a Nexus to anyone after this.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:32 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
TouchWiz is terrible. This is why my Droid Charge is rooted, debloated and running the AOSP launcher.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:36 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
That’s because there is no differentiation in the land of Android without these skins. If everyone ran stock Android, how would Samsung be “better” than HTC? Specs can only take you so far. And so much for Andy Rubin being tough on manufacturers who monkeyed with the stock Android. More hot air billowing from his disingenuous caketrap.
Manufacturers will always be messing with Android in an attempt to differentiate themselves. This is going to lead to phones with ever-shortening useful lives for all but the ubergeeks. Enjoy!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:09 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I perfer TW3.0 to stock Gingerbread mainly ecause stock Android doesn’t even support Scrollable widgets. The FriendsStream
Feeds and updates or whatever you want to call it has become a staple of my Android experience.
And honestly, Stock gingerbread blows. ICS might be the first version of android where stock may actually be decent.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:35 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Yes, Stock Gingerbread is fairly poor. People complain about TouchWiz, but it’s smoother, the phone, contacts and the browser apps are better, it has wider video codec support, and a lot of worthy tweaks (I’m talking about TW 4.0).
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 3:21 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Really? I used to run a tech site back in the day, so am quite heavily invested in the tech sphere, but how many of the 700,000 daily activations really give a damn whether they have Gingerbread or ICS?
Sure, those of us who like being on the bleeding edge have a point (my Xperia Arc looks like it wont see anything until May which is annoying), but we have CM etc. if we really want the experience – TouchWiz is actually enjoyed by a lot of people.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:43 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
True that most won’t care. But I don’t think that makes it wrong for all the geeks to be unhappy about this?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:47 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Oh certainly not, but if you look at the success of the Nexus devices versus the Galaxy S ones, Samsung has to stick with that market.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:48 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
Well Vodafone is pushing GN no less than iPhone4s.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:55 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
It’s still a much smaller market for it though – it’s why I think it’s called the “Galaxy Nexus”, trying to piggy-back on Samsung’s Galaxy “mindshare”.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:00 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
With the HTC Desire the problem was the internal NAND size where the OS lives… It only had 512mb. This one however has 2GB which should be more than enough for the system. I have a feeling they don’t have as good an excuse this time.
I hope they learn from this though and stop cheaping out on ROM size…
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:47 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Fat chance that will happen. They’re waiting for people to either buy the GSII or wait a bit longer for the Galaxy S III.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:01 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
no it’s 512 as well,, the 2GB is used for /data (installed apps) , the 512 is split between recovery, boot, system etc
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:45 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
My first thought?
LawL!
Seriously, Samsung is doing the Motorola here. Lame excuses and a solution that only serves the purpose of making more money: buy our latest and greatest!
Too bad, not everybody will do that. Quite a few will turn their back on Samsung in disgust and take their money elsewhere.
Apple deserves alot of criticism, but at least they keep updating their outdated devices for as long as possible and trim some features if needed instad of axing the milestone update completely.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:48 AM EST reply Recommend (10) Flag actions
Indeed, the 3Gs is on it’s third year of software support (and it runs on 256mb ram so that shows how stupid the RAM excuse must be), these devices didn’t even get one big update…
Meh, Cyanogen to the rescue for my Galaxy Tab I guess…
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:06 AM EST reply Recommend (8) Flag actions
The 3GS has a lot more ROM though (at least 8gb). And in the real world, I feel like throwing mine against a wall because it’s so slow and dies so quickly. It ain’t all roses on the Apple side.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:10 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Say that to Vibrant users.
Posted on Dec 25, 2011 | 9:12 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Just like they did with 3G. It had only 5 months of post deprecation support. Though, I can’t really give an example of a manufacturer that does actual long term support for their devices.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:04 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
One of the many reasons to buy a Nexus phone if you care about OS updates.
Still, the Galaxy Nexus is perfectly fine smartphone in its current state.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:58 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I would go for the Nexus except for two little problems (actually, not so little):
1) No MicroSD card slot. 16GB-32GB minus whatever space the OS and pre-installed apps need is not enough for me. Living in NYC and commuting by subway, the Cloud and all of its options are pretty much useless to me 80% of the time. I need to carry a decent variety of music to suit my moods.
2) It’s only available on Verizon right now. That’s a non-starter for me right there (Sprint customer for life…or until they f*ck it all up).
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:07 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
The lack of SD is really a good thing, since it means you have a unitary storage model, and the G-N will never languish un-updated due to lack of primary storage. How many GB of music on SD do you normally carry around with you?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:38 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Yeah, the Nexus One got updated, oh wait… Nexus Phones don’t get updated. That’s right.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:25 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I thinks ALL Android devices should HAVE to come with a vanilla option, my girlfriends LG EVE had the option. And I don’t understand why most others don’t now also do the same.
I have used all the custom Skins made by OEMs and they all suck.
Most people who care use a Custom Home Launcher anyway (I prefer ADW EX)
I’m not sure OEMs are listening. Long live XDA, MODACO, ROOTTZWKI…etc.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:00 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Wow… Bullshit…
Now I know they guys making Samsungs roms aren’t very smart in the first place (the Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab only have a 30mb market cache with stock rom, you can’t download apps over 30mb) but still, they should be able to figure out that an app in the app drawer isnt taking any ram and their crappy launcher that they could just as well leave out doesn’t take much more ram than the stock one.
Well it sure is nice to see Googles Android Update Alliance hard at work… I almost expected the manufacturers to honour it, guess that was a bit stupid of me…
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:03 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
It’s not about being smart/stupid. Design decisions like this are meant to build in a market for forced hardware upgrades. This kind of thing is intentional.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:27 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Samsung – do what HTC did with the desire and release a lite / aosp version on your website to help devs
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:04 AM EST via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
How about the Galaxy S 2?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:05 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
That’s getting the upgrade :)
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:17 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I’ll get ICS, it just won’t get Android 5.0 even though it has perfectly capable bardware.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:23 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Ack ack ack! Poor android, can’t pull it self together? Gee Google maybe apple is right about the whole controlling the experience from hardware to software! When are you gonna learn?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:07 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Troll.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:24 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
No, I think he has a point. That’s what the Nexus devices are about.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:37 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
I know. But not all Android devices are as bad as he makes out.
But yes, Nexus phones are the best type of Android’s :D
Posted on Dec 25, 2011 | 4:42 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Sounds to me like the same schtick the Android Manufacturers always do.
Publish the bad news. Wait for the amount of backlash. If backlash is higher than amount x, do the upgrade. If not – why bother.
It’s as if the Android Userbase was a bunch of 6 month old children. Take away their pacifier every now and then and wait what happens. You have to wean them from expecting upgrades, no?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:09 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
“whereas the Galaxy S has to deliver TouchWiz”
It has to, don’t you get it?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:09 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Hmm, my CDMA HTC Hero for Sprint which I believe has a wire wrapped 528 MHz alongside it’s tape drive seems to work just fine with ICS. Definitely not 100% but passable as a daily driver.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:18 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Hope they go the Desire Way and give us un-TouchWized ICS. Sign my Twitition protesting their decision! http://twitition.com/dr4po/
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:30 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
That’s too bad, because I’m planning on buying a PS Vita and sticking with my SGS for another year and a half or so. Gingerbread is good enough, but ICS looks so much better. SO MUCH.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:31 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Not to be an alarmist but I planned on picking up a Galaxy Tab 10.1 today and this post is causing me to have second thoughts. I’ve got $500 burning a hole in my pocket and don’t think I can wait on a Nexus tablet!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:42 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
If your one source on a Nexus tablet is Eric Schmidt then you’ll be waiting a very long time.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:48 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I know… hoping for a Christmas miracle.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:57 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
get an asua transformer prime not yesterdays model.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:48 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Edit: Asus
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:49 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Well i guess its appropriate that they call it wiz since that’s another way of describing what they are doing all over their customers….
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:50 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
You know, they already have a lighter more useful version of TW for honeycomb.? Why not rethink it like that for ICS? That way it can still have the look and some features, but it is otherwise stock.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:03 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Just throw away touch wiz
who wants touch wiz.
Beside that, the guy at XDA has already make ICS for SGS
Thanks guys. . .
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:11 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Lol, go go Android Update Alliance! Open FTW!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:16 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
ROTFLMFAO, Thank you Samsung for making me right again. Damn douche bags just want their customers to upgrade to the GS2 or GS3 when my old Nexus S and Vibrant are running 4.0 just fine. That makes 3 phones running 4.0 since I also got the GSM Galaxy Nexus.
I said it before and I’ll say it again, NEXUS FTW BABY.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:19 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Aaah crap… just kill TouchWiz.. problem solved.. btw ICS 4.0.1 alpha 3 already runs smoother than stock Samsung’s.. TouchWiz IS the problem..
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:20 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
So if differentiation means a worse UX, why differentiate?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:37 AM EST via mobile reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Not always is that the case. Sense was the most desired UI for a long time, until Google finally upped the game with HC and ICS… and even then, it would be good to see really differentiated interfaces in the tablet world too. It’s utter crap that they prevent updating, it’s a matter of money milking.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:51 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Sorry kids, the airplane can’t handle mom and dad’s enormous pile of luggage, so the vacation is cancelled.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:40 AM EST reply Recommend (10) Flag actions
Well played sir
Posted on Dec 24, 2011 | 12:26 AM EST via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
Well played sir
Posted on Dec 24, 2011 | 12:28 AM EST via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
I can’t say I’m surprised at all. Good thing there is open source community. I have been running AOSP Gingerbread ROM for awhile and no problem. I can’t wait till community come out with stable version of ICS with everything working. I’m not playing that waiting game with Samsung…we all remember how it went for Gingerbread release.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:40 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
We need to consider the typical customer here. The ignorant or otherwise apathetic users who bought these devices (read: the vast majority of users) would likely be more upset with Samsung to have their current TouchWiz experience disrupted with a forced upgrade to a stock ICS UI.
I personally agree that this sucks and that it would be much better if users had a choice. But hey, they already do have a choice! For those that really even know that ICS exists and care enough to want to drop Gingerbread TouchWiz (assuming they haven’t already). They are free to manually install any number of AOSP ICS ROMs.
For me this article illustrates the continuing need for manufacturers to either provide an easy off switch for their UI customizations, or otherwise provide unencypted bootloaders and device drivers to the development community to serve that niche.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:41 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Here’s a thought, leave out the “enhancements”.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:50 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Stop the hating you whiners! Haven’t you heard Android is open? Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab users should just take Andy Rubin’s advice and do this: "mkdir android ; cd android ; repo init -u git://android.git.kernel.org/platform/manifest.git ; repo sync ; make". After all, wasn’t openness the main reason they bought an Android device in the first place?
I agree though, Samsung should have put that hint on the box.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:50 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
“After all, wasn’t openness the main reason they bought an Android device in the first place?”
You’re kidding, right? I’d wager that 98% of those smartphone buyers have no idea what “openness” means, nor made a conscious decision to buy an Android smartphone (vs. a phone with some other OS). They went with the in-store recommendation: “it’s got some cool features and has Google on it”, or “it’s even better than an iPhone”.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:57 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
He’s being sarcastic for one…and for two being “open” has nothing to do with this.
And for three…shut up.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:53 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
‘Open’ sort of does have something to do with this, because OEMs and carriers wouldn’t have been able to customize – or indeed been the primary driver of updates for a proprietary system.
It would be very difficult for Google to impose a more monolithic view of Android at this stage, and the licensing is the main reason.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:01 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Part of the 700 Mhz spectrum auction had concessions which the FCC agreed to that it be left open to third party Applications and Devices. Legally Google doesn’t need to let these carriers adulterate their products, but they have seemingly chosen to accept it. With the opening of the White Space Spectrum beginning in January, Google is well positioned between owning more fiber than most, many geo coordinated data centers and Things such as Google Voice. Google could easily remove manufacturers, and carriers and become a provider of its own sorts, at least in the US.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:57 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Legally Google has no control over android, because any OEM can simply access AOSP and build an Android handset. All Google can do is withhold their services, and Google could do that irrespective of 700MHz concessions.
Becoming a carrier in the US simply isn’t an option, because it would make Google a future competitor to all carriers globally, and it would ruin those relationships. Handset makers can’t become carriers – you don’t compete with your customers.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:04 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Legally under the Apache license Google does not have to release a single thing to anyone except the Linux Kernel (which is is GPL) Each carrier would be forced to create an App Store, and the rest of the ecosystem that makes Android successful. (Google maps, turn by turn navigation, a music system, cloud integration, gmail etc. ) It isn’t as simple as just compiling the code from source, they’d need to craft a compelling ecosystem that people wanted part of. Blackberry is failing at this, Ms is failing at it, HP failed at this. VZW or AT&T do not have the skills to do this over night. It would take them years to achieve even a small dent. The smart phone market is solidifying, the ability to create a competitive entry is not going to be easy.
Alternately if VZW or At&T want to find another OS to bend to their will what are their Options? MS won’t let it happen, Apple is not going to let it happen. That leaves RIM? Not going to happen, Amazon? They want to control their services entirely. webOS? No better than starting an android fork from scratch.
As it goes, Googles entire viability is in the hands of the ISP’s and Cellular carriers. No intelligent company would leave themselves where they can be choked out so easily. What is Google doing about it? They are testing Gig to the home in a few cities testing the waters of being an ISP. Google won’t sit idly and let carriers dictate access to their apps and services. Instead of playing the game, they will try and change the game.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:38 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Or the OEMs could just agree to fork the previous version and all use the same App Market. Either Google doesn’t believe that it has enough power to dictate to the OEMs, or Google is being weakass. I personally believe the former – but if you choose to believe the latter it’s impossible for me to convince you otherwise.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:08 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
I believe Google is being weak ass, and playing a delicate hand in keeping OEM’s and carriers alike happy. This is ruining in many ways the end user experience, which if Google is serious about Android being an important doorway to their services, and profitability they need to fix now or face an exodus.
Posted on Dec 27, 2011 | 10:55 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Google ain’t acting anything like that right now. and carriers will add amazon market or roll out their own, that too isn’t unfeasible. It will just mess android even further.
Posted on Dec 24, 2011 | 5:29 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
someone has and it will be called Cyanogenmod 9 when it’s finished. :)
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:53 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
First check to see what Cyanogenmod says on the subject. It’s not looking good. http://forum.cyanogenmod.com/forum-0/announcement-19-cm-vibrant-support/
Posted on Dec 25, 2011 | 9:11 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
The real issue is that these handsets will be a target for malware as I’m sure they won’t be getting many, if any, security patches either.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:51 AM EST via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
“The company’s argument is that they lack sufficient RAM and ROM to run the new OS alongside TouchWiz”
Then don’t add TouchPiz….
I love Android, but allowing third party UI layers is the biggest flaw in it’s design.
It’s either Nexus devices for me from now on or another platform.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 8:55 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Android will always suck because of is.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:02 AM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
Can we please stop skinning phones!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:02 AM EST reply Recommend (7) Flag actions
The problem of course is that manufacturers want to differentiate their Android phones from competing Android phones. They know that if it boils down to a hardware race, they’ll all lose. I say that because most consumers would go for the best hardware available at the time in their price range IF there were no skins. As new hardware comes out fairly frequently the short sales time of any phone might not yield enough profit for OEMs to justify the cost of making the phone.
With skins phone customers “see” a difference. But this becomes very cynical when manufacturers find it too complicated (or too expensive) to update their phones once a new version of AOS is out.
What’s clear is that this skinning strategy is done for the manufacturers’ advantage and not the consumer’s advantage.
I disagree with those who say, nerds/geeks can upgrade via jailbreaks and then the rest wouldn’t care. Some of the rest may not care but as people become more sophisticated with their phones they do care. With 700,000 activations a month there’s likely a significant number who will eventually care. This doesn’t put Android in the best possible light and if I were Microsoft (thankfully I’m not) I’d play this up in my advertising.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:00 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Well, we’ve seen how the Touchwiz version of ICS is… I wouldn’t have upgraded my Galaxy S to Touchwiz ICS anyway… It just looks hideous!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:16 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Then Samsung should make available the ICS code without TouchWiz. Allow the consumers to get a clean version of the OS for their phones if they choose. I’m really not that surprised by this though. These phones came out with 2.1 and eventually got the 2.2 and 2.3 updates. Getting a third OS update on an Android phone is almost unthinkable.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:17 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Not. Gonna. Happen.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:17 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
What choice do consumers have? As far as I know every Android phone is skinned by the manufacturer. Is there an unskinned Android device for sale?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:21 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Plenty. The Nexus line obviously, the G2 and G2x, the Xperia Play on Verizon, the Samsung Impulse on AT&T, and a few others that I can’t think of right now.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:35 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Original Motorola Droid.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:44 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Aside from the Nexus line all of this do NOT run stock / unskinned Android. So no, the choice is not plenty.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:48 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
So much for the 18 month support standard. Even the very first Galaxy S variant was released just under 17 months before ICS. Guess they just couldn’t stomach 3 major OS updates. The standard for support termination is apparently 2 major OS updates or 18 months, whichever comes first. Oh, and that only applies to flagship phones. Anything less isn’t guaranteed a thing.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:33 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
After being screwed out of FroYo on my Samsung Moment, I went with a Nexus device just to avoid this issue. Samsung is really ruining the Android experience for millions of users with their custom skins & carte blanch refusal to upgrade existing users. For me, its Nexus or another platform. If whatever carrier doesn’t have a Nexus device when I renew in 2013? I’ll switch platforms. Google must insist with the next version of Android that any custom skins must be a downloadable add on after the fact. All Android phones should come with stock Android that is updated only by Google.
If Google doesn’t resolve the platform’s upgrade issues? I believe this puts Windows Phone in play. It could allow iOS to come back to the top spot. If Google will not take responsibility for the shortcomings of Android, there will be repercussions with consumers voting with their cash.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:34 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Lol Samsung and updates don’t go together.
My original galaxy tab (Bell) doesn’t even have gingerbread. So this is no surprise.
Thanks Samsung.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:39 AM EST via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
To be honest, I don’t really get the fuss over this. We have all resigned to the fact that our phones are going to come pre loaded with skins, so the argument of TouchWiz is more or less over. Also, this phone, that started with eclair has been updated all the way to gingerbread (following the 18 month upgrade promises), so what’s the problem. And anyway, whoever has one of these phones (and cares about software version) can upgrade to another handset, or root and go the Darky’s Rom way.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:41 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Here’s the problems:
1. Security updates
2. The new era off smartphones meant you did get upgrades and not stuck with the version the phone came with.
3. Apps and games get broken or never supported because updates aren’t supported. These are people paying $2,000 or more for their phone over the life of the contract. They deserve better than laziness.
4. The reason they’re blocking this is because of the extra requirements of Touchwiz which is apparently poorly written. The Galaxy Tab is still within the 18 month cycle.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:27 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Typing this from a Galaxy S Captivate running AOSP 4.0.3 ICSSGS by xda. Best rom I’ve used to date. It’s a shame Samsung insists on degrading the Android AOSP experience with Touchwiz.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:48 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Samsung is screwing over its customers once again. There is no good reason why Touchwiz has to be on any upgrade.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:01 AM EST via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
I don’t understand the apologists who say that most people won’t notice. That may be true but it also means that most people will be using an old version of the OS. Which means that most developers will have to leave out features to accommodate them. Which means the software ecosystem will continue to lag the iOS ecosystem.
One of the best things about iOS 5 is the OTA updates and not just for users – developers love the thought that they can with some certainty be able to say that users will likely be running the latest version of the operating system. And if they’re not, walking a user through the process will be infintely easier if you take the computer out of the picture.
If you care at all about Android’s software selection this should concern you greatly.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:13 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Android can never be consistent like iOS…it is simply impossible with tech as it is at the prices it is available for.
A buy one get 2 free Cheapos with the activation of a family plan deal will have to include the loss of upgradeability due to the fact that the cheapos will be purposefully lacking features.
The issue isn’t that the issue is the fact that these manufacturers aren’t keeping their flagships up to date…
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:22 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
It will be interesting to see how WP7 evolves in that regards. It’s certainly pushing down into the cheapo territory – and they seem to be going for a more consistent platform.
Of course that’s assuming it gets off the launchpad.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:55 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
So basically, the Galaxy won’t get Android 4 because of Samsung’s bloatware? :(
Thanks for heads up. Another brand of to scratch from the list. Makes my choice even easier.
(you reading this Samsung? screwing potential customers ain’t smart!)
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:18 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Out ofinterest, who’s left on your list?
Posted on Dec 24, 2011 | 6:23 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Samsung: huge fail! Your users expect more from you! At least give the option of having stock Android, even if that means having no support for software-related issues..
On another note: Galaxy S is sold with an unlocked bootloader, which means that if Samsung doesn’t do it, anyone else can. That’s the power of the phone being “open”.
So yeah, most users WILL get ICS as an optional upgrade for their Galaxy S as an optional download. Who cares if its from Samsung or a build straight out of AOSP at kernel.org ?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:20 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
“Most users” haven’t a clue what a ROM is.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:52 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
“most users” don’t care about the update, either. Most users who care, will be able to upgrade.
Posted on Dec 24, 2011 | 11:03 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Great. Now Samsung are being dicks about upgrades too. Shit like this makes me glad I went with iOS. I love android as well, but it seems you can really only sort of rely on a nexus phone to be receive updates for a reasonable amount of time.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:25 AM EST via mobile reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
What a joke…..ICS is the only reason to keep one of those things…How could they think touchwiz is more important than ICS itself?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:31 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
My captivate is done anyway. I wouldn’t even want to but ICS on it. It doesn’t deserve it.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:43 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
For most people this is a non-issue. I know plenty of ‘older’ people that are still rocking iOS3 on their iphones. Most people get a phone, use it like it is until it breaks, then they get a diferent one.
Most people that are on tech sites they’ll know how to get the latest on xda, or just buy the newest phone out there anyway. I’ve had like 5 phones in the past year. Started with the galaxy s, then inspire, infuse, SII, and now GN, plus a razr for my wife.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:54 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
i guess you are all lucky that SGS2 is gonna get it :P
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 10:58 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
..but what of the Android upgrade alliance that everyone was patting themselves on the back about a few months ago?
Hahaha
I guess if your phone doesn’t say nexus on it, it’s old news after 6 months
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:32 AM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Nexus One didn’t get updated, and it was the Nexus Device that was out when the Galaxy S was released.
There is no choice with Android, no matter what phone you get, it is going to get abandoned fairly quickly.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:43 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
" So Samsung isn’t alone in making its users suffer for buying a skinned Android device."
/slow clap
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:35 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
SAMSUNG = SCREWS YOU.
Give yourself a Merry Christmas
The best way to upgrade an Android Phone is buy ANOTHER Samsung Phone.
It is that simple.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:39 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Looks like Samsung’s touch-whizzing all over its customers. Snarky commercials and clothes that smell strongly of ammonia (or possibly processed cheese food) must mean the next big thing’s already here.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:40 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
But open is better!!!!!!
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sent from my iPhone 4S
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:53 AM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Don’t know what you Android fans were expecting. This has been the recurring theme of Android from day one. I should know. I was an early adopter and being told 3 months after buying my phone that it would never be upgraded past the 2.1 it shipped with was laziness and indifference as far as I was concerned. I also bought an iPhone 3G that same year and got 3 solid years of upgrades and the thing is still running like a champ. Say what you will about Apple’s prices and “walled garden” approach but at least they care about their customers.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:54 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Amen.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:56 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I don’t think Apple cares about their customers as much as their care about their bottom line. They know that loyalty means more purchases, upgrades = loyalty, Apple puts out 1 device a year (about) they need to have that loyalty that Samsung doesn’t seem to have, because they spit out numerous devices and most are crap. All iPhones are created equal, and as such, Apple can target 3-4 different hardware specs for each software release, this is much easier than targeting hundreds of different combinations. The same could be said about PCs, Apple knows exactly what their hardware is, therefore the software SHOULD be perfect on their devices.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:03 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I don’t expect perfection from any company, including Apple. I just expect some sign that they actually give a rip about their customers. Sure, Apple cares about their bottom line, but they seem to be one of the precious few companies out there that has realized they can achieve profits most effectively by making products people value and turning them into satisfied customers. I don’t care about how they do it or how many devices they produce each year versus Samsung. All I know is that they do it and they do it very damn well.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:47 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
I agree, they are doing a very good job keeping their devices relevant. I wish Google had enough pull with carriers to say, “you are a dumb pipe, like our ISP, we own the phone and software, deal with it.”
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:02 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
JUST GREAT!!! Now I’m stuck on 2.3 on this f*cking phone forever!!!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:55 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I understand that their changes are more than skin deep, however completely removing TouchWiz would fundamentally change the way the users are used to using their phone. I am all for removing bloated -crap, but people don’t like change, and this IS ultimately Samsung’s fault for differing and “customizing” it to a point where it becomes a burden on the OS and not at all helpful to the end-user.
If only there was a way for Samsung to create a custom launcher that could easily be upgraded to newer versions of Android…
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 11:58 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Android sucking with updates? not surprised.
also, Samsung, they just want you to buy the Galaxy S II. Duh, guys.Duh.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:01 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
So Samsung is effectively admitting that TouchWiz is bloatware; i.e. needs better hardware to do the same thing than its vanilla counterpart. (Oh, and gee, thanks for making Gingerbread last longer, that’s such a nice premise for developers)
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:10 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
All you idiots crying about the SGS not getting ICS need to realize that the SGS is over 18 months old, Samsung and the other manufacturers pledged to update their phones for 18 months.
Plus based on the support they gave us here in the US, are you really surprised this is happening?
so stop acting like a spoiled 5yo and deal with reality, or root and use a custom ROM like I’m doing
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:32 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Bullshit. The Epic 4g launched August 31st of last year. I bought mine in October and it just got Gingerbread last month.
And rooting is not a fix. Its a way for Android users to justify their shitty purchase.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:36 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Rooting is great. Because when I pay a company for their product, I want the privilege of doing their job for them.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:42 PM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
I’d rather have this privilege than pay for overpriced hardware.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:52 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I find it telling that you were vague about which overpriced hardware. Myself I’d rather not pay for a phone and then have to “fix” it myself to get the lastest update and security fixes.
Then again that’s why I’m not using an android phone currently.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:22 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
The Galaxy S was first released in June 2010. So, no, it’s not “over 18 months old.”
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:47 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
And this is why Im ditching Android. We had a good run. Started off with a HTC Hero. Loved it on 1.6 but quickly started to hate it with every new update. Then I got the Epic 4g. What a great phone. Fast, awesome screen, 4g, promises of little Gingerbread Men and a working GPS would soon come to bless my phone. So I waited. And waited. And wai… screw this Im getting the Photon 4g!!! Dual Core!! qHD and even more awesomeness!!!! Well, not quite. Still lags, still have connection issues, still force closes. Still, still, still is what I kept getting.
Adios Android!!! Its been fun but extremely frustrating. Now I get too choose between iOS and WP, which sucks cause Im on Sprint so I think my choice has already been made. (Really wish MS would get its act together and get something other than Android look a likes out there.) Ive got a few weeks before I can make the switch so hopefully/maybe theyll announce some new phones by then.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:33 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
I change phones every year so I don’t really care. but After my GSII gets old I’m for sure moving to Nokia Windows Phone route.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:42 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Timely updates. Finally, we found a way in which Samsung isn’t copying Apple.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:44 PM EST reply Recommend (6) Flag actions
hahahah
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:24 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Samsung pulled this same crap back in the day with their Symbian phones.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:55 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
That’s why you gotta root that beyotch! Give Sammy the double bird and keep on movin’!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:56 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
First give them your money, and then do their job for them! That will show them.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:18 PM EST reply Recommend (4) Flag actions
So, Android = lowered expectations. Gotcha.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 3:45 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
And people say fragmentation is just a myth…
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 12:59 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Google should enforce the 1 cycle product upgrade with stock android. 90% of the people that wish to upgrade their phones would gladly trash touchwizz anyway… So you could upgrade, to a stock android experience. (Funny is, it would probably be a better experience than Galaxy S II with ICStouchwiz :) )
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:01 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
=====
SAMSUNG = SCREWS YOU.
=====
What don’t you understand?
Samsung doesn’t care.
Enjoy your lump of coal for Christmas.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:04 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
It you have to service the phone yourself, then it should be a lot cheaper.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:17 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
That’s fair, but you do get alot of added value by rooting yourself.
For instance, if an OTA gets botched, you really don’t have very many options. But with custom roms you first boot into recover and make a backup image in case anything goes wrong.
That’s why I was laughing at the iOs 5 battery bug, with everyone sitting around waiting for a bug fix from Apple. Because I had just updated the wife’s DInc 2 to CM 7.1, and while there was a bug with the phoneline not working, it was no big deal because I had made a backup image to flash back to (and then 2 days later CM fixed the bug with 7.1.0.1).
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:23 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
“That’s why I was laughing at the iOs 5 battery bug, with everyone sitting around waiting for a bug fix from Apple. Because I had just updated the wife’s DInc 2 to CM 7.1, and while there was a bug with the phoneline not working”
wow that sounds like some sweet added value. Just so I know what to say to my friends when they asked why I switched to android. I’ll tell them that I can make a backup image of my phone manually and when I test a new upgrade (you know the upgrade that won’t come anyway) that renders my “phone line” broken. I can spend more time restoring and fixing my phone! I’m sure they will all switch upon hearing this.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:29 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Actually, my experience with my i9000 is you have to flash a custom ROM just to get basic bug fixes and a stable phone.
Mine was shutting itself off randomly, whiping itself. I’ve had nothing but a bad experience while running Sammy’s stock.
It is bullshit that developers have to have such a shittly experience with their phone that they feel the need to make bug fixes and stability upgrades themselves, and then as you pointed out, they can have their own problems in the ROMs.
My experience with android has been terrible. I just want a phone that works, and can act as a portable computer.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:57 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Samsung just helped me select my next phone. ANYTHING BUT A SAMSUNG
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:33 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I was thinking that too. Except I’d add “Anything but Android” as well.
When this contract is up I’ll be looking at Nokia WP7 or RIM BB10. It’ll be nice for a company to actually care and support the product I bought from them
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 1:58 PM EST via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
Sucks for Galaxy S owners but having literally just purchased a Nexus S for £200 I can say that I’m finally free from skins and no longer a hostage to OEMs. Goodbye HTC! Oh how I once loved you but familiarity has definitely bred contempt.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:19 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
It’s very simple. Just get rid of Touchwiz. No one wants it anyway.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:29 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Given that the Vibrant hasn’t even been upgraded to Gingerbread yet, this is hardly a surprise. But that sort of completely selling out your customers is why I’m never buying another Samsung handset. My phone’s barely 18 months old, it’ll be May before I’m eligible for another upgrade. Treating your customers like this is just completely unacceptable, and also (IMO) shows the commitment to upgrading handsets they (and other manufacturers) made with Google to be a complete joke. Or you could call it a lie, if you’d like.
Worse, I’ve already got ICS on my handset: the Passion ROM. So Samsung not upgrading officially? Complete BS. They could if they gave a fuck about their customers. They just don’t.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:42 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
So the Galaxy S can handle ICS, but not the new (and impro…. hahahaha, no good, can’t say it) TouchWiz.
Sweet. Christ.
I have never regarded the S2 or Nexus as worthwhile upgrades – not enough improvements over S to merit the spend. Were ICS to be released on the S, it would be enough…
Oh well. This just reinforces my feelings about the OHA (toothless and of less use than the proverbial choccie teapot). Android deserves better attention than what they give it.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:50 PM EST via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
It is because they’re not. The Galaxy S has great hardware, and there is very little the new phones can do that it cannot.
The only reason it isn’t being updated is because Samsung is cheap, and doesn’t give a damn about their current customers on “old” phones, They are only focused the their newest.
Course, that’s gonna bite them in the ass because unsatisfied customers like myself are going to make sure neither I, or anyone I know buy any of their buggy garbage.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 3:05 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Samsung’s argument would be that the kind of people that would actively seek an upgrade to ICS, and would be willing to dig out a rom and so on, is such a low percentage that it wouldn’t justify the effort anyway.
And that’s the problem with the OHA, they make their announcements, then go off in separate directions, trying to screw each other over. The benefits of open source for an end user are being abused by those seeking to profit from it.
And because of the nature of Android, I feel surprised, when I should not.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 3:20 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I’ve no idea what percentage of 3GS owners have upgraded to iOS 5, but I imagine that figure would refute Samsung’s assumption that only geeks update older hardware.
Posted on Dec 26, 2011 | 4:33 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
well that’s not too unexpected. My Atrix 4g probably won’t be getting ICS and it is less than a year old. I think it even has 1gb Ram.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:51 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
http://www.change.org/petitions/samsung-android-4-for-galaxy-s
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:52 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
So what Samsung should do then is just release an ICS update without TouchWiz lol
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 2:59 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
WHAT A FRIGGIN JOKE!
this is why I would never buy Android, my gf was a Galaxy Vibrant, the ui is terrible with that TOUCH WIZ crap;… the icons are atrocious looking… I just don’t even know what to say… so I’ll stop…
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 3:00 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Yeah, I should have just got an iPhone 4. No matter how much I don’t like Apple, at least I would have had a phone that wasn’t buggy as hell, and would recieve proper support.
Luckily, when my contract is up, Nokia WP8, BB10, and iPhone5 will be out, so I won’t have to get stuck with another android.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 3:10 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
What about simply offering stock Android without the ugly TouchWiz?? This is why you should simply go Galaxy Nexus if you want a Samsung phone with long-term support.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 3:30 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I am going to quote Gruber regarding what Android is. “Android is not a single platform. It’s a common foundation upon which platforms can be built.” He is correct and more people need to see this. Android is a platform not a single OS.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 3:53 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Ugh no edit. It’s a platform for developing a mobile OS.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 3:54 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
But does Google really want to stay in the business of making a platform for platforms? Or does it want to control an end-user platform? And if so, what is it willing to do to get there. Interesting times.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 4:01 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Good question. They don’t seem to make a lot of return on a platform for platforms so they look like they are taking more control. The Motorola purchase lends credence to this idea. IMHO I think you need to control the platform for a quality device. The manufacturers and carriers have not shown any capability to do so.
Apple, MS, and Google can I think.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 5:09 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Google is only interested in forcing you to see their ads. After all, that is how they make money.
Samsung is only interested in forcing you to buy their next phone. After all, that is how they make money.
If you bought a Samsung phone and are not planning to buy another one, then you are dead to Samsung.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:35 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Samsung should have remained a parts supplier. They did a much better job at that. Moves like this may be economically sound, but considering how many they’ve sold, they could scrap their TouchWiz crap and put ICS on those devices.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 5:12 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Fuck Samsung and fuck touch wiz
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 5:16 PM EST via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
Sometimes I think Samsung is being run by John Gruber as a shell company designed to drive page views to Daring Fireball. That’s the only explanation for a press release this absurd.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 5:32 PM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
The facts have an Apple bias.
Posted on Dec 26, 2011 | 4:35 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Ridiculous. I’m done with non-Nexus Android phones. T-Mobile needs to hurry up and offer the Galaxy Nexus on contract.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 5:34 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
This was posted a week ago on the forums.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:14 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
CyanogenMod 9.
That is all.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:15 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
“We are no longer supporting the Vibrant due to the inability to dial 911. We consider the issues related to this unresolvable without source code from Samsung related to the Radio interface layer and its interactions with the Audio layers and have taken the decision to no longer support this. We apologize for the inconvenience and strongly suggest that Vibrant users use a Samsung ROM due to the 911 issues with any ROMs based on open source code.” – CyanogenMod
Posted on Dec 25, 2011 | 9:05 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
This shows Samsung just don’t give a shit about their customers, plain and simple…
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:28 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
No ICS for galaxy tab ?? well, my galaxy tab is still on froyo.. it didnt even update to gingerbread or honeycomb !!
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:51 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Dear Samsung: I’m not buying a Galaxy device because it has TouchWiz. Who is?
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 6:53 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
SAMSUNG = EFF YOU
Samsung created ads which made fun of iPhone owners who it tried to sell a Samsung phone.
Now Samsung is saying eff you for buying a Samsung phone.
Samsung won’t be giving you an Ice Cream Sandwich for Christmas.
What a nice piece of coal Samsung has given us for Christmas.
What a grinch and scrooge you are, Samsung.
Samsung is just plain evil.
It takes your money then tells you to suffer.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 7:32 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Jeez, comments is 6 times longer than the article!!!! How about the Droid Charge? Anyone know. It seems the Charge is in between all of the ones already announced.
Posted on Dec 23, 2011 | 9:50 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
So the thing that nobody wants or cares about is keeping people from getting the thing that people want and care about? Seems like a pretty easy problem to solve.
The Galaxy Nexus is likely going to be the most successful device they will sell on an individual basis. Axe the fawking TouchWiz for godsakes…. oh but then people wouldn’t have to buy a new phone to a legit update without rooting.
Posted on Dec 24, 2011 | 1:49 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I cannot help thinking its a cunning plan by the manufacturers to persuade punters to upgrade their phones/tablets. Apple users have got into the habit of buying their latest product as soon as it is launched, Android users need a bit more persuading ….
Posted on Dec 24, 2011 | 2:27 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Not sure about that. I haven’t upgraded to a 4S, and most likely won’t. Of my friends, only one has, and he has only upgraded one of his two iPhones (he maintains a US and UK cell). Apple has certainly mostly pursuaded its users that when they upgrade they should upgrade to another Apple product.
Posted on Dec 24, 2011 | 10:03 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
you risk this when you choose a google android phone … get over it … it’s the nature of “open source” and google should have done a closed source o/s if they didn’t want this to happen.
Posted on Dec 24, 2011 | 5:55 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
HOw does Samsung think the customrrs will trust them agai? One big advantage for apple
Posted on Dec 25, 2011 | 6:05 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Maybe it’s not too late for Galaxy S users to jump back in the Apple Store line?
Posted on Dec 25, 2011 | 9:00 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Hence the reason I dumped my Captivate and spend all my savings on Galaxy Nexus HSPA+. Atleast with a nexus device this is not going to be a problem.
Posted on Dec 25, 2011 | 10:25 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Interesting that they’d do that to the Galaxy Phones… but hey, selling more cause of an OS? I guess that’s business.
ROOT IT then WIN!
Posted on Dec 25, 2011 | 11:16 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Another reason to want a pure Android device! Less processor and memory usage and less bugs. ¬¬
Posted on Dec 26, 2011 | 8:57 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Thanks Samsung. Sincerely. no really, i mean it. Totally. Nothing could make me happier knowing that hardware which can easily accept android will not have the latest firmware, even though its possible and you are in fact doing practically that already with the Nexus S. I shall shout my joy from the rooftops in an extasy of delight.
Posted on Jan 17, 2012 | 11:05 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
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