The Android Site » Firmware http://theandroidsite.com Android news, phones, tablets, reviews, how-to guides and more Tue, 22 May 2012 21:56:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Manually update your Nexus S or Nexus One to the latest OTA update http://theandroidsite.com/2011/01/22/manually-update-your-nexus-s-or-nexus-one-to-the-latest-ota-update/ http://theandroidsite.com/2011/01/22/manually-update-your-nexus-s-or-nexus-one-to-the-latest-ota-update/#comments Sat, 22 Jan 2011 23:49:50 +0000 Ben Marvin http://theandroidsite.com/?p=2622

The 2.3.2 and 2.2.2 updates are rolling out over the air now to the Nexus S and Nexus One. The main feature being that it fixes the SMS bug. We reported earlier that the OTA update is going on right now, and thanks to TmoNews, we’ve got the links and instructions to manually update your device. You know, if you don’t wanna wait for it to push itself.

To install the latest Nexus S build GRH78C, follow these steps:

  • Download the update file from Google’s server: GRH78C-from-GRH78.zip
  • Copy the file to your phone’s internal storage (/sdcard). Tip: The Nexus S can flash any file so there is no need to rename it update.zip
  • Power off your phone.
  • Hold down the VOLUME UP button and power it back on.
  • Use the volume keys to navigate to recovery and press POWER to select it.
  • When you see the “/!\” symbol, hold the POWER button and then press the VOLUME UP button.
  • You should be presented with the Android system recovery menu. Select the option “apply update from /sdcard”
  • Find the update file (GRH78C-from-GRH78) on your sdcard and then press the POWER button to flash it.
  • Wait for the update to complete and then select “reboot system now”

Nexus One owners take note, this small update also reportedly squashes the SMS BUG which has been widely reported. Firmware 2.2.2 looks like a minor update and without the release notes we can’t be sure exactly what else is fixed. Still, updates are good and you can wait for the OTA update to hit your phone or follow the manual install steps below!

To manually install Android 2.2.2 on the Nexus One, perform the following steps:

  • Download the update file from Google’s server: FRG83G-from-FRG83D
  • Copy the file to the root directory (aka not inside any folder) of your microSD card and name it update.zip Tip: Be careful not to name it update.zip.zip
  • Power off your phone.
  • Hold down the VOLUME DOWN button and power it back on.
  • Wait for your phone to load the skating Androids screen. Scroll down to recovery and press the POWER button.
  • When you see the “/!\” symbol, press the POWER button and the VOLUME UP button at the same time. You should be presented with a menu and one of the options should be “apply sdcard:update.zip”.
  • Use the trackball to navigate to “apply sdcard:update.zip” and select it.
  • When you see “Install from sdcard complete”, select “reboot system now”.
]]> http://theandroidsite.com/2011/01/22/manually-update-your-nexus-s-or-nexus-one-to-the-latest-ota-update/feed/ 0 Orange says 2.1 should begin rolling out to European HTC Hero users next week http://theandroidsite.com/2010/07/27/orange-says-2-1-should-begin-rolling-out-to-european-htc-hero-users-next-week/ http://theandroidsite.com/2010/07/27/orange-says-2-1-should-begin-rolling-out-to-european-htc-hero-users-next-week/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:31:45 +0000 Ben Marvin http://theandroidsite.com/?p=1256 What would seem like a case of vaporware on the scale of something like Duke Nukem Forever, the Android 2.1 Eclair update for the GSM version of the HTC Hero has suffered endless delays, empty promises and rumors. Orange just issued a statement saying they hope to begin rolling it out next week:

“We apologise for the delay in Orange Hero customers receiving their Éclair update. Testing the update across European markets took longer than anticipated. However, we hope to receive final approval by the end of the week and Orange handsets should start updating from next week.”

Does that mean we should still keep our fingers crossed? Let’s hope not.

[Orange via Phandroid]

]]> http://theandroidsite.com/2010/07/27/orange-says-2-1-should-begin-rolling-out-to-european-htc-hero-users-next-week/feed/ 0 All MyTouch phones to get Android 2.2 update http://theandroidsite.com/2010/06/08/all-mytouch-phones-to-get-android-2-2-update/ http://theandroidsite.com/2010/06/08/all-mytouch-phones-to-get-android-2-2-update/#comments Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:21:58 +0000 Ben Marvin http://theandroidsite.com/?p=1110 The above screenshot making it’s rounds shows that T-Mobile is committed to bringing Android 2.2 FroYo to the MyTouch series phones, including the Slide, the original and the Fender Edition. Also to be included is a Genius Button app for the hardware lacking the Genius Button, and a Favs gallery with info on your top 20 contacts as well as full Exchange support. The “personal note” does sign off with “no phones left behind, but it still doesn’t offer much hope for the G1, unless you want to do some hacking.

[via Phandroid]

]]> http://theandroidsite.com/2010/06/08/all-mytouch-phones-to-get-android-2-2-update/feed/ 7 No more rumors, no more waiting, Android 2.1 is here for the Sprint HTC Hero http://theandroidsite.com/2010/05/19/no-more-rumors-no-more-waiting-android-2-1-is-here-for-the-sprint-htc-hero/ http://theandroidsite.com/2010/05/19/no-more-rumors-no-more-waiting-android-2-1-is-here-for-the-sprint-htc-hero/#comments Thu, 20 May 2010 00:02:06 +0000 Ben Marvin http://theandroidsite.com/?p=1061

Yes finally. After many rumors of release dates and being teased, Sprint customers with the HTC Hero can finally enjoy Android 2.1 in all its glory. Including features such as voice typing, new widgets and other bug fixes. The update should be pushed to your handset in the upcoming few days, or available soon at the Sprint support site for manual download and install.

Anyone receive the update yet? How ya liking it so far?

[via BGR]

]]> http://theandroidsite.com/2010/05/19/no-more-rumors-no-more-waiting-android-2-1-is-here-for-the-sprint-htc-hero/feed/ 0 Verizon says Droid Eris update “coming soon” http://theandroidsite.com/2010/05/08/verizon-says-droid-eris-update-coming-soon/ http://theandroidsite.com/2010/05/08/verizon-says-droid-eris-update-coming-soon/#comments Sat, 08 May 2010 13:26:49 +0000 Ben Marvin http://theandroidsite.com/?p=1037 Perhaps in the wake of Sprint’s delayed 2.1 update for the Hero, Verizon is looking to please some people by finally bringing 2.1 to the Eris. The Verizon software update page for the Eris now lists a software update as “Coming Soon”. Dubbed ROM: 2.36.605.1 by Verizon, from the features list, we all know this better as Android 2.1 Eclair. No solid word on when the update will be available, but the update instructions show that it will be an OTA update, and that it is also mandatory. Yup, there’s no staying with the old 1.5 anymore. Not that anyone would want to.

Here’s what you get when the update comes:

  • Pinch-to-zoom is now available when using the Gallery and Google Maps.
  • New support for voice-to-text entry. − Whenever a text-entry box appears, simply tap the microphone icon on the virtual keyboard and speak.
  • New Gallery application with 3D layout. View and share photos taken with your phone and images from your online Picasa Web albums.
  • New Leap thumbnail view lets you pinch to jump between the seven panels on your home screen.
  • Additional calendar views and easier access to contacts make navigating even quicker.
  • Google Maps with Navigation provides free, traffic-enhanced, turn-by-turn navigation.
  • With the Enhanced Android Market, you’ll enjoy a better browsing experience as well as even more applications, including Verizon Wireless content featuring self-service applications.
  • Ability to log onto and access multiple Google accounts at once.
  • Support for 19 Microsoft® Exchange Server policies makes your phone more secure and business friendly.
  • Desk Clock intelligently dims your screen and displays the current time while charging.
  • Added support for stand-alone Wi-Fi when device is in airplane mode.
  • Location-based cinematic full screen weather keeps you on top of changing conditions.
  • Improved handset audio when disconnecting a wired headset.
  • Improvements:
  • Faster power-up time.
  • Free Yahoo!® Mail is now supported—simply sign in with your Yahoo! email address and password.
  • Improved swipe-unlock functionality.
  • Added support for Microsoft Office 2007 documents.
  • Longer battery life due to power savings.
  • Improved YouTube® video playback.
  • Better Bluetooth® support, including contact transfer.
  • Automatic settings for POP3 verizon.net email accounts.
]]> http://theandroidsite.com/2010/05/08/verizon-says-droid-eris-update-coming-soon/feed/ 0 HTC Hero to get Android 2.1 upgrade this Friday? http://theandroidsite.com/2010/05/05/htc-hero-to-get-android-2-1-upgrade-this-friday/ http://theandroidsite.com/2010/05/05/htc-hero-to-get-android-2-1-upgrade-this-friday/#comments Wed, 05 May 2010 22:01:23 +0000 Ben Marvin http://theandroidsite.com/?p=1034

From the information provided by this internal communication at Best Buy, it appears that HTC Hero owners will finally be getting the long-promised upgrade to Android 2.1 starting this Friday, May 7th. This isn’t a simple OTA update, push a button on your phone and done, but it appears the upgrade must be done in a Best Buy store, possibly also a Sprint store, or via a download from the HTC website. We’ll have details and links for you on Friday if this turns out to be true.

[via Engadget]

]]> http://theandroidsite.com/2010/05/05/htc-hero-to-get-android-2-1-upgrade-this-friday/feed/ 3 Nexus One may get 802.11n Wi-Fi with Android 2.2 upgrade http://theandroidsite.com/2010/04/24/nexus-one-may-get-802-11n-wi-fi-with-android-2-2-upgrade/ http://theandroidsite.com/2010/04/24/nexus-one-may-get-802-11n-wi-fi-with-android-2-2-upgrade/#comments Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:47:10 +0000 Ben Marvin http://theandroidsite.com/?p=991 It may come as a surprise to some Nexus One owners that their device is already 802.11n capable from a hardware aspect, but the software doesn’t support it yet. Sort of like how the Motorola CLIQ has an FM radio receiver, but the Android 1.5 that it ships with doesn’t make use of it. Google has already hinted at all the new features coming with Android 2.2 coming as soon as next month, and we’ve seen evidence of some of it such as automatic application updating, but it’s a wait-n-see game till we get our hands on it. There is also a rumor of possible trackball color changing, such as the Blackberry Pearl did.

[via Electronista]

]]> http://theandroidsite.com/2010/04/24/nexus-one-may-get-802-11n-wi-fi-with-android-2-2-upgrade/feed/ 2 B&N updates Nook Reader, adds Read-In-Store feature, games and web browsing http://theandroidsite.com/2010/04/23/bn-updates-nook-reader-adds-read-in-store-feature-games-and-web-browsing/ http://theandroidsite.com/2010/04/23/bn-updates-nook-reader-adds-read-in-store-feature-games-and-web-browsing/#comments Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:28:05 +0000 Ben Marvin http://theandroidsite.com/?p=981

The Barnes and Noble Nook ebook reader has a new update out. Version 1.3 adds support for games and web browsing wi-fi As well as an updated reading experience and the new Read-In-Store feature making the device more useful appealing than “just an ebook reader”.

The update is rolling out as of today and you can visit http://www.nook.com/update to download and for installation instructions. Full press release is below.

[Thanks for the tip, Caitlin!]


Barnes & Noble Launches More NOOK™ eBook Reader Firsts: Read In Store™ Experience and Apps with Games, Along With Web Browser and Enhanced Wi-Fi® Connectivity
NOOK Customers Can Browse Complete eBooks for Free in Barnes & Noble Stores

Enjoy Chess and Sudoku, Faster Page Turns, Enhanced Home Screen and More on Updated NOOK Software Now Available
New York, New York – April 23, 2010 – Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the world’s largest bookseller, announced more new firsts and features for its popular NOOK eBook Reader, including the breakthrough Read In Store experience (in beta) to browse complete eBooks in Barnes & Noble stores at no cost, as well as challenging games – the first Android applications available on the device – enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity and a basic Web browser (in beta). The new features, along with additional reading and device performance optimization, such as faster page turns and an enhanced home screen, are part of NOOK v1.3 software, which is now available.

In Barnes & Noble stores, NOOK automatically connects to the fast and free Wi-Fi where NOOK customers can tap on the Shop button to now enjoy the beta Read In Store feature. Customers can read many complete eBooks available in Barnes & Noble’s expansive eBookstore of more than one million digital titles, even if the physical book is not in stock. From current bestsellers to classics, customers can enjoy a wide variety of eBooks from hundreds of publishers, including all the major publishing houses. Soon, in-store visitors will also be able to virtually flip through leading daily newspapers and magazines covering news, finance and technology available in the eBookstore.

NOOK customers can explore the content of as many digital titles as they wish, on any given day, including any available eBook for up to an hour per day; and to come, current-edition newspapers and magazines in the BN eBookstore will be available for up to 20 minutes per day. NOOK’s Read In Store experience is another first for the retail and eBook arena, like the More In Store™ experience which offers NOOK owners access to free, exclusive content from leading authors and special discounts and promotions when in Barnes & Noble stores.

“Our digital customers will feel at home in our stores with Read In Store, which puts a digital spin on the popular Barnes & Noble bookstore experience that millions of our customers enjoy each day. At no cost, NOOK customers can browse through our robust collection of digital content while enjoying their favorite beverage in our café,” said Tony Astarita, Vice President, Digital Products, Barnes & Noble.com. “We know our customers enjoy discovering great reads in our bookstores. So, we worked closely with our valued publishing partners to offer this innovative digital experience for NOOK owners when they visit any of our 723 Barnes & Noble stores.” Mr. Astarita added, “We also included new games and many other entertaining features to continue to deliver on our promise to make NOOK the most fun, easy-to-use eBook Reader for people who love to read.”

Other updates NOOK customers will enjoy with v1.3 software include:

  • Reading experience: To help customers get to their content conveniently and quickly, Barnes & Noble has continued to optimize NOOK’s performance with improved page turn speed, faster access to previously opened eBooks, enhanced color touch screen navigation and more.
  • Games: From eBooks to rooks, play Chess against NOOK with one of three levels of difficulty, or get puzzled with Sudoku, choosing from four levels of play. Control the game using the color touch screen as the game board appears on the E Ink® display.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity: In addition to Barnes & Noble bookstores and other Wi-Fi hotspots, enjoy high-speed connectivity in even more places, such as those that require access to additional information through a Web browser including hotels and coffee shops.
  • Basic Web browser (Beta): While connected via Wi-Fi, explore the Web and check Internet-based e-mail accounts on the E Ink display, while using the color touch screen for navigation and to access the virtual keyboard.
  • Updated home screen: From the home menu (located on the lower color touch screen), get easy, direct access to existing features including Audio and Wi-Fi settings, as well as new features such as Games and beta Web browser.

NOOK v1.3 is now available via manual download at www.nook.com/update with additional information and easy-to-follow directions. NOOKs connected to Wi-Fi will receive an automatic NOOK v1.3 update over the next week.
]]> http://theandroidsite.com/2010/04/23/bn-updates-nook-reader-adds-read-in-store-feature-games-and-web-browsing/feed/ 0 Didn’t get your Donut 1.6 update yet? Here’s how to manually update http://theandroidsite.com/2009/10/02/didnt-get-your-donut-1-6-update-yet-heres-how-to-manually-update/ http://theandroidsite.com/2009/10/02/didnt-get-your-donut-1-6-update-yet-heres-how-to-manually-update/#comments Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:27:19 +0000 Ben Marvin http://theandroidsite.com/?p=783

T-Mobile has started their OTA rollout of the Android 1.6 Donut update. We’ve all been anxiously waiting, but if you don’t feel like waiting anymore, here’s how to do the update manually:

  1. Download the update file here for the G1. And here for the myTouch 3G.
  2. Rename the file update.zip and copy it to the root directory of your SD card. If you are on Windows and have file extensions hidden, then just name it update.
  3. After the file is copied, unmount the SD card and turn off you phone. Turn it back on by holding HOME+END.
  4. It will boot into a special update screen, then press Alt+S to apply the update from your SD card.
  5. Wait till it finishes, then hit HOME+BACK to reboot
  6. The bootup will take longer than normal, just let it finish.
  7. Enjoy some tasty Donuts!

A quick note, you do not have to have your phone rooted to update, but if you are rooted, this update will lose your root access. Questions, comments, issues? Let us know in the comments.

UPDATE: A reader wrote in with the process for myTouch owners:

There is no need to root or flash from a computer and upgrading is just as easy as with the G1. Put the update.zip file on the SD card, hold home+power until you get to the screen with the exclamation mark in a triangle. Once at that screen just press home+power again. It will take you to the recovery screen where you can use the trackball to to select “update from sd card”.

]]> http://theandroidsite.com/2009/10/02/didnt-get-your-donut-1-6-update-yet-heres-how-to-manually-update/feed/ 90 Donut clouds are in the sky, and it’s starting to sprinkle on T-Mobile customers http://theandroidsite.com/2009/10/01/donut-clouds-are-in-the-sky-and-its-starting-to-sprinkle-on-t-mobile-customers/ http://theandroidsite.com/2009/10/01/donut-clouds-are-in-the-sky-and-its-starting-to-sprinkle-on-t-mobile-customers/#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:43:42 +0000 Ben Marvin http://theandroidsite.com/?p=765

All cheesy post titles aside, TmoNews is reporting that T-Mobile US is starting to deliver OTA Donut (Android 1.6) updates to select G1 handsets as of midnight last night, and select myTouch handsets later on tonight. As with the previous Cupcake update, it’s very slow at first, presumably to catch and issues before everyone can be affected. And if all goes well, everyone (excluding rooted, custom ROM phones) will get a delicious box of Donuts in their inbox. It comes as no surprise since they updated the My Account application just last night to be Donut-compatible.

Drop us a comment if you have gotten an update yet, or if you haven’t and just want to share your excitement. And we’ll keep you posted once we dig up a link to the official firmware for those wishing to do manual updates.

And in case you’ve been under a rock, here’s what the update brings:

  • An improved Android Market experience that makes it easier to discover great applications.
  • An integrated camera, camcorder, and gallery interface.
  • Updated Voice Search, with faster response and deeper integration with native applications, including the ability to dial contacts.
  • Updated search experience that make it easier to search various sources, such as browser bookmarks & history, contacts, music, and the web, directly from the home screen.

[TmoNews]

*UPDATE* There’s now an official announcement on the T-Mobile forums.

]]> http://theandroidsite.com/2009/10/01/donut-clouds-are-in-the-sky-and-its-starting-to-sprinkle-on-t-mobile-customers/feed/ 4