Serious Froyo Calendar Bug -- Critical data loss!!!
Not sure if this has been previously reported, but there is a serious bug in the Froyo calendar that results in critical data loss.
(Sprint Evo 4G, stock, official OTA .06 update, non-rooted)
When editing an existing calendar event on Froyo, the Description field is deleted and overwritten by the Where field. If you have an empty Where field, for example, whatever you may have previously written in the Description field gets erased.
Hitting the "Cancel" option will keep the data intact, so you essentially can not edit an event on the device once it's created without deleting the description field.
For those of us relying heavily on Google Calendar services for business, this is not only an inconvenience, but a potential disaster as critical data gets erased not only on the device but on the cloud and every other device synced to it!
My business uses the calendar extensively, with 30-50 events a day, and most of them with lots of data in the Description field.
HELP PLEASE...
I find it difficult to understand how a data-destroying bug could make it into a final release version like this. Is this bug only in the official Evo version of Froyo? Can someone on the unofficial .03 version replicate this bug? Can someone on a custom ROM (CM6?) verify the same? Is there anyone on the official OTA .06 that *doesn't* have this bug?
And lastly, is there a google calendar app or widget that might allow me to edit events on Froyo without erasing data? (UPDATE: It seems at least some calendar apps do still correctly edit events, such as Jorte and iRT Calendar. These apps don't seem to offer a visual option like the "Time View" on the stock calendar... anyone know an app that does?" )
I alerted Sprint to the issue but I didn't get the idea that they were so alarmed. I'd think that with a device like the Evo that has the potential of drawing former Blackberry or Iphone users (as it did me) to a new network and platform, a calendar that erases data might be a high priority bug to fix (like within hours) or perhaps they're too busy counting their money from new subscribers for the first time in years.
...UPDATE: *Multiple* calls to Sprint were met with continued ignorance. They literally denied there was a bug, and produced several erroneous claims about the situation. "your software installed incorrectly... do a hard reset" A hard reset, a true data-wiping hard reset does NOT fix the bug. It is present on all Evos with the official Froyo update. I'm curious to know if any rooted custom Froyo roms also have the bug? Anyway, Sprint was about as unhelpful, unresponsive, inconsiderate, and useless as customer service/tech support could possibly be. They read from scripted procedure and wouldn't listen to me trying to convey the idea that this was a new unreported bug that they needed to file further up the chain.
In fact, I must have talked to over 15 people at Sprint between 3 different calls, not including the one where I was disconnected. It's frustrating spending 45 minutes of my time on the phone trying to communicate a discovered bug. Not to mention every single time they transfer you to a new rep, you have to go through the whole process from scratch... name, phone number, pin number, explain the problem, blah blah blah. "I have to transfer you to an Evo specialist... tech support... this person... that person..." but never a person that gave even the slightest sense of real concern.
Hey SPRINT, is it possible I actually have a BUG that you are unaware of, and someone might actually stop their robotic customer service process to file a report? No, they seem far too lazy to do any real work.
Sorry if I seem a bit miffed. Actually, I'm very disappointed in the service from Sprint. I don't expect an immediate fix. (Although I'm sure the right person could make it happen within hours.) And I guess perhaps I'm one of only a handful of people actually putting the calendar through its paces, non-stop creating and editing events. I'm running a business with several employees and lots of appointments, and our calendar is essential. I sure don't want to go back to crappy AT&T coverage to use an iPhone because the calendar works. I'd much rather be back on Android 2.1 when I could correctly edit an event without deleting crucial data.
Now for the GOOD news: I realized I'd overlooked a potential resource, and got the sense to call HTC. All I can say is WOW, great experience for my first call and so far only call to HTC customer service. My call was immediately answered by a native English speaking individual who conveyed a real personality. I'm convinced she was human. She was both surprised to understand the bug and how and why it happened. She took the time to track down an Evo in the call center and verify the bug first hand. She consulted others, determined the best approach, and filed a bug support request with a higher level in the chain. Oh yeah, she actually apologized that this had been a problem and seemed honestly thankful that I'd taken the time to try and bring it to their attention. She was genuine and present. In contrast, I'm pretty sure the Sprint reps spend most of their time text messaging each other or surfing porn while they pretend to listen to phone calls, incessantly chanting "you need to perform a hard rest."
HTC support has saved the day, at least as far as making me comfortable again with owning an HTC product that is in all other regards working quite well. I've resigned to the fact that all network c.s. is crap, whether it's Sprint, AT&T, or probably even Verizon, which I've not used. This will likely continue until we have network independent phones (and laws that encourage such) and true competition for SERVICE.
Problem resolved? No. The bug is still here. But it seems HTC is honestly looking into it, and I'm waiting eagerly for a call back. All I really want to hear is "Yes, we've verified the bug. Yes, we think this is an important bug to fix quickly. Yes, we are working on it as a priority and you can expect a solution within a matter of days, not weeks." Hopefully they'll take responsibility and get the ball rolling.
If you've read this far, thank you. I hope you got something out of it, even if it's just the knowledge that there is at least one very genuine and real HTC customer service rep who seems to find her job interesting enough to take it seriously and let the customer know they're actually the reason their company is in business.
I promise to update this post (and add a new post to the thread) when I know something more about HTC's response.