Release Updates and Other News

[dyslexicbunny]

Funny, the Revolution forums have it pegged for a release on the 25th. The longer I wait, the more likely I am to just go Dinc2.

 

[ncbryan]

Funny, the Revolution forums have it pegged for a release on the 25th. The longer I wait, the more likely I am to just go Dinc2.

What are the revolution forums?

 

[dyslexicbunny]

Unfortunately, there's no way you'll not feel dumb (well facepalm dumb) on this one. Even if I wasn't entirely clear. Sorry.

So the LG Revolution has a device forum here too. That is where they are talking about the LG Revolution. It's in the LG section just below the Samsung one.

 

[imnuts]

Well said and I will be more careful with my words. However, if it was related to the network, I think Verizon would have said something by now. They stated that the network has been up in running two days after it was brought down. Furthermore, if it was network related, I think they would have probablly stopped selling all 4G devices such as the thunderbolt and usb modems if it was a serious network issue.

It's easier to not release a 4G device and hide its existence than to completely stop selling 4G devices that have been out for several months. How do you explain to someone that the Thunderbolt or MiFi was available yesterday, but not today? What do you do if someone comes in with a problem with one of those devices and customers ask about it? It would create significantly more problems than delaying an unreleased phone. Also, don't forget that the Thunderbolt was supposed to get an update a week or two ago that got pulled with no explanation as well.

 

[lpsquall]

It's easier to not release a 4G device and hide its existence than to completely stop selling 4G devices that have been out for several months. How do you explain to someone that the Thunderbolt or MiFi was available yesterday, but not today? What do you do if someone comes in with a problem with one of those devices and customers ask about it? It would create significantly more problems than delaying an unreleased phone. Also, don't forget that the Thunderbolt was supposed to get an update a week or two ago that got pulled with no explanation as well.

You are right about that. It would cause unnecessary chaos if they pulled available 4g products. I just hate that Verizon isn't being transparent with this delay. Just tell us what the hold up is all about and we can move on.

 

[ncbryan]

Unfortunately, there's no way you'll not feel dumb (well facepalm dumb) on this one. Even if I wasn't entirely clear. Sorry.

So the LG Revolution has a device forum here too. That is where they are talking about the LG Revolution. It's in the LG section just below the Samsung one.

Duh.....You are right, I feel dumb! Never been a huge fan of LG phone or smartphones. Guess that is why I didn't pick up on it.

Bryan

 

[barrycinti]

You are right about that. It would cause unnecessary chaos if they pulled available 4g products. I just hate that Verizon isn't being transparent with this delay. Just tell us what the hold up is all about and we can move on.

FWIW:

I stopped by the local VZW store and talked with a store rep. Below are items I found out. I do not know if they are valid or not.

- he did not think the delay was related to the Apple suit issue

- he indirectly indicated the Charge phone is fine, it is a 4G network issue

- the Charge constantly switches from 1X/3G/4G, but the Thunderbolt does not

- there were no posters on the windows. There was a Charge on display, but it could not be turned on

Some of the above contradicts what I have read elsewhere, so who knows.

 

[davey11]

FWIW:

I stopped by the local VZW store and talked with a store rep. Below are items I found out. I do not know if they are valid or not.

- he did not think the delay was related to the Apple suit issue

- he indirectly indicated the Charge phone is fine, it is a 4G network issue

- the Charge constantly switches from 1X/3G/4G, but the Thunderbolt does not

- there were no posters on the windows. There was a Charge on display, but it could not be turned on

Some of the above contradicts what I have read elsewhere, so who knows.

I was in my local store also yesterday. Rep I talked to wasn't sure what a charge was and had to look it up on the comp. Then he says no indication of release date.
When I informed him it was officially released on the 28th and then delayed, he told me I was mistaken and there was NEVER an official release date. I told him obviously he knew nothing about the phone. Then he started to get combative and started to go on a rant about how he knows everything official vzw does blah blah.
I shook my head and walked away irritated and kinda pissed at the treatment I got.

Just an example of the range of competence of vz reps from fairly well informed to TOTALLY CLUELESS like this dummy.

 

[Cruiserdude]

This is getting ridiculous. I don't see how VZW expects anyone to take this LTE business seriously if they delay and/or cancel and redesign every phone that is supposed to come out for it. I'm starting to wonder if this isn't all a massive bait-and-switch conspiracy.

Regardless, I'm getting really torn about what to do. I'm sick and tired of my LG Versa, and want a smartphone like you wouldn't believe. I keep waiting for info on the Bionic, but have still heard NOTHING, and at this rate I wonder if we'll still see it at all.

I wouldn't mind a Charge, and I'm starting to reconsider going back and buying one. As I said, I have the ability to get one now, I'd just rather wait. I really want a Bionic, but if I get a Charge, I don't want to pay $300 for it. Hopefully they'll reduce the price in light of all this delay, they'll have to do something to gain their customers' goodwill back.

 

[DroidXcon]

- the Charge constantly switches from 1X/3G/4G, but the Thunderbolt does not

:

So full of it , i couldnt walk from one end of my building to the next without me going to 1x and hanging or losing data completely.

Every Rep should be required to follow Android Central if you ask me

 

[lpsquall]

If the Charge is constantly switching from 1X/3G/4G, perhaps the charge needs a firmware update since the 4G network seems to be working fine on the Thunderbolt. Verizon and Samsung could be working on releasing Honeycomb sooner than later to combat the switching issue.

 

[DroidXcon]

If the Charge is constantly switching from 1X/3G/4G, perhaps the charge needs a firmware update since the 4G network seems to be working fine on the Thunderbolt. Verizon and Samsung could be working on releasing Honeycomb sooner than later to combat the switching issue.

Did you have the switching 1X/3G/4G before you got a firmware update on your bolt?

 

[moondrius]

I really don't think that is the reason for the delay. My Thunderbolt did this more than my Charge does.

 

[lpsquall]

I really don't think that is the reason for the delay. My Thunderbolt did this more than my Charge does.

Okay. It was just a thought.

 

[rescueswimmer]

Since, I have nothing better to do when I'm stuck in front of a computer for work. I emailed samsung/usa mobile division and pretty much summed up our frustration of an april 28 release then a cancel then some stores selling them etc. If you want a phone you know the story. I received an email in about 15 minutes stating she was forwarding it to her Verizon counterpart. This is what I received back from her

"Thank you for your note and your patience. While we have not announced a new release date, we have every intention of fulfilling our commitment to our customers and offering the Droid Charge by Samsung in the coming weeks."

I replied with a polite way of asking what is the problem. There on the shelves at the stores, Through pretty much every conspiracy theory about the delay at her. I have not heard back as of yet.:'(

 

[Cruiserdude]

Honestly, I would highly doubt that you'll actually hear the reason for the delay, or any suggestion of a confirmation of your speculation, considering the implications. However, your frustrated emails and mentions of all our speculations are likely to catch some attention, and maybe it will be further motivation for them to remedy this situation. I can't imagine VZW or Samsung enjoy the rumors that this situation is creating, on top of all the lost sales and customer accounts, and every reminder of that has got to remind them of that.

Also, I HIGHLY doubt the Apple lawsuit theory. As stated, these type of things result in settlements and cross-licensing deals, not successful injunctions. And I don't see Apple shooting themselves in the foot by truly attempting to halt the device sales of their main hardware supplier. Yes, they eventually would get someone else, but it would take much longer than most people seem to think. New phones and platforms take a LONG while to develop and perfect, as we all know firsthand. With the iPhone 5 expected to launch in a few months, Samsung could simply put a hold on production of the A5 chips and that device would be dead in the water. Sure, Apple had a major part in the chip's design, but its still a Samsung part and they're sure to hold enough patents to prevent Apple from simply taking the A5 whitepapers to another fab. And its unlikely they'd be able to even develop something very similar using existing A4 technology, considering that was Samsung as well and I'm sure they've got the patents to prevent that if things get nasty enough.

So more than likely, Samsung has the power to force Apple to scrap the iPhone 5 for now and be forced to design a new SoC practically from the ground up, and adapt the platform to it. Unless they ported it to OMAP4 or Tegra3, but that simply isn't Apple's style. This would obviously be a MAJOR setback, likely preventing Apple from releasing anything new until next summer at the very earliest. Yes, Samsung would eventually be hurt from losing Apple as a component buyer, but the extended delay would be a much bigger blow to Apple, who would lose a ton of market share until they developed a new platform, especially with how fast the market moves these days.

Not that Samsung would plan to take such extreme measures, but they know they could, and know that Apple knows that. So I don't see Samsung taking the Apple lawsuits too seriously, and highly doubt it would cause a device delay while they try to work something out.

 

[lpsquall]

The Thunderbolt just received an update. Apparently after installing the update, the user should have a much stronger 3G connection and better GPS functionality. The update was suppose to be released the same time the Droid Charge was suppose to come out. This could be the reason why the Charge was delayed. Maybe the wanted to test this new update before releasing the device. Now that this update is available, perhaps the we may see the Droid Charge very soon with a similar update.

 

[ncbryan]

The Thunderbolt just received an update. Apparently after installing the update, the user should have a much stronger 3G connection and better GPS functionality. The update was suppose to be released the same time the Droid Charge was suppose to come out. This could be the reason why the Charge was delayed. Maybe the wanted to test this new update before releasing the device. Now that this update is available, perhaps the we may see the Droid Charge very soon with a similar update.

You are correct that the TB was "supposed" to receive this update. My understanding is that once the update started to roll out, there were issues or problems and the update is now on hold. I have a TB and have not seen the update yet. So it looks like everything is on hold at VZW concerning their 4g devices at the moment.

Bryan

 

[lpsquall]

You are correct that the TB was "supposed" to receive this update. My understanding is that once the update started to roll out, there were issues or problems and the update is now on hold. I have a TB and have not seen the update yet. So it looks like everything is on hold at VZW concerning their 4g devices at the moment.

Bryan

Not according to Breaking: HTC Thunderbolt Update is Available Now! - Droid Life: A Droid Community Blog

Androidcentral just posted a story as well: http://www.androidcentral.com/htc-thunderbolt-update-now-rolling-out

Double check and see if you receive a prompt to update.

 

[ncbryan]

I hadn't checked my Twitter account, but just did and am downloading the update as I type this! Didn't receive the automatic update, but when I forced the check for new updates it came in. Thanks for the heads up!

Bryan