Update now available for me: worth it to lose free hotspot?

[Vance14]

I just got back from vacation where I used the free wifi hotspot a LOT for my kids devices, but now I will not be using it as much. And I see that I can apply the new update now. But is it worth it? I don't have many restarts, I don't have a huge GPS problem, so those are not too compelling, but how about general performance, data reception and battery life? Enough of an improvement to give up the hotspot now?

Also, if I reject the update now, will I be able to get it later if I want by running the check again?

 

[FrankXS]

Also, if I reject the update now, will I be able to get it later if I want by running the check again?

Yes, you can run the check again later. You'll get it later whether you run the check or not. Unless you root, it will be forced, eventually.

-Frank

 

[Vance14]

UGH!!!!! I left it on the screen to choose and after reading the post above, I went back to press "reject" and it was already downloading!! GRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I might have done it anyway, but I hate that it did it on it's own when I had the choice to reject it!

 

[Rav3nCroft]

It will eventually be pushed to your phone.

 

[Vance14]

Yes, but I have avoided it until now, and was hoping I could keep the hotspot for a while longer if the update was not crucial.

Can I stop the download somehow? What happens if I power off or even do a battery pull during the download? It has not started installing yet, so it should not harm anything, correct?

 

[FrankXS]

Yes, but I have avoided it until now, and was hoping I could keep the hotspot for a while longer if the update was not crucial.

Can I stop the download somehow? What happens if I power off or even do a battery pull during the download? It has not started installing yet, so it should not harm anything, correct?

You posted this at 10:39 MDT and it is now 10:53MDT, so you probably know by now. You should get yet another prompt about installing, that you can delay/refuse I think. Let us know how it went.

-Frank

 

[Vance14]

It is right now about 60% downloaded so I can still power off if it will not hurt anything.

 

[FrankXS]

It is right now about 60% downloaded so I can still power off if it will not hurt anything.

I can't answer that, for sure. My philosophy is to never interrupt an update. Bad things can happen (unless the menus prompt you and allow you to do that). But, that's just me.

-Frank

 

[Vance14]

OK, did the battery pull and it seems to have stopped the download and I see no problems so far.

So, back to my original question, is this update worth it for me (with few existing problems and still somewhat enjoying the free wifi)?

 

[FrankXS]

OK, did the battery pull and it seems to have stopped the download and I see no problems so far.

So, back to my original question, is this update worth it for me (with few existing problems and still somewhat enjoying the free wifi)?

That's up to you. Lots of threads already here about that. The update you refused, which includes a radio update, made a big difference in data signal reliability, for me. I'm very happy with it.

-Frank

 

[Vance14]

Frank, that would be useful since there are a lot of places I get intermittent data connection. If it provides some more solidity there, it could be worth giving up the hotspot now that traveling is over for a while.

 

[FrankXS]

Frank, that would be useful since there are a lot of places I get intermittent data connection. If it provides some more solidity there, it could be worth giving up the hotspot now that traveling is over for a while.

It also adds the new Thunderbolt compatible MyVerizon app, if that matters to you.

-Frank

 

[Bolt_of_Thunder]

What is the build number of the newest update? I also pulled the battery while it tried updating itself yesterday. Also what does the mobile hospot say when you enable it? Mine used to say it was a free limited trial with my last bolt but with my current refurb it now says something about increased data usage. Nothing about paying for it though.

 

[thinknate]

That's up to you. Lots of threads already here about that. The update you refused, which includes a radio update, made a big difference in data signal reliability, for me. I'm very happy with it.

-Frank

It also made a big difference in data signal reliability for me... but not the right kind of difference. That is to say, it introduced problems where I previously had none.

Any software update is a risk. It depends on how lucky you feel, and how much you want the advertised improvements. Of course, it's not entirely optional, so you'll probably end up with it sooner or later.

 

[FrankXS]

What is the build number of the newest update?

1.70.605.0.

-Frank

 

[Vance14]

Also what does the mobile hospot say when you enable it? Mine used to say it was a free limited trial with my last bolt but with my current refurb it now says something about increased data usage. Nothing about paying for it though.

Mine still has the splash screen with the laptop and the router with the text generally explaining it. But it no longer has the additional screen saying "free for a limited time" etc. But, this has been gone for a while and I have been able to continue using it without signing up for a new plan.

 

[Buzzy42]

I had a weird situation that I updated my day-1 Bolt with MR2 when it was available and still had free mobile hotspot for a few days afterwards.. it's off now, with a screen saying I have to call to enable it when I try to select it on.

I have read people who don't update to MR2 still getting locked out of free mobile hotspot so I don't think it's solely MR2, it's like Verizon is rolling out some blocking on their end as well.

 

[rabernet]

If you're not going to use it that often, it only costs you $1 a day to use it when you need it. It's been confirmed here in other threads, and I called to verify when I was traveling (but ended up not having to use it). You simply call to cancel when you get back from your trip and you'll only be charged for the days you had it activated. For those of us grandfathered in, it's unlimited for $1 a day (or $30 a month).

 

[Vance14]

If you're not going to use it that often, it only costs you $1 a day to use it when you need it. It's been confirmed here in other threads, and I called to verify when I was traveling (but ended up not having to use it). You simply call to cancel when you get back from your trip and you'll only be charged for the days you had it activated. For those of us grandfathered in, it's unlimited for $1 a day (or $30 a month).

That is very good to know, thanks!

 

[nohbody]

Does this update only effect the stock Wireless Hotspot app? Would Wireless Tether and apps like that still work?