Why did Verizon remove Google & Replace it with Bing?!

[Cory Streater]

Alright everyone, there is no guarantee this will work, but attached are the Google Search APK's from the 2.1 Droid X. Download to SD card and try to install them from there. You will need to go to settings > applications > and check the unknown sources checkbox before you can install from the SD.

 

[badmf222]

Alright everyone, there is no guarantee this will work, but attached are the Google Search APK's from the 2.1 Droid X. Download to SD card and try to install them from there. You will need to go to settings > applications > and check the unknown sources checkbox before you can install from the SD.

What are the odds that this phone can be rooted to the point where all of these Verizon horsemuffins can be removed Cory? I know in another post somewhere you mentioned the Google search existed in the system dump for the Fascinate. If it exists, what exactly would that mean? I'm assuming it's an integrated part of the OS programming. If it does exist, as mentioned, then I would hope just as easily as Verizon and Samsung disabled it to force Bing in there, you could hopefully root and re-enable it? The only thing that really deters me from grabbing this phone is how the forced Bing integration will affect the entire setup of this phone and how it is supposed to function with the Froyo updates such as the enhanced voice search app.

Anyone have any educated ideas on this one? Love the hardware of this phone more than the Incredible and Droid X, but that's only half the battle.

 

[briang00]

Should I or Shouldnt I

So I got my wife and son the DX, and I am still using my BBS2 and salivating over an Android based phone. Have been eligible for upgrade since late Aug when I heard about the Fascinate. Been waiting to check it out. Hate the Bing issue, have the same thing on my S2. Always been a Google kind of guy. Could be a deal breaker. So anyway kinda new to Android and waiting to see some indepth reviews. Also, what does it mean to "root" a phone? Definitely will be hanging on the forums..

 

[dsignori]

What are the odds that this phone can be rooted to the point where all of these Verizon horsemuffins can be removed Cory? I know in another post somewhere you mentioned the Google search existed in the system dump for the Fascinate. If it exists, what exactly would that mean? I'm assuming it's an integrated part of the OS programming. If it does exist, as mentioned, then I would hope just as easily as Verizon and Samsung disabled it to force Bing in there, you could hopefully root and re-enable it? The only thing that really deters me from grabbing this phone is how the forced Bing integration will affect the entire setup of this phone and how it is supposed to function with the Froyo updates such as the enhanced voice search app.

Anyone have any educated ideas on this one? Love the hardware of this phone more than the Incredible and Droid X, but that's only half the battle.

Please just post once. I've seen this now 3 times in 2 forums ..

 

[dsignori]

Alright everyone, there is no guarantee this will work, but attached are the Google Search APK's from the 2.1 Droid X. Download to SD card and try to install them from there. You will need to go to settings > applications > and check the unknown sources checkbox before you can install from the SD.

Awesome. I hope this works. Thanks so much.

 

[curley]

I do not create ROM's, although I would like to someday. None of what I said requires a custom ROM, just root access. Once I get the phone, I will post some step by step instructions on what I did.

COOL! Being a noob to Android that will help a lot!!!!

 

[Cory Streater]

What are the odds that this phone can be rooted to the point where all of these Verizon horsemuffins can be removed Cory? I know in another post somewhere you mentioned the Google search existed in the system dump for the Fascinate. If it exists, what exactly would that mean? I'm assuming it's an integrated part of the OS programming. If it does exist, as mentioned, then I would hope just as easily as Verizon and Samsung disabled it to force Bing in there, you could hopefully root and re-enable it? The only thing that really deters me from grabbing this phone is how the forced Bing integration will affect the entire setup of this phone and how it is supposed to function with the Froyo updates such as the enhanced voice search app.

Anyone have any educated ideas on this one? Love the hardware of this phone more than the Incredible and Droid X, but that's only half the battle.

Those are all good questions, that can't be answered until we start getting our hands on it. As for rooting, hopefully this thread at XDA will work. You're correct that I did find the Google Search apk in the system dump, which does have me scratching my head a little bit, as to why it's not in the app drawer.

 

[badmf222]

Please just post once. I've seen this now 3 times in 2 forums ..

Different people access different forums. I would just like a variety of answers. Sorry if it annoys you.

 

[Steve B]

Hey everyone. I was set on wanting the Fascinate but after what I've read. I will pass. I do NOT like Bing. I don't like the fact that VZ forces their customers to use crap. There seems to be some debate on how fast the processor actually is. I've seen it listed as a 1GHz processor while others say its running at 800MHz. Anyone have any idea?

 

[curley]

Might not be the forum for this, but if I root this, will it erase all the programs or just grant me access to everything?

 

[Cory Streater]

I've seen it listed as a 1GHz processor while others say its running at 800MHz. Anyone have any idea?

It definitely has a 1GHz processor. It's possible that they under clocked the Fascinate to 800MHz, but I guess we won't know until we get them. There's a program called Quick System Info in the Market that will show you this, and a ton of other useful information as well.

I will say, that speed is definitely not something I've been hearing complaints about. Some reviewers are even saying it's faster than the Droid X, which is already blazing fast.

 

[Cory Streater]

Might not be the forum for this, but if I root this, will it erase all the programs or just grant me access to everything?

It just gives you read & write access to directories and files in the ROM. It doesn't delete or add any files or programs.

 

[curley]

It just gives you read & write access to directories and files in the ROM. It doesn't delete or add any files or programs. Think of it as having admin privileges on a PC.

Then I will definitely be rooting this phone! by the time I get it all the ROMs will be out.

 

[Ivisi]

It definitely has a 1GHz processor. It's possible that they under clocked the Fascinate to 800MHz, but I guess we won't know until we get them. There's a program called Quick System Info in the Market that will show you this, and a ton of other useful information as well.

I will say, that speed is definitely not something I've been hearing complaints about. Some reviewers are even saying it's faster than the Droid X, which is already blazing fast.

A more likely answer would be that the processor utilizes some sort of speedstep technology that backs the CPU speed down to conserve battery consumption when the extra MHz is not needed.

The screenshots I have seen indicate the processor has a minimum speed of 100MHz and a maximum speed of 1000MHZ, but that the current speed (at time of screenshot) was 800MHz. To me, that means at that given moment in time, the phone only needed to run the processor at 800MHz.

 

[thebizz]

this one has a max clock speed of 1ghz with a conservative governor so it will only crank up to that speed when needed and wont stay their long

 

[Steve B]

Interesting. Now we just have to wait and see if the tricks to get rid of Bing or at least be able to set Google as default will work.

 

[ottscay]

Sad, the hardware looks sweet but it looks like it's only worth getting once you can root and install custom ROMs to it. I'll keep my X for now (not really much of a sacrifice IMO).

 

[thebizz]

you can already root it the one click root should work on this phone. and custom roms no need just root it it will get alot better

 

[watchout4d]

My angry email to Verizon and their response

I sent this email to Verizon regarding Bing:



I have been a Verizon Wireless customer for almost 15 years. During that time I have remained a loyal customer because of Verizon's superior network and strong customer service. For years I was disappointed with Verizon's selection of phones and smart phones until about a year ago when Verizon launched their Android line of phones. Since that time I have been extremely happy with the technology Verizon offers. However, recent developments with your company have infuriated me as a customer of Verizon to no end. I have learned that a phone I was anticipating, the Samsung Fascinate, is preloaded with Bing search instead of Google. This would be a mute point except your company decided to make Bing the only search option on the phone. The default search cannot be changed, and the Google search bar is not loaded onto the phone, and cannot be used. Considering that the Android phone is a Google product, it is reprehensible that this important Google feature is missing from the phone. As a customer I pay almost three thousand dollars a year for your services. How on Earth have I not paid for the right to experience Android phones the way they are meant to be used and experienced. I sincerely hope that this practice will not spread to other Android handsets. If Verizon allows this terrible anti customer practice to spread to other Android smart phones, I will immediately discontinue services with your company, and express my frustrations with everyone I know including multiple forums. I am not alone in my anger and frustration. Countless post on the internet are expressing the same frustration. As a Verizon customer, I deserve superior products that meet my needs. Your competitors offer these products, and so should you!

Angry and Frustrated Customer




Here is Verizon's response:


Thank you for your feedback. I am very happy to hear you have been pleased with the new Android phones, however, I am very sorry to hear of your disappointment with the preloaded BING search engine which is pre-installed in the new Samsung Fascinate Android phone. My name is Veronica and I am happy to assist you with your concerns regarding the BING application being the default search engine for this new exciting Android phone.

I have great news for you! Although the Samsung Fascinate is preloaded with BING search instead of Google, you may indeed change your search engine to Google on the Samsung Fascinate.

On the Samsung Fascinate after signing into Market, search for the Google application (i.e. Google Maps or Google Voice Search), and install the desired application. Your browser homepage may also be changed by selecting More > Settings > Set Home Page. You may also place a shortcut to the Google Search and/or Maps application on the desktop for quick access and use.

Dax, Verizon Wireless is always looking for ways to better meet the needs of our customers and your comments and feedback provides us with the perfect opportunity to hear exactly what you think, and often leads to improvements and changes you will see in the future. Thank you for taking your valuable time to express your thoughts and concerns.

I hope the information I have provided above regarding making Google Search your search engine on the Samsung Fascinate is helpful to you. We appreciate your business and loyalty over the years thank you for choosing Verizon Wireless for your wireless needs! You are truly a valued customer, and I hope we are able to restore your confidence in Verizon Wireless so that we can prove we are worthy of your continued business. Should you have additional questions or feel your concerns are not resolved, please reply to this e-mail.

Sincerely,

Veronica
Verizon Wireless
Customer Service

 

[Checkingout]

That is a great write up and hope the response (fix) works. I am still more concerned about GPS at this point. But every improvement makes this phone better for all who order.