Sprint just announced a "maintenance update" to the Samsung Moment Android phone. No, not a full-on Android upgrade, unfortunately. And, what's worse, you'll have to hit up a Sprint store to get it. Here's what's new:
- Network Assist GPS to allow indoor location fix
- Updates to several third-party apps, including Visual Voicemail, NFL, NASCAR and Sprint TV
- Change to Emergency Dial on lock screen
- Hard reset available in recovery mode: remove and reinsert battery; press volume down, send and end keys until reboot option pops up; scroll to wipe data/factory reset; press OK
- Various improvements to battery life
Sprint does say "The ability to download the updated directly on your Moment will be available in the near future," which is nice, we guess, but that really should the standard now. Anyhoo, if you head in and get the update, let us know how it goes. [Sprint]
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I'm glad that there's a maintenance update to fix the battery, but I'd rather be able to update from my Moment now. Looks like I'll be taking a trip to my Sprint Repair Center in the near future to get the update, unless it's available OTA in the next few days.
This was posted to Sprint.com's Website...all ya had to do was look
Last updated: Jan 15, 2010
Just like your computer, your phone's software needs to be updated periodically to make sure you have all the latest fixes and enhancements to keep it running at optimal performance. Follow the steps below to check your current version and perform any needed updates.
Version History
Current Version: S:M900.8.0S.CL14
** NOTE: The latest software update S:M900.8.0S.CL14 is currently only available by visiting a Sprint retail location with a Repair Center. Check our store locator to find a Repair Center location near you. We recommend you call ahead and make an appointment to avoid long lines.
The ability to download the update directly on your Moment will be available in the near future. Continue to check this webpage for further updates. **
Version
Date released
Description of enhancements/fixes
S:M900.8.0S.CL14 1/15/2010 This update includes:
- Network Assist GPS to allow indoor location fix
- Updates to several third-party apps, including Visual Voicemail, NFL, NASCAR and Sprint TV
- Change to Emergency Dial on lock screen
- Hard reset available in recovery mode: remove and reinsert battery; press volume down, send and end keys until reboot option pops up; scroll to wipe data/factory reset; press OK
- Various improvements to battery life
The moment is an incredible phone. I reluctantly switched from the Palm Pre, I don't regret it, the Moment is under eatimated because the Droid gets all the press buzz. Glad to see Sprint coming out with these fixes or improvements, will only make a great phone even better.
I will say that even though I love Sprint I am tiring of their vague timing references. First it was "First Half 2010" references, now it is "in the near future."
OK, just got off the phone with customer service and they have NO UPDATE scheduled. This info is an EPIC FAIL.
I wouldn't be so quick to call this info an EPIC FAIL (especially since the info came right from Sprint), maybe the CSR was incorrect?
And, what's worse, you'll have to hit up a Sprint store to get it. that doesnt sound like call a CSR to me
Just went to a Sprint store to get the update. I had to explain that the update existed, then waited 45 minutes or so only to be told that "the system" said the new firmware wasn't ready, then "proved" it by running the system update check on the phone. Further discussion got me nowhere. They told me to come back in a week or two. Apparently Sprint corporate and their stores don't talk too often. Frustrating.
So I just called my local sprint store and was immediately told it was an OTA update. I chuckled and corrected that person, directing them to this website. After 10 minutes on hold, a different person told me they have no idea how to do it, nor how long it would take. The funny part was when this person just said it would be better to wait a few days.
They may not have been smart, but at least they were honest. Now I don't have to lose 4 hours of my life while some idiot tries to update my phone. I'm going to wait for a PC download or OTA fix.
It's not available at your "Sprint store" like this article says.
The source article says "the latest software update CL14 is currently only available by visiting a Sprint retail location with a Repair Center."
Wait 24 hours and I'm sure all will be clear. Or better yet, wait a week.
I called my sprint store and they told me the had it. He tried for 45 minutes to get it on my phone with no luck. They are working on it. He told me he would call me when they had it figured out. It wasn't that much of a waste of time. He gave me an extra battery for my troubles!!
I called my sprint store and they told me the had it. He tried for 45 minutes to get it on my phone with no luck. They are working on it. He told me he would call me when they had it figured out. It wasn't that much of a waste of time. He gave me an extra battery for my troubles!!
I haven't had the chance to make the venture out to my Repair center. I thought about calling. and my3poos...how did you egt the battery? I need one. lol
Sprint is one giant epic fail. I've now been with them for 12 years. I love their plans/pricing but they always mess up like this and they are almost always ( but not a 100% od the time thank god )late to the party on new handsets. Now i always laught when i hear them say they are the NOW network. Wrong sprint, your the old man of the cell carriers slow to change or adapt to market trends. Keep pushing you 4G ads, very few care about that right now.
As much as it will kill me to pay more if Verizon gets the Nexus One and they is not announcemnet or date for a sprint version of it or something better I'm gone. I said i'd never go to verizon or att with their pricing but I think the time has come and it kills me.
Too late and too little. I made my choice.
i just left the sprint store as well and the guys had the update but it would not finish at all. he said it kept getting stalled at 50% when he ran it. it took about 40 minutes to get nowhere... sucks!
all I said was I really was excited about this upgrade because my battery life was terrible. I guess he felt bad because I was there for so long and he couldn't upgrade my phone.
I got this update today after informing them of the update. After waiting one hour they gave me my phone back with all my data deleted. They only credited me with one month of service for basically ruining my personal and business life.
So it would be a smart idea to wait for the OTA/desktop update?
If you saved all your contacts to google when you set them up your device should recover them when you put your gmail login info.
"Network Assist GPS to allow indoor location fix"
Does this mean that the "Use wireless networks" option in Security & Location settings will now actually *work*? If so, it's about time! I'm sick of my phone thinking I'm in Germany or China or some other godforsaken corner of the world.
Im getting it this weekend... about time too...cant w8 for 2.1 update tho
I forgot to add that after the update, in the System Updates section of settings on the phone, their is now a Update Andoid tab!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So when it's OTA, how do I check for it? The Update Firmware tab right? I'm sick of none of the repair centers knowing about this. Talked to Tech Support a few minutes ago, and they said that Samsung released the update, and Sprint will be rolling it out to everyone over the next week or two. So this is most def Sprint's fault. >_<
i called my sprint and wireless toyz store and they dont have any updates...the wireless toyz emplyee told me to go to sprint.com and there is nothing there for my update..i need my battery fix now!
I live in Southeastern Michigan and stopped into my closest Sprint Store this morning. To my surprise when I told them I was there to do the newly released maintenance update for my Moment they said "no problem but to let you know that your data (contacts, emails, texts, user installed apps, etc.) will be lost. The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes." The reason that I was surprised was that they were on top of things in every way. As promised the update only took 20 minutes and I didn't really hit any snags. Since I already knew I was going to loose my data, I had taken pictures of all of my home screens and programs so I knew what to reinstall and where to put things. The only thing that I had to do after the install was to delete some of my contacts. Sprint had backed up my contacts and restored them after the update. This was nice of them but since I use Gmail and sync my contacts thru there I had duplicate contacts after setting up Gmail (which Sprint offered to help me get my email setup if I needed). I would recommend to anyone going in to do the update to request that Sprint does NOT backup/restore your contacts if you are using Gmail contacts simply to save you extra work.
It's hasn't been long enough to give a fair assessment of the battery life but my early impressions are that the battery is performing better. One other thing that I noticed is that the phone would go dimmer before it should sometimes while I was navigating thru the phone. It has not done that yet from what have seen.
I hope this helps some of you out there in trying to decide whether to go in or wait for the OTA. Now bring on Android 2.1.
p.s. Remember to go to a real Sprint Store that is also a repair location and not some franchise that reps Sprint (like a Wireless Toyz) for better luck.
I live in west bloomfield Michigan...thanks for the advice, and i will request that they dont back anything up... i too have written everything i had in preparation, i will call again tomorrow and hopefully they will have heard of the update. (I called today and they had no idea what i was talking about)
Got the update Sunday my battery at least last longer......
WOW, im pissed, i called my wireless toyz again cuz they do firmware updates but they claimed they do not and to call the sprint repair center...so i called the sprint down the street from them which is also a repair center and they claim they dont do firmware updates too..i need to update my dang phone, im sick of my battery not lasting through the whole day unless i take it off charge at noon.
I'd be curious to hear some feedback on the battery life after this update from those who got it. I loved the Moment for the 30 days I had it but had to return it because of the horrible battery life. I would consider purchasing again later if the issue has been resolved (but will probably wait for 2.1).
The update is at all Sprint S&R stores. It is done through a program(ICSS) we use on one of the computers in the back. Perhaps some of the reps aren't familiar with it, or don't realize the phone must be in "phone" mode and not "PDA" mode in order to do the update (accessed through booting the device and holding send, end, and enter key.)
Went to sprint store was told had to wait 2 hours, horrible waits for ota.
Thanks for the information about ICCS, Anonymous. I have been trying to figure out what to tell the tech guys at the store about how to do this. I have called 5 different repair centers in the bay area and NONE had a clue about how to do this. Most treated me like I was nuts for thinking there was an update. I will try calling my nearest store and see if I can talk to the tech guy directly about this.
Same old same old. Went to sprint store in miami (one of only 2 repair centers I could locate) and they didn't even know about the update, after arguing with them about its availability they said they couldn't do it, called the other location and same story. Anyone know alternate routes to getting this update?
Went to my sprint store asked about the update. Said it would take 45 minutes or so and I would lose texts and downloaded apps. Asked for a pen. Took notes of all my free apps. Handed my moment over, came back and hour later and had a nice new "update". Played with my system settings found the android update tab. Now all I have to do is wait.........
Just got the update today. As far as battery life goes, it removed the actual percentage in the battery status so you have no real ideal of what percentage you are at except the icon on the homepage (which by the way is green but could be 15%). This acknowledges that the battery % just wasn't calculated correctly (you can try to drain the battery until the phone automatically powers off to convince yourself).
It deletes all apps and settings, so in my opinion it is not worth the effort (just wait for Android 2.1 which the Sprint employee had said is going to be released soon). After that update all apps and settings will be deleted again.
My opinion is to wait until 2.1 is released and not have to deal with making an appointment and waiting several hours for them to update your phone, then having to redo all your settings and apps.
Just got my update yesterday, after several past disappointments with my phone's battery life. It works great now! Previously after a full night's charging, my phone would have a 3hr talk time. Now, my phone is still fully charged after 8 hours! The updates worked. If it doesn't work for you, make sure you return the phone within the return time. Sometimes it may be the phone itself. Good luck!
I'm beginning to love this site. I have to agree with Fashunguru. The improvements to the battery life seem apparent to me. I was trying to condition the battery but the update took care of that for me. Also, that emergency dial thing is helpful too. I almost called 911 once. Glad that won't happen again... The accidentally part anyway....
This update totally fixed my battery problem. I am a heavy user... my moment was originally showing a half full battery 4 hours after getting up in the morning with typical usage for me. Now it's still showing a full battery.
I could have made it through a full day with moderate usage no problem yesterday, but topped it off after being at work all day... the battery was still showing more than half full, but I wanted to play it safe.
This update definitely fixed that.... ALSO
The virtual keyboard in horizontal orientation I have found to be MUCH MORE RESPONSIVE.. and almost usable after the update.
Anyone having an issue with the camera taking pics and the Mabilo ringtone app working after the update? I just updated my phone today and am not sure if these issues are common or the "intelligent" sprint associates had incompletely done the update? !HELP!
I just got the update for the Moment, and I am very happy with it. I can now make voice activated calls from my bluetooth headset, which was unavailable before. Also the battery fix was great. I charged my phone for the first time approximately a day and a half after getting the update, where before I would have to charge my phone every night, and god forbid I actually made a phone call. It would only last about 8 hours in standby. Now I am getting a good 24 to 36 hours of standby before having to charge again.
I had to go in the store to get the update, so that sucked. I stood around for a half hour waiting to be acknowledged, and then it took an hour to get an update that according to the tech "should only take 15 or 20 minutes". But that is a store issue, not a phone issue.
I had my Moment updated Tuesday evening. I also noticed that the battery life has imporved tremendously. I was surprised, however, that The Weather Channel Widget is gone, and I can't find it anywhere in the Market. I was also disappointed that the Market didn't remember all the apps that I downloaded. Thankfully they were all free, but it makes me a bit uneasy to purchase applications before the 2.1 release comes out. *2 is helpless on this, as the Market is run by Google, and Google doesn't have a direct way to contact a support rep. Anyone who has experienced these issues and found a solution, please post.
Update FAILS on Windows 7 32-bit on Lenovo T400. Freezes at "0% 2sec..." with error message in status bar "??????????? %A???????????????"
Unfortunately both of these are hard to google since Google discards special characters like % and ?, so this is going to be a very tough error message for other users to track down.
Update succeeded using same instructions on Windows XP SP3 32-bit.
Signs of failure:
On Win7 32-bit, once "Start Software Download" is clicked, phone screen flashes twice and progress bar does not increase while 0% remains and time expired counts 0, 1, 2. Update software then freezes with status bar message as below. Left software to finish updating for over 3 hours on 2 attempts - update software never progressed and phone was inoperable.
On WinXP, at the 2sec mark the phone flashes twice, but the update software continues within a couple seconds - anything longer than this pause is a sign of Samsung's update software failing and bricking your phone.
It's very unfortunate Samsung's software doesn't at least provide a log for such a critical operation, nor a link or even email address to technical support in the update app.
It also doesn't make clear that the warning on the phone "DO NOT TURN OFF TARGET DEVICE" can be safely ignored as a normal part of the update process. (You pull the battery, put it in, start it in update mode, plug-in USB, and receive the warning on the phone; at that point the update software instructs you to turn off the phone, which you can safely do.)
You can debrick your phone by running the update again on a supported OS like Windows XP.
JTmomentphn, I had a customer's phone that was doing the same thing on the standalone update application. Basically, I just did a few cycles of disconnecting the phone, pulling the battery, putting it back in, and then putting it into download mode again(volume down button + camera button + power button). I just kept trying and it eventually worked. Make sure the battery is well charged. Also, check the USB cable you are using. I have seen some bad cables drop connection part of the way through a transfer. If you are plugged into a USB hub, try using a direct port on the computer. If after a few more tries, it continues to give you issues, bring it to a Sprint Repair Center and let them give it a go.
Eric Hansen
Technical Service Consultant
McCall Communications - Service Center
Ocala, Florida