Epic 4G: problems so far — and a few solutions

Since the Epic 4G launched on Sprint August 31, we’ve been receiving notes from owners on various issues they’ve experienced with the phone. We’ve heard about and experienced problems with the supposedly-fixed GPS, to surprisingly slow 3G uploads (fix on the way), to odd issues with battery drain and glitchy market install problems. Now that we’re facing the end of Sprint’s 30-day return period, we’re wondering if Sprint and Samsung have shown enough of a commitment to resolving any problems to keep owners and potential buyers hanging on. Check after the break for a few of the issues we’ve found and what can be done about them, and let us know in our poll how optimistic you are about the future of this otherwise well-received device.

Continue reading Epic 4G: problems so far — and a few solutions

Epic 4G: problems so far — and a few solutions originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Denon RCD-N7 loves a wireless party, AirPlay too after $49 update

Denon’s got the Apple AirPlay bug and bad. The company was showing off several AirPlay compatible 2010 receivers (models ending with “11”) at the CEDIA show last week including this new RCD-N7 CD jobbie. The $599 unit coupled with a pair of $199 SC-N7 speakers features an iPhone dock (or USB jack) for local music sourcing. Otherwise, it’ll stream audio from the likes of Rhapsody, Napster, Pandora and Last.fm. Better yet, the receiver also features a Party Mode Plus setting for a five-system multi-zone setup scattered throughout the home, all managed by Denon’s new iPod / iPhone / iPad Remote App. Look for it to hit shelves in October along side Denon’s $49 AirPlay update. That’s right, it’s no freebie — an unfortunate precedent for anyone hoping to update their existing audio gear.

Denon RCD-N7 loves a wireless party, AirPlay too after $49 update originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 06:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: EVO 4G update removes framerate cap

You hoped, you opined, you might have even prayed — and as it turns out, you win. As many of you have suspected, the latest firmware update to Sprint / HTC’s EVO 4G does, in fact, let us break past the former 30 frames per second barrier. You know, the one HTC said couldn’t be crossed with software updates alone. At least, it did for our handheld, as you can see above. Good news for everyone bothered by this (now seemingly) artificial limit — now back to your regularly-scheduled WiMAX enjoyment.

Confirmed: EVO 4G update removes framerate cap originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson pushes Android 2.1 upgrade for X10 family back to ‘late October’

Big surprises, eh? Sony Ericsson has been playing fast and loose with its calendar yet again, as it has just announced that the hotly (and by now angrily) anticipated upgrade to Android 2.1 for its X10 family of devices won’t be happening until late October. We were given the gravest of assurances that the end of September would be the time our tragic wait would end, but nope, apparently “we need a couple of more weeks before we are ready to start the roll-out.” Just so we’re clear, this isn’t Android 2.2, which is Google’s current highest iteration and has been around for months now — this is the upgrade to 2.1, aka Eclair, aka the software that’s not too far away from its first birthday. SE is trying to console users with promises of HD video and continuous autofocus bundled into the Xperia X10 update, but then there’s also word that different configs of the phones will get the update at different times. So don’t be surprised if your French-speaking X10 Mini is still doing the Donut deep into November.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Sony Ericsson pushes Android 2.1 upgrade for X10 family back to ‘late October’

Sony Ericsson pushes Android 2.1 upgrade for X10 family back to ‘late October’ originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 07:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint outs EVO 4G and Hero updates, EVO framerate cap might be solved

Last time we checked in on this problem, HTC had said that the EVO 4G’s 30fps cap on video output simply couldn’t be increased — but it seems the latest firmware update might prove otherwise. We’ve got a couple screen shots showing details of the latest upgrades for both the EVO and the Hero; in the latter case, you’ve just got a couple bug fixes, but the EVO’s list includes a total of four: the nasty calendar issue, the 30fps fix, a reboot problem involving GPS, and multiple Gmail sync that was busted in the Froyo update. Interestingly, Sprint’s official changelog only mentions the calendar and Gmail sync fixes, so it’s possible they’re trying to keep the other two low-key to prevent undue questions and curiosity from folks as they upgrade. What’s everyone seeing out there?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Sprint outs EVO 4G and Hero updates, EVO framerate cap might be solved originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy S meets Froyo by month’s end for T-Mobile UK customers

Android phones and their eternal struggle to get the latest version update, it’s a book that needs to be written. It was only last night that we were hearing that the Froyo upgrade for Spanish Galaxy S users would be pushed back till late October, yet today our emotions are swung back the other way by news of T-Mobile UK promising the exact same update by the end of this month. If our solar calendars are accurate, that means there’ll be no more than a 10-day wait left for T-Mo customers using this 4-incher. We’ll bug the other UK networks as well to see whether their 2.2 updates are in the mail or still lost somewhere in the frozen isle.

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy S meets Froyo by month’s end for T-Mobile UK customers

Samsung Galaxy S meets Froyo by month’s end for T-Mobile UK customers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 09:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola Droid X now getting OTA Android 2.2 update

Good way to start Wednesday, indeed. Right on schedule (and not a minute too soon), the over-the-air Android 2.2 (aka Froyo) update for Motorola Droid X has started propagating the radio waves. We’ve received dozens of tips already, from those who both checked manually and received notification in the status bar. In addition to a new Android, there’s also improves visual voicemail with Bluetooth support, a refreshed mobile hotspot app, and a fix to prevent data connections from dropping as you move between WiFi and 3G coverage. Go on, check your phone now — and don’t forget to pick up the new Gmail when you’re done updating.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Motorola Droid X now getting OTA Android 2.2 update originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Early third-generation Kindle software update improves web browser, provides new way to feel e-litist

What better way to read up on your Republic of Gilead lore (whether or not such country allows you to read in the first place) than on a digital screen via firmware that’s just a tinge futuristic. Amazon is offering an early preview of software update 3.0.2 for the latest generation of its Kindle reader. It’s as simple dragging-and-dropping a file onto your device, jumping through the right menus, and waiting patiently for several minutes. What does it offer? “Web browser and general performance improvements,” according to the site, and while the browser did seem a tad snappier, that could very well be a phantasmagoria of our optimism. Still, you do get to show all your friends you’ve got a newer version, and that’s what really matters, right?

Early third-generation Kindle software update improves web browser, provides new way to feel e-litist originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic’s $900 Lumix GH2 officially debuts: 16MP, 1080p movie mode, 3D interchangeable lens

Well, would you look at that? The rumor mill nailed it once more, and we couldn’t be happier about it. Here at Photokina, Panasonic just removed the veil from its glistening Lumix GH2, a followup camera that looks to be worth every penny it’ll cost you to upgrade. There’s a 16 megapixel Live MOS sensor, SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card slot, Micro Four Thirds mount, 23 points of auto focus tracking, face detection and so, so much more. Like what, you ask? Like an ISO range from 160 to 12800, hot shoe accessory mount, 3-inch rear LCD, mini HDMI output, USB 2.0 connectivity, a 2.5mm remote / external microphone input and a 1080/60i movie mode.

Read on for more

Continue reading Panasonic’s $900 Lumix GH2 officially debuts: 16MP, 1080p movie mode, 3D interchangeable lens

Panasonic’s $900 Lumix GH2 officially debuts: 16MP, 1080p movie mode, 3D interchangeable lens originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 04:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung NX100 priced at $599+ for October release, NX10 gaining i-Function lens support in October

Samsung’s press event kicked things off here in Cologne, and Photokina 2010 just wouldn’t be Photokina 2010 without oodles of talk about mirrorless cameras. After talking up its NX100 for the better part of an hour, the company took a moment to answer a few questions from the crowd. The biggest news, however, was the unveiling of the price point. Up until now, Sammy has remained mum on how much its latest and greatest compact would run, but we were told the 20-50mm bundle would ship at some point in the near future for $599 (we’ve confirmed that it’ll ship in October), while the 20mm pancake lens bundle would go for $649.

In related news, last year’s NX10 will be gaining a huge level of functionality thanks to an October-bound firmware update, which will add full support for the company’s range of i-Function lenses. You heard right — the NX10 you splurged on last year will soon be able to play the same tap-and-scroll settings game as the NX100. Speaking of lenses, Samsung also confirmed that it would be willing to “provide technical information” to other companies in order for third-party i-Function lenses to be created. We didn’t get the impression that any other outfit had come forward with interest, but we couldn’t be happier to hear that there’s no walled garden surrounding the technology — particularly with how impressive it was during our initial NX100 hands-on.

Lastly, the company admitted that it’s hoping to have a 1080p model ready at some point in 2011, and it’s also hard at work on an APS-C sensor that’s better geared for low-light situations. Music to our ears, to say the least.

Samsung NX100 priced at $599+ for October release, NX10 gaining i-Function lens support in October originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 09:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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