Today's post is more of a opinion piece than a how-to or an informational one.
I have heard some people asking when/if there will be a firmware update for the BlackJack. First, let me say I have no idea if there will be one or not, but one would assume there will be at some point as it is a new product. If you look around the phone you will find many applications that are version 1.0. I don't know of any successful application that stayed at version 1.0, or at least who did not have some bugs that needed to be fixed from the initial version
There are really three companies involved in the BlackJack, as far as the firmware. There is Samsung, the makers of the actual SmartPhone. Next there is Microsoft, the makers of the base operation system (Windows Mobile 5). Finally, there is Cingular who distributes the phone and has made (or has asked one or both of the other two companies) to implement things like special security, profiles, configurations, etc. If there is a firmware update it would have to be distributed or pushed out by Cingular, as they would have full control - neither Microsoft, and especially Samsung would dare update something and not involve Cingular.
Some of the things folks want to see addressed are:
- The Java Security issues. Both GMail and Google Maps are unable to run without user interactions because of what I believe to be a security policy that Cingular has implemented. If my assumption is correct, it is Cingular that would have to address this issue in an update.
- The way BlueTooth is implemented. Personally, I only use a basic Motorola BlueTooth earpiece which I have had zero issues with so I can't really comment on there being any problems for me. Maybe if I get a BlueTooth adapter for my laptop, then I will be able to comment more on this subject. If there is an issue with this, then it would be Samsung that would have to address it.
- The phone has to be rebooted occasionally to fix some inconsistencies and odd behavior. I have witnessed this on occasion and have even had to "hard reset" (re-image the phone with the original ROM image) my BlackJack twice to resolve an issue. The reason for the "hard resets" was because my phone was crashing my ActiveSync session anytime I plugged my phone into the laptop. These two occasions happened about a week apart, and in both cases a "hard reset" fixed the issue without me having to do anything to ActiveSync (ex. reinstall it).
I am sure there are lots more things that can and should be addressed if an update is deemed necessary.
Even with these issues I really like my BlackJack. It does everything I want it to do and more. Like others, I always want to make things better and to fix something when it is possible. A perfect reason for a firmware update.
If an update is considered, and in case someone from the powers that be is reading this, I have two things I would like (2 wishes):
- I would like a real calculator application that looks like a calculator
- I would like a way to change the attributes on files so that I can move or delete them if I want to (this would help resolve the problem of not being able to change the "Start Menu" to the way you want it).
About
Windows Mobile 5.0 with the Messaging and Security Feature Pack
OS 5.1.342 (Build 15100.3.0.2)
RIL Version 2.002
ROM update versions:
Operator: 5.1.342.15100
Manufacturer: 5.1.342.15100
Microsoft: 5.1.342.15100
Language: 5.1.342.15100
File System: 5.1.342.15100
Version
PDA version: i607UCFJE
Phone version: i607UCFJE
H/W version: REV0.0
Eboot version: i607UCFJE
