Samsung Instinct gets its first firmware update: too little, too late
By Darren Murph 
posted July 30th 2008 2:30PM
posted July 30th 2008 2:30PM
Quite a few Instinct owners were giving Samsung / Sprint one option: crank out a firmware update to show that they cared before the 30-day test period expired, or deal with all that messy RMA paperwork. Unfortunately for the aforesaid firms, the handset's first update is coming ten days after that date (at least for the earliest of adopters), and initial reports suggest that glaring problems still exist. Some users are suggesting that Sprint TV is less pixelated than before and that overall snappiness is improved, but the patently awful browser still remains at 1.0 (and thus just as awful). Look, when the change that gets most people jazzed is the battery meter's newfound ability to hit 100% (and not just 90% as in the past), something is seriously wrong. Anyone else find any nuggets of goodness in the new update?[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Update: A bigger, more life-changing update looks to be planned -- hang tight, Instinct owners!
relevance = 1/10.
My job gave me an 8830 a while back and I hated it at first but other than the browser which sucks horribly, its really not a bad device.
I still prefer to ease of use of a touch screen and simplified interfaces- I hate the 8830 keyboard - but the 8830 isn't too bad.
I just returned my Instinct yesterday and got an iphone 3g (actually picked it up on Sunday). Instinct was pretty nice with the best feature being actual turn-by-turn GPS and the Sprint data plan is awesome, but the phone just had too many shortcomings for me to deal with for 2 more years. The browser was beyond god awful and sometimes the touch screen wasn't real responsive. Had a ton of great features but just didn't feel all that polished.
Now, despite the fact that I am no fan of Apple, I have an iphone and really love it. It's not perfect but it is pretty damn nice.
As soon as I've finished eating my contract oatmeal, I'm out with Sprint and onto iPhone. Sprint can't get much right except overcharging and screwing things up.
here is a good update for the Instinct. Return it and get the iPhone.
I gave the Instinct a fair chance, but with it's flaky e-mail, slow browser, and erratic reception, I finally gave up and returned it. Add the fact that Sprint tried to charge me a $200 early termination fee (even though I was well within my 30 days and took going through 5 levels of customer support before they finally realized they screwed up) made me vow to never use them again.
If this update didn't fix the e-mail or browser, then I'm still pleased with my choice to return it.
I tried an instinct and hated the touch responsiveness.
It felt so slow compared to an iPhone...although the 2.0 firmware seems to have narrowed the gap :-(
I think it's clear that this was an effort that may have had a kernel of potential, but was ruined by rushing it to market so Samsung/Sprint could have 3 weeks or so of advertising that touted a phone superior to the iPhone and wasn't /entirely/ a lie.
I just downloaded the update, all iPhone comparisons aside, the Instinct's Email client seems to work flawless for me now versus the flakiness of the previous version..
Is Engadget sponsored by Apple? Everyday I get on here and read about Iphone this and Mac that but when something comes out that is competition it just seems to get crapped on. I mean yah the Instinct might have some bugs to be worked out but what doesnt. Like the cracked Iphone case article...it was phrased in a way that didnt make it sound so bad and then this article basically tells everyone to throw away the Instinct they have. Rediculous.
iPhone problems are understood and reported in sympathetic and hopeful terms.
That is why when it takes Apple time to fix issues, you will NEVER hear "too little, too late" from these guys. They would rather drink antifreeze than hold Apple to the same standard. Engadget is in the business of protecting their favorite company from competitors not treating them the same as others.
Just wait until Apple fixes the problems with MobileMe and see the treatment that story gets. I can almost 10000% guarantee you it wont be like this.
See, that's the thing. Apple *will* fix MobileMe. Sprint and Samsung didn't, and won't adequately fix the instinct. Instead, it'll die and fade away. It'll never achieve the ubiquity the hardware deserves. And the simple reason is software. Samsung doesn't have the developer wherewithal to come up with an os that could match, let alone kill OSX, Symbian WinMo, or Blackberry OS. For that reason, this very capable handset will fade into obvlivion.
It's rare for a handset company to have a truly killer software package. HTC's a glaring exception with its notable extensions to WinMo. But for the most part, handsets that are successful are ones that let someone else worry about the software and updates thereof.
This, like the LG Voyager and (dare I say?) Prada, will never rise to the heights they deserve because of a crappy software implementation.
This device as a "me too" product from Samsung is a failure from the beginning. Without a robust ecosystem, rich SDK tools and killer iTunes Apps store like resource for users, Instinct is a total failure. August, the iPhone will extend its lead even further as new killer apps will emerge.
Nice. So did you make this same comment about the iPhone 1.0 when it was released? No SDK, do "AppStore"....ever go to PocketGear.com? Thousands of apps for Windows Mobile, thousands more for Palm. So I guess the iPhone 1.0 was a "total failure" because it didn't meet your criteria.....
Apple isnt held to the same standard. So it's ok for them.
@TriangleRocks
Absolutely correct, thousands and thousands of substandard, uninspiring UI, redundant, buggy software available for your devices. Enjoy continuing to use your substandard apps.
Thats funny that you mention the iTunes wifi store.. because Sprint has a music store with over the air downloads to the Instinct.
@John
Yeah thats really funny. Comparing it to iTunes and the App store with OTA implementation. LOL.
I for one just returned my Instinct a few days ago. Engadget is right: Too little, too late. I was waiting everyday hoping that it would get that software update, but now that I read this I'm glad I returned it. I'll be trying out the Treo 800 instead. Goodbye Instinct, you had so much potential.
@computerfixup
Your not the only one. While in line to buy one, several people did the same thing as you did. People of course will talk to each other when standing in line for several hours. The common thread is that the Extinct was just another substandard "me too" product.
Too bad...I'm a fan of Samsung products and had high hopes this would challenge Apple and put up some needed competition.
the update turned my instinct into an iPone.
I have two of these phones and no problems. Great job Sammy!!
I really hope the sales numbers are released and it's makes the iphone look laughable.
Someone needs a life. Or at least anger management.
I think there's something interesting to take away from these Instinct issues.
I've observed the high level of partisanship when anyone mentions anything iPhone related. You get Apple fans weighing in with their cult-life love proclamations, and anything-but-Apple fans weighing in with diatribes about how overpriced, snobby, and inferior to the alternatives it is.
Here we have an example of the first real major competitor to the iPhone in terms of form factor, target audience, etc. Sure there are blackberries and treos that have lots of the same functionality as the iPhone, but the Instinct is really the first phone that's available from a major provider, attacking the iPhone head-on - facing a similar target user.
With all the problems the Instinct has been plagued with, it really puts criticisms of the iPhone in perspective. Apple has done a lot with the iPhone that I don't agree with (functionality that is intentionally restricted, obvious features that have been left out, etc.), but at the end of the day , the iPhone works. As much as Apple can be stubborn with listening to user requests, I'm at least confident in them to fix bugs with core phone features. They may not add everything that seems logical to add, but you can count on them not to tollerate an "awful" browsing experience, or an interface that is sluggish.
I'm not an Apple cult-member, I've owned a Mac, but I currently run Windows, I'm pretty indifferent. What counts to me is functionality. I'm curious - when people shout out the standard quo complaint that there are "better alternatives to insert iProduct here", what and where are they? When it comes to the iPhone, and competing devices that are TRULY in the same product class, I don't think there are any yet - at least none that are worth the attached headaches, unless you're buying them just to make an anti-Apple statement (which is stupid).
And now, wait for the forthcoming Samsung Omnia i900 or also call Samsung Player Addict.
I've send 2 or 3 articles from european websites about this player, launch dates, data plans but nothing pass through here.
I now that i'm a "newbie" here, but i just wanted to bring some news about this real iPhone killer, the big brother of the Instinct.
And that's the point, maybe the iPhone is kewl, maybe the Instinct too, both have issues, but look the way we are informed...
I'm wondering how the SPA will be treated here, but i think i have almost my answer....
"I'm not an Apple cult-member, I've owned a Mac, but I currently run Windows, I'm pretty indifferent. What counts to me is functionality. I'm curious - when people shout out the standard quo complaint that there are "better alternatives to insert iProduct here", what and where are they? When it comes to the iPhone, and competing devices that are TRULY in the same product class, I don't think there are any yet - at least none that are worth the attached headaches, unless you're buying them just to make an anti-Apple statement (which is stupid)."
I dont understand. So people that use this phone must not have a "legitimate" reason for wanting it?
I'm curious as to why we are assumed that we should buy only one particular phone from one particular company? People use many types of devices from Toasters, TV, bikes, ect. ut we cant have a use for a touch screen phone that isnt from Apple? In your opinion you may not think anything is better than the iPhone, but your opinion does not translate into universal truth.
It isnt about saying there are "better alternatives to insert iProduct here", it's about saying that people do and should have choices and not be shoehorned into buying iProduct just because it the iProduct.
Not everything fits everyone.
What about the LG Voyager, isn't that supposed to be a competitor in this same field, too?
Triangle:
I don't know the answer to this, so it's a legitimate question. Does that site have applications for the Instinct?
for the instinct users reading this, i want to make this fact known, from the buzz about wireless instinct forum comes this:
"There are two updates. One will fix the native software on the phone. That's available today. The second update will be in about two weeks that will update the third party applications to use the new features and changes pushed out today. Both updates will be over the air. There should be no reason to go to the store at all.
Will England
Buzz About Wireless Admin
Sprint Nextel "
this england guy is a sprint employee, heres the link to the thread where he posted that:
http://forums.buzzaboutwireless.com/baw/board/message?board.id=Samsung_Instinct&thread.id=6364
Didn't this guy get the memo from Engadget?
After one month, it is TOO LITTLE TOO LATE!!!!! GAWD!
/sarcasm
@Fred
Exactly, I don't understand the blatant bias from engadget writers, how can something be "too little too late" when all indications are the Instinct is doing extremely well and is only roughly a month old.
I know of several iphone 2.0 owners who are still having problems, one underline issue is the crappy keyboard and slow text messaging. I'm not going to mention the problems with moblie me. Apple is still having issues with their second generation iphone!
Samsung quality control strikes again!
i blame most of this on sprint, not samsung, most people dont know, but the way this phone was arranged, sprint actually owns basically all the intellectual properties associated with this phone
Jon, much in the same way Verizon takes good devices and cripples then with crapy menus? Sad. Why don't the cell companies trust electronics makers to do what they're good at?
Fanboyism aside, is anyone really surprised that Samsung (not necessarily known for their software) didn't bust one out of the park with their first multi-touch device? Apple already make web browsers, music players and operating systems - considering how little experience Samsung have, this is probably not a bad first attempt.
Not that I can see why you would buy it though...
Apple already made portable devices, but they didn't make a phone until the iPhone. Samsung must sell more electronic devices than Apple does, and they have plenty of experience with cell phones. The only new thing to them is the touchscreen. I was really happy with my Samsung D500, though it's too bad they didn't think to include a *phone ringer* with a $400 phone.
Their OS for that phone was pretty good. Doing a new touchscreen device is a stretch, but it's not like they know nothing of making electronics.
Hey bud...next time you get a chance, open up an ianything and notice who makes a lot of it. It is not Apple. Check out that Sasmung memory and Samsung screen.
I think engadget is baised.Anytime they write about the instinct you sense this smug attitude.They never actually give credit to the strong points of the phone,but if it's something the instinct does naturally and the iphone has an app for it which cost's $25 they're all over it. Sorry engadget,you're just AOL with a mask on.
Wow, I'm gonna say this once, and I'm gonna say it loud and clear...
FUCK ENGADGET!!!!
And to think I thought it would get better. It was bad enough with Block leaping to defend biased as hell articles. But now it's blaringly apparent that the writers are on the cock of Apple. It used to be such a great site, but now it sucks and im taking my browsers and my ad views with me.
Let's see how fast it takes my post to get deleted, because we all see how Crapgadget can dish it out like a mother-fucker but sure as hell can't take it.
"goodbye, cruel world."
don't let the door hit your ass
I think engadget is baised.Anytime they write about the instinct you sense this smug attitude.They never actually give credit to the strong points of the phone,but if it's something the instinct does naturally and the iphone has an app for it which cost's $25 they're all over it. Sorry engadget,you're just AOL with a mask on.
engadget employees write stuff like this to get the most comment count they can get. they know that if they post pro apple bias writing a grip of people will comment there making numbers higher there for making the writer more valuable to aol.
The only reason people are buying this phone is because sprint has them locked into a 2 year contract and most of sprints phones suck...
so in another couple of weeks when the big update is released will it be even less later?.. or something?.. what a silly "article" this is. I want the 2 minutes i wasted of my life on this back
I decided to upgrade to the Instinct from my Palm Treo based on a recommendation from the guy (mistake #1) and I've got a new name for it: the InStink. The touchscreen response is terrible. I have to sometimes press several times or for a period of time to get a response. And the browser is a disappointment. And the phone seems flimsy to boot. The InStink is clearly a half-baked response to the iPhone. Why does everyone have to copy the iPhone? Is there any originality out there anymore? I returned my InStink and bought one of the new Palm Treos instead. The Treo may not have all the bells and whistles, but at least it works like its supposed to.
yeah, because the iphone is just glorious
http://gizmodo.com/5031469/10-things-we-want-to-see-in-the-iphone-21-update
Anthony: "they were able to take something, refine it & have it be part of the zeitgeist"
Really?... Refine the iphone to the point it still doesn't have MMS, cannot record video, no picture mail, no voice commands, no stereo bluetooth and no live TV. The GPS on the iphone is not full GPS and threre is no turn by turn directions.
When will folks realize Apple used ATT as a launching pad to get the iphone in other countries, that is why Verizon and other carriers turned Apple down. Due to the revenue sharing deal ATT foolishly signed with Apple, ATT won't make a profit until 2011.
Having the Instinct I can agree with the frustration of the phone, almost took it back myself. But no phone is perfect. I tried the HTC Touch before the Instinct and it had major flaws as well as when the first iphone came out. I will have to say the positives are much stronger than the negatives on the Instinct. It is simple, has great touch feedback, purchase movies, songs, games and I can watch live tv when I am sitting in the damn airport, and best of all the voice command business finder/navigation. The battery life is amazing compare to the HTC Touch and will last me two days with normal use on one battery; have not needed to use the second battery that was included once. I will say the windows samsung software is terrible, nice try, but no comparison with the ease of itunes and the iphone. Live TV is really nice to catch up on news, weather, oh can't forget the soft porn subscription now (lol).
So I realize its been a while since this story, but I thought I'd put my two-cents in. I recently got an instinct and so far haven't had any major issues with it (fingers crossed). I've noticed quite a few updates that downloaded so maybe those have fixed previous issues. Actually, the only complaint I have is can we Instinct owners get some cooler games than brick breakers and Tetris?