SPH-D700
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Android 2.3.3 leaked for Samsung Epic 4G, dubbed 'Leaky' for good reason (video)
If Samsung Epic 4G users have needed any tangible proof that Gingerbread is coming, the same build we reported earlier (ED12) has been leaked to fulfill your bleeding-edge desires. A plucky group known as the Android Creative Syndicate deserves applause for this release, which it's dubbed "Leaky Gingerbread" as it still contains many bugs. Namely, WiMAX is non-functional and the snapshot lacks Ext4 support (which is Android 2.3's preferred file system). In other words, while this build includes a steep "wow factor," you might reconsider its appropriateness for daily use. To see Sprint's 4G slider alive with Gingerbread, jump the break and click play.
Epic 4G user agent string suggests Gingerbread is on the way?
Samsung's Epic 4G just recently got Froyo, but it might not be too long before the handset bites into another toothsome treat -- a user agent profile at Sprint's own website lists a newer software based on Android 2.3. We can't say definitively whether this ED12 build will actually make it to retail phones anytime soon, mind you -- our own Epic 4G is presently on EC05 right now -- but it seems very likely that Europeans won't be the only Galaxy S owners to snarf down gumdrop buttons this year.
Samsung's DI07 update for Epic 4G adds Media Hub, but does it fix other issues?
The Samsung Epic 4G has a new software update available that takes the device from version DG27 (spotted in the build number and baseband version) to DI07. Since it launched on Sprint at the end of last month, users have complained about various issues from inaccurate GPS results (despite functional results in our testing with apps like Google Maps and Foursquare, obtaining a precise location from satellites only is still iffy at best and too often requires a reboot), 3G upload speeds that appear to be capped at 150kbps, poor signal reception and more and are likely waiting to see if those have been addressed. So far, the update details (included after the break) indicate that isn't the case. Getting the update is a matter of luck for now with the servers initially in push mode but when it hits users should have access to the just-launched Media Hub app as well as optimizations for battery power in hotspot mode, performance tweaks and several fixes including one for recognizing 32 GB micro SD cards. Our Epic 4G isn't rocking any new patches no matter how many times we hit Update Android; if you get the update, let us know if you notice any other changes. Update: A few commenters have linked up the zip file for your manual upgrading pleasure. We were able to update using the process and haven't experienced any glitches or instantaneous combustion as a result, though we are feeling even more attractive and intelligent than usual. A demonstration video from AndroidCentral is embedded after the break if you're still curious.
Samsung TV schedule points to Epic 4G in August?
On August 20th, at 4:30PM Eastern Standard Time, Samsung will show off the Epic 4G smartphone on their television support website. Why is this of interest to you? Simply because the last two times the company did such a thing -- for the Vibrant and Captivate, respectively -- these infomercials all but coincided with the phones' planned release date. We wouldn't go around making any wagers if we were you, but if someone asks you when we might see a Galaxy S with a physical keyboard, you'll be able to make a ballpark estimate instead of pulling numbers out of your hat. Don't know what we're on about? Read our full preview of the Hummingbird-laden device. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Samsung's Epic 4G for Sprint looks to score FCC approval
Does this outline of a really awesome phone ring a bell for you? No? Well, let us toss you a hint: it's from Samsung, and it's got WiMAX. That's right -- what you're looking at is a Sammy bearing model number SPH-D700, which we believe to be the phone you know better as the Epic 4G for Sprint. The test report identifies the D700 as a "Cellular/PCS CDMA/EvDO Phone with Bluetooth, WLAN, and WiMAX," so unless Samsung's got another 4G phone for Sprint waiting in the wings, that sounds like pretty damning evidence to us -- especially considering that the ID label document's outline basically matches up with the real device. Interestingly, Sprint has yet to commit to a release date for the Epic, which leads us to wonder whether it was waiting for this to happen... let's hope. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
