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Again I Ask, Where Is The Samsung Fascinate Froyo Update?

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I don’t own a Samsung Fascinate. I don’t own a Samsung Galaxy S device. I don’t even use an Android phone as my primary handset. Yet, for some reason, the fact that Verizon has yet to put out the Samsung Fascinate Froyo update continues to bother me.

Samsung Fascinate

I get lots of emails from frustrated Fascinate owners. Some of those owners are now former Fascinate owners.They got tired of waiting for something that was promised almost a full year ago. They also got sick of watching other Galaxy S devices get their scoop of Android 2.2. First it was T-Mobile’s Vibrant. Then it was Sprint’s Epic 4G and AT&T’s Captivate. Heck, the Epic 4G’s Froyo update has rolled out twice before Verizon has even attempted to roll it out once.

I think the final straw for a lot of owners came when U.S. Cellular was able to beat Verizon to Froyo with the Samsung Mesmerize Android 2.2 update.Or maybe it was yesterday’s news that Three UK’s Samsung Galaxy S would be getting – no, not Froyo – but Gingerbread. That’s right. A Samsung Galaxy S device will probably be getting Android 2.3 before Verizon’s gets Android 2.2.

As someone who is very passionate about smartphones, this is infuriating and quite frankly, it’s a reason that I will likely never make an Android phone on Verizon, at least a Samsung made one, my primary device.

You know what the saddest part of all this is? It’s the lack of communication. U.S. Cellular was open and honest about their update for the Samsung Mesmerize, why is it so hard for Verizon to communicate with Fascinate owners?

Truthfully, I am beginning to believe the conspiracy theories that say that Verizon is never going to release Froyo for the Samsung Fascinate. Of course when and if they do, it’ll be embarrassing, but at least it will reward those that were loyal.And now, with the AT&T and T-Mobile merger on the horizon, Verizon is certainly going to be counting on loyalty. But I’m not so sure that they’re going to get it. At least not from thousands who bought a Samsung Fascinate.

46 Comments

46 Comments

  1. Tattooedchick

    04/07/2011 at 1:50 am

    I have a Fascinate and I’ve had it with Samsung. Don’t know who to blame more, Samsung or Verizon.

    • 3mp3ror

      04/17/2011 at 4:06 am

      It’s Verizon’s fault. Samsung released 2.2 a very very long time ago for the Galaxy S. The manufacturer isn’t to blame for the carrier not being able to keep up with demand.

    • darron

      04/21/2011 at 4:06 am

      Hey I just update to froyo today and it works good update flash player to 10.2 though

  2. Zippy

    04/07/2011 at 1:55 am

    I dumped my fascinate last month. Slow, clunky, and crashed frequently. Not sure if it was 2.1 but the dangling carrot of 2.2 finally wore me down. Now that I have an iphone I can’t imagine why anyone would hold out to marginally enhance that brick.

  3. Cubdukat

    04/07/2011 at 4:52 am

    I just found out that I’m eligible to get into a Thunderbolt 4G for 149 bucks, even though I’ve only had my Fascinate since September. Think I won’t take it?

    It’s probably a stupid unfounded rumor, but I thought I saw somewhere that it’s possible that Big Red’s insistence on Binging up the Fascinate is the reason there’s been no update. Google won’t allow Samsung to give it to Verizon, and Microsoft won’t let them out of the deal. Personally, I don’t buy it, and if it is true, where the hell was Google last September when the Fascinate came out? Kicking Google Search to the curb didn’t merit anything more than being banished from their Android phone gallery.

    But to be completely honest, there really wasn’t anything horribly wrong with the Fascinate–other than having Samsung for a parent, that is.

    • Sterling

      04/11/2011 at 3:05 pm

      How were you able to upgrade? I’ve had my Fascinate since September as well and would like to do the same. Thanks in advance!

      • Johnny V

        04/11/2011 at 3:59 pm

        Friend of mine has had his Incredible for less than a year and the other day received a call from verizon offering him an early upgrade to the thunderbolt for no real reason. Not so sure what thats about, I wouldnt mind that type of call lol.

  4. Sgdogwalker

    04/07/2011 at 5:36 am

    We’re on T-Mobile so we were talked into getting the G1 as a good-enough substitute for the iPhone 3GS. This was in 2009. Flash forward to 2011 and my friends who got the iPhone 3GS don’t feel a manic urge to upgrade because they can use and enjoy about 99% of the apps on the Apo Store. Not the case with those of us who are stuck with an Android 1.6 handset. Most of the apps released after June of 2010 can’t be installed or if they can, they don’t work. So no Angry Birds, just an Angry Android Owner. This will be my first and last Android handset.

    • Saurabh

      04/07/2011 at 10:07 am

      Why the hell you are stuck with G1??? Even iOS has upgraded to 4.3 and you are still stuck at 1.6! Open your eyes, look around, there are many more Android phones who can beat down iphone 4 hands down. Wake up

  5. John Marston

    04/07/2011 at 9:49 am

    im all set to get official Gingerbread in a week . I think the problem in USA is with carriers not Samsung

  6. Disgusted

    04/07/2011 at 2:15 pm

    Fascinate- awesome hardware, truly a great phone.
    Samsung & Verizon- don’t they get it? They are big boys. If it’s an issue with Microsoft are we to believe they can’t negotiate their way out of it?? At this point I can’t believe that it is a coding issue. Verizon’s lack of openness has tarnished their reputation among users. Just go to Verizon’s dedicated Fascinate fourm to see that. Check out SamsungJohn or GalaxySSupport on twitter to see how Samsung’s is suffering as well.

    The Fascinate wasn’t the first Samsung smartphone I’ve owned…it will probably be the last.

  7. Monsieur Africain

    04/07/2011 at 3:04 pm

    @Disgusted the biggest insult like Adam says is the fact that the Mesmerize which is the EXACT same phone as the Fascinate (sch-i500) has Froyo and we Fascinate owners do not. This is most definitely a Verizon problem and it is very upsetting. I wish there was something that us as Fascinate owners could do in order to show Verizon our leverage. Some kind of united front. #froyogate

  8. VuLN

    04/07/2011 at 3:20 pm

    I agree with you. I’m please can you help me as I can find the imformation I need. Thank you very much!

  9. thatguydev

    04/07/2011 at 4:53 pm

    I have a Fascinate and you know w2hat? There’s no point in crying because you don’t have Froyo yet. Eclair is perfectly good, and think about it this way- Sure, there’s no Google Search right now, but this has an easy fix. Download a third party launcher, like Launcher Pro, then download the google search package from the web. It’s simple, and it replaces that horrible TouchWiz interface. Also, how often are you going to use Adobe Flash Player? Honestly, Froyo will come when it comes; There’s no huge upgrade to be looking forward to.

    • Monsieur Africain

      04/07/2011 at 5:26 pm

      What the heck are you talking about you obviously are naive about Froyo completely. The gap between eclair and froyo is HUGE. This is someone who came from a Droid X with Froyo on it.

      It is not only about Adobe Flash player, there are some things like screen capture (screenshotting), FAR better copy/cut/paste integration, Faster processing due to JIT complier, email is also being repaired as well as Facebook announcements, and we get media hub as well from Samsung now.

      You have got to be kidding about not a huge upgrade from Eclair to Froyo. Obvious Troll is Obvious. The gap from Froyo to Gingerbread however isn’t much.

    • Monsieur Africain

      04/07/2011 at 5:28 pm

      Not to also mention you get new and improved apps (youtube, gmail, google talk, etc.) Next time what I want you to do is type in Froyo Galaxy S in youtube before posting. One of the things I’m definitely looking forward to is screen capture and the new copy/paste/cut system.

      • Sophie

        04/07/2011 at 6:00 pm

        I agree with Monsieur Africain, totally. And I really use Flash, so not having it is annoying. I’m not geeky enough or confidant enough to root my phone and get it. I like the fascinate, but not being able to view sooo many websites using Flash is frustrating.

        • Stephenie

          04/07/2011 at 9:39 pm

          Goodluck getting the root to even recognize your fascinate… I’ve been trying for days & It won’t recognize… I’m not geeky or confident.. but I can follow directions.
          I feel like if I even step inside a VZW store, I will get arrested.

  10. Michael

    04/07/2011 at 7:10 pm

    If everyone called Tech Support at Verizon and complained of the problems (locking up, not answering calls, lag, etc), I bet they would listen. I am on my third Fascinate now and the problems won’t go away. I plan on calling again and demanding a new model.

  11. Tarrant

    04/07/2011 at 7:20 pm

    There is precisely zero (0) indication at all that an official ota Froyo update is on the way for the Verizon Fascinate. There has been NO new information from Verizon Wireless in approximately 9 months, and even as I type this, the same old line is being thrown out to inquiring consumers: “we’re working on it.”

    There will -not- be an official update to Froyo — it has been abandoned, and efforts are now focused on their upcoming (and very ambitious) product line. They’re waiting until this whole thing blows over, and it will, eventually.

    Sorry Fascinate owners: you’ve been had. Thankfully, you can still enjoy the leaked, abandoned versions of 2.2 which are surprisingly functional. Sure, you have to void your warranty, but.. hey, you -do- want Froyo, right? ;)

  12. Samgdsrrrr

    04/08/2011 at 12:29 pm

    Verizon have some kind of agreement with bing. It’s hard for google to support a google phone with bing software as the default. So blame verizon.

  13. Droidout

    04/08/2011 at 2:07 pm

    I talked to Verizon about. Customer service manager refuse to talk to me but told the service rep to tell me it is Samsung holding it up. I called Samsung and they said it would about 2 weeks. I talked to them 3 weeks ago and no update at this point. Can anyone tell me how to get out of 2 year contract with Verizon so I can go to a different carrier and not buy a Samsung phone.

  14. Andy

    04/08/2011 at 2:36 pm

    I gave up on waiting a long time ago and got my self hooked up with 2.2.1 Froyo S.C 2.9.2 . Enjoying it a lot. Google it.

  15. Mike

    04/08/2011 at 4:56 pm

    thanks for writing this. It does a good job of verbalizing the frustration we fascinate owners are feeling. will probably wind up rooting. starting to feel as though update will never come.

  16. Annie

    04/08/2011 at 5:11 pm

    I got a fascinate about 2 weeks ago. I asked at the time about flash player (the biggest advantage to Froyo). Was told, phone has it, no worries. Only to find out 2 days later that there’s no hope. I have 30 days to return the phone. I am trying to see if there is any positive news, but right now it looks like I’m switching over to an HTC or Motorola.
    Too bad for Samsung. They’re really going to start hurting from their smart phones not selling. I’m sure Verizon is equally to blame.
    Its annoying because so far I really like the phone. It works well, but can’t do the primary function that I bought it for. Oh well.

    • Mscwheat

      04/08/2011 at 6:13 pm

      You don’t have 30 days anymore, it’s now 15. It was changed not that long ago. I suggest you get another phone and give up on Samsung phones..

  17. Hischackkkxo

    04/08/2011 at 8:58 pm

    rooted my samsung fascinate and i have 2.2 on it, works perfect<3 love it!

  18. Johnny V

    04/08/2011 at 10:22 pm

    The only problem with rooting at this point is Verizon no longer replaces phones in stores. Since April 1st all Android phones experiencing issues will be mailed out for evaluation to capture people tampering with the OS and rooting. If it’s confirmed that the OS was tampered with you have to pay for a replacement as accidental damage. Careful.

  19. F123222

    04/11/2011 at 11:24 am

    I spoke with a Verizon employee yesterday. He seemed to blame it on samsung, and told me that the update probably won’t ever be released. Good thing I’m rooted….I’m already on froyo.

    • Johnny V

      04/11/2011 at 1:48 pm

      Nobody seems to know for sure if this is a result of verizon or samsung. Every other galaxy s phone in the world legitimately has froyo. I’m rooted too tuning 2.2.1, don’t see why they could have just released it instead of making us break the rules :)

  20. Luelui1951

    04/12/2011 at 1:16 am

    This is an email I just sent to Verizon wireless:
    Please send me your latest excuse as to why the OS for my Samsung Fascinate has not been released, Also please send me your finger pointing to Samsung causing the delay as it is appropriate and standard practice for two vendors to point the finger. As a consumer I am required to send any funds required by the billing department immediately (within 30 days) or be required to pay penalties immediately (which for some odd reason immediately changes to with in 10 days of billing receipt).. A consumer is not allowed to pay a bill soon (a minimum of 8 months or more). I’m not sure of the meaning of “too soon” but it must be well over 8 months. Hopefully the Fascinate OS does not come “too soon”.
    I also sent this to their automated email sent to let you know they will respond within 24 hours, (God only knows how long 24 hours is in corporate time logic. Remember for large global corporations it’s always in a different time zone for one of their offices.) Please do not answer “soon” as my 2 year contract expires September 2012.
    I also sent the above message to Samsung, changing the verbiage where appropriate. I recommend that all who are being screw.. by Verizon and Samsung send a similar email to both, but not “too soon”.

  21. OpenD

    04/12/2011 at 8:50 pm

    Yeah, will never buy another SAMSUNG product of any kind. Will not allow any family member to do so. And will go out of my way to discourage anyone I can not to purchase SAMSUNG.. It wouldn’t be so bad if there were just some honest communication from Verizon and/or SAMSUNG. Total disrespect!

  22. Mgurule80

    04/12/2011 at 10:02 pm

    Head over to XDA and be done with it… I’ve been running 2.2 (de-Binged) for a month now with no issues.

  23. ScottInc

    04/13/2011 at 11:29 pm

    I just finished my phone sales call with Verizon where I picked up a “Certified Pre-Owned” Fascinate for $40 after my “New Every Two” discount (but before the stupid sales tax based on the full retail price that is required of all California residents, for some reason). I’d already read that Froyo was endlessly “coming soon” and that both Verizon and Samsung are pointing at each other as the cause.
    I’ve also already bookmarked the XDA Galaxy S Series wiki page, which links to their modded versions that work perfectly well on the Fascinate. So I’ll play with it as it is for the duration of the 14-day return window (it’s not 30 days or even 15 days now) and if I decide I like it enough, I’ll just root it too and even start looking for the XDA version of Gingerbread.

  24. adam

    04/21/2011 at 3:34 am

    its here. my update is here.

  25. Luelui1951

    04/21/2011 at 5:49 am

    Wow FROYO LIVES!!!! I just updated from the big V!!!!

  26. Dennis Clayton

    04/21/2011 at 9:38 pm

    Downloading it as I type this. Yay! 89% more to go over rural 3G…

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