The Original i30 Owners Club
GENERAL STUFF => GENERAL DISCUSSIONS => Random Chit Chat => Topic started by: Dazzler on October 03, 2010, 06:05:20
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Just thought I'd seek some opinions on the HTC Wildfire Mobile Phone (Currently running Android 2.1).. I have a Sony Ericsson K850i which I bought outright about 2 years ago.
It has had a hard life.. after being carted around in my pocket almost 24/7 while we built our house .. Still working fine but I'm tempted to go from my A$20 p/m plan to a A$30 p/m plan and pick up one of the HTC wildfire Android phones...
I can buy one outright for A$349 but figure for $10 p/m more than I am paying now which gives me $5 more worth of calls a plan might be a better way to go.
I don't like apple software and don't really want to pay say $900 for a phone or go on a $49 p/m or higher plan so the iphone V4 is out and I have decided against the HTC Desire (which I really like) for the same reason.
I am too tight to pay extra for internet use on my phone although may use WiFi in place like McDonalds if want to check my emails while travelling (but can do that on the wildfire)
What does everyone reckon..?
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Personally don't like the wildfire but it has got ok reviews. I would get it over any iphone though.
http://www.cnet.com.au/htc-wildfire-339303248.htm (http://www.cnet.com.au/htc-wildfire-339303248.htm)
Go for it I reckon.
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Personally don't like the wildfire but it has got ok reviews. I would get it over any iphone though.
http://www.cnet.com.au/htc-wildfire-339303248.htm (http://www.cnet.com.au/htc-wildfire-339303248.htm)
Go for it I reckon.
Thanks for your opinion Mutley..
That is about the most favourable review on the net (some others are less flattering) but I think it will be o/k for me as I think all phones are too small to surf the net for any length of time (and too expensive doing that as well)
Will be only using mine for Call & Text..(mostly)
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that's why I said go for it :)
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If you are calliing and texting only then there will be smaller phones with better battery life available.
You can buy the wildfire over here for £126 outright at the moment.
If you want an android smart phone check if you can get the ZTE blade, it should be available soon. Its just be lauched over here for £109 PAYG (badges as the orange sanfrancisco with android 2.1) and at that price the spec is impressive.
If you buy a touch screen phone make sure the screen is capacitive, not resistive.
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capacitive?
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the Wildfire's known downfall is its bad screen resolution. have you actually played with one Dazz? i would strongly recommend doing so to decide if the screen res is suitable for you.
i would not go on a plan with this unit personally as you're stuck on it for 2 years, i think buying it outright is probably a better option. not sure what plan you were looking at but the only plans i've seen this on are $29 plus $10 phone payment, or $49 flat. and i think plan wise you can probably find a better phone at $30 month. particularly if you're not that interested in actually using all the smart phone elements.
if you're on Telstra then buy the locked version for $350 but you can buy it unlocked for $399 around the place as well. or even a non Telstra version for just over $400
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i just bought a wildfire 2 weeks ago and i`m very pleased with the phone and android OS.The screen response (it's capacitive and has multi-touch like the iphone) is very good and accurate and you can find hundreds of apps on android market some very useful.And now the cons: Screen resolution its not that good for the type of screen (QVGA) but if you do not plan to watch lots of movies on it and are not used to a better screen its perfect you wont even notice the difference :).Another minus is the camera, it does not take good pictures if the subject is in motion (is kinda blurry) despite the autofocus, but i read somewhere that the camera should be improved once 2.2 is out, at least that's what happened with the desire(same camera).For its price i think this phone its very good, i paid 59 euro with a plan of 16euro/month including internet access and lots of minutes.
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Thanks Lorian..
As Snowcherry says the Wildfire is $349 outright through telstra (my provider) and that is the cheapest I can get it over here (makes it dear compared to UK price) the screen is capacitive by the way
Not a big fan of the chinese ZTE brand (we got a nice little ZTE flip phone for free on a previous Telstra deal but it proved to be very unreliable - 2 different faults in the first 12 months and we had to pay postage for repairs - so replaced it with one of my spares the 2nd time)
Snowcherry..I can get it with no additional phone payment on a $30 p/m plan so doing the sums as I am paying $20 per month at the moment (using my Sony phone that I bought outright) It would be only $120 per year more to go to the $30 plan and either way I get a 2 year warranty apparently. and I get and extra $5 worth of call than what I get now...
I had a little play with the wildfire but after what you said I might have another play before deciding. Thanks for your feedback guys (and gals)
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i just bought a wildfire 2 weeks ago and i`m very pleased with the phone and android OS.The screen response (it's capacitive and has multi-touch like the iphone) is very good and accurate and you can find hundreds of apps on android market some very useful.And now the cons: Screen resolution its not that good for the type of screen (QVGA) but if you do not plan to watch lots of movies on it and are not used to a better screen its perfect you wont even notice the difference :).Another minus is the camera, it does not take good pictures if the subject is in motion (is kinda blurry) despite the autofocus, but i read somewhere that the camera should be improved once 2.2 is out, at least that's what happened with the desire(same camera).For its price i think this phone its very good, i paid 59 euro with a plan of 16euro/month including internet access and lots of minutes.
Thanks umbro..from what you say I think I have made the right choice for me.. I won't be watching any videos on it... and the camera quality is not that important either.. I carry a Nikon S570 12MP 5x Optical zoom camera with me almost all the time in my other pocket.
Don't think android 2.2 is far away.. :D
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If you want an android smart phone check if you can get the ZTE blade, it should be available soon. Its just be lauched over here for £109 PAYG (badges as the orange sanfrancisco with android 2.1) and at that price the spec is impressive.
The ZTE blade doesn't appear to be available in Australia yet .. Telstra gives by far the best coverage in Tassie so it is easier to get a prepaid from them so I can just switch the sim or one that is on a Telstra plan..
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a $30 plan flat does seem more reasonable Dazz. and if you did seem content with the screen (as umbro mentioned) then it should be fine. i know myself i'm pretty fussy with screen res so the lower res on it is quite disappointing for me, otherwise i quite like the Wildfire. and android is cool! :D
the only other thing i'd watch is the data use. the smart phone's do use a bit by default in the settings e.g synced to weather data and social networking, but you can turn these off.
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the only other thing i'd watch is the data use. the smart phone's do use a bit by default in the settings e.g synced to weather data and social networking, but you can turn these off.
Thanks for the warning SC..My decision isn't set in stone but getting close.. I can upgrade on 9/10 (saturday) without penalty as it is within 2 months of my $20 plan expiring..
I could afford to go the $49 p/m plan for the HTC desire (or buy it outright for under A$800) but think that would be overkill seeing I spend about 5 hours a day on either my Laptops or Desktop (so plenty of time for surfing)
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i have the Desire. i currently use about 60-80MB data per month, which is low but it sounds like you might be a low user as well.
i think the Desire is overkill for me but i got it on a great deal through Telstra at the time.
i still play with it a 'little' like looking at some apps etc. i think most of my data goes in keeping the weather synced and updating the apps, and using google sometimes when i'm out and can't recall a phone number and have to look it up for e.g.
when in Brissy i used the data more though, e.g more internet, more social networking, GPS,
i don't sync my mail. don't see the point.
i don't have my phone set up on wifi either so i'd use even less data if i had that set up.
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I reckon I would try to use the wifi if I wanted to do something from the net on my phone... I haven't had wifi on a phone before (like the idea of having that) :D
I am a bit of a gadget freak so I would enjoy the desire I reckon (although perhaps a bit big for the pocket (compared to the wildfire)
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you don't have to get concerned about the data used, you can get an app (i have 3g watchdog) and it monitors your data flow and can even block internet connection if it goes over what you set it for.If you are a gadget freak and can afford the desire then maybe you should treat yourself with something better :).btw desire has live wallpapers witch is very eye-candy :)) and a gorgeous screen.If not,then wildfire is definitely the best alternative.
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The nice thing with andorid is if you set it up right it will use your wifi (or public wifi) where available and only switch to 3G when no wifi is available. I tend to therefore download apps when sat at home on the wifi, but mosty just because it's quicker, as I have a sizeable data allowance.
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This thread was a bit slow to get started but I got some good info in the end (thanks heaps) :mrgreen:
I will let you know what I get and then might post a separate thread to see what apps people with android recommend. I'm leaning towards Wildfire because it is more pocket friendly in size and price... :wink: (and I think it will do the job once upgraded to 2.2)
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post a separate thread to see what apps people with android recommend.
Angry Birds beta, 'nuf said.
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post a separate thread to see what apps people with android recommend.
Angry Birds beta, 'nuf said.
2nd that... i have it on my ipod... UBER ADDICTIVE!!!
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Ill check that game out.. sounds like it might be good practice for when the wife finds out I disobeyed her...
I went in and had a play with the Wildfire and Desire today after finding out one of my workmates has the Wildfire (and is pleased with it)
I decided to get them to put a wildfire away for me to collect on Saturday and then I had to make another decision - Typical :rolleyes: (did I want a black one or a white one?)
I chose the black one and then mentioned to the wife that I wasn't sure which colour I should have chosen...
She said "Don't you dare get the white one - or your sexuality will be put into question" (but not in those words...) :lol:
So.. you guessed it :mrgreen: I went back and asked them to hold the white one for me instead (I hate being told what to do !!!)
I did get a "smoke" coloured cover for when I pick it up though.. the wife is small but she is a bit scary :lol:
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^^^^^^
crrrreeeeeaaaK!
Is that the sound of a closet door opening? :wink:
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA :eek: :eek: :eek:
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i love the white one, i wish my Desire was white :'(
they're so much prettier!
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*rips out a tin of white paint*
ill make it white if you want :P :P
(http://lasoomedia1.com.au/imageicon/SCA/PROD/J00510496/C_001/Page_001/SCA_PROD_J00510496_C_001_Page_001_i33216.jpg)
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yeah that is not helpful, i already have tins of white paint...and pink. but i doubt it will adhere very well
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burn... you shot me right down!
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I thought the white looked Gr8 but was initially worried how it would show marks but then I thought how black shows fingerprints and such.. and I have a sort of Silicon case to put around it now anyway :cool:
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I thought the white looked Gr8 but was initially worried how it would show marks but then I thought how black shows fingerprints and such.. and I have a sort of Silicon case to put around it now anyway :cool:
oh get a screen protector Dazz! very important.
i have a silicon case for my phone but don't like it much, just as it makes the phone even bigger and its too big already, so took it back off. i'm not noticing getting it dirty but then it is brown and i keep it in a handbag. the screen protector though definantly a plus cos of the fingerprints on the screen all the time. stop small scratches as well.
burn... you shot me right down!
lol :lol:
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Thanks for the advice SC . I thought the case would have a screen cover built in but alas not (So I will get a screen protector as well) :wink:
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http://www.zagg.com/invisibleshield/index.php
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Thanks for that link Umbro (cant get the wildfire screen protector from the Aussie version of that site.. only the US one...)
I should be able to pick up a universal screen protector locally though..(and cut it to size)
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have a look at Telstra, Fone Zone or JB HiFi and see if they have official screen protectors for the Wildfire.
when i got my desire i actually had the official protector thrown in for free by telstra, though it did take some arm pulling to get it.
i know they're not that cheap though, the official ones, but two came in the packet
otherwise ebay might have some made to measure ones, save you cutting one to size
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Got the wildfire..Generally pleased with the hardware including the touch screen and the resolution (for the price) .. Think Android software is a bit over rated though... :mad:
Have downloaded a couple of Widgets/Apps I want to install but need the Apps Installer.apk and so far lots of references to it but can't find anywhere to just download the fri**in' thing without registering etc... :rolleyes: :evil:
Could someone PM me if they have this Android Apps Installer and I'll get them to email it to me if that is o/k :razz: (and any other good free apps :wink:)
So far I only have battery booster and datacounter to install when I get the installer...
Cheers,
Dazz
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just search the market for ES File Explorer or go to www.estrongs.com Its a file explorer that also has an apk installer/uninstaller.Also go to menu/settings/applications and check "unknown sources" so you can install files that are not downloaded from official market.Check http://www.appbrain.com/ for an alternative market.
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Thanks for the links umbro i'll try that later ... :D
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lol i think you've picked the hardest way to install apps :lol:
but i guess the most data friendly way.
i'd recommend creating an account with appbrain and if you work out wifi, just let appbrain and the phone 'sync'. any app's you picked in appbrain will then transfer onto your phone instantly.
congrats on your new phone :D
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angry birds!!! you have to get it!!!
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lol i think you've picked the hardest way to install apps :lol:
but i guess the most data friendly way.
i'd recommend creating an account with appbrain and if you work out wifi, just let appbrain and the phone 'sync'. any app's you picked in appbrain will then transfer onto your phone instantly.
congrats on your new phone :D
Thanks...I might try it both ways :wink: :lol:
I didn't realise it was easier in Wi-Fi .. I've got that working but a bit fiddly on that little screen... :eek:
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I have just bought a Wildfire today, currently charging it up and will play later. This is a completely new step for me also so a bit of learning to be done :D :D
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...This is a completely new step for me...
Slow, slow, quick-quick, slow... :D
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:lol: :lol: :lol:
The HTC Tango :D
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Hello folks first post with the Wildfire, nice! :D :D
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Hello folks first post with the Wildfire, nice! :D :D
Splendid. Nice advance birthday pressie :D
Vodafone I see :mrgreen:
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I have just bought a Wildfire today, currently charging it up and will play later. This is a completely new step for me also so a bit of learning to be done :D :D
If you didnt get one included you might like one of these to charge it from the i30
https://i30ownersclub.com/forum/index.php/topic,6731.0.html
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The charger that comes with it is a USB lead connected to a standard 13amp plug, have just been out and checked in the i30 and the USB port in the i30 charges the HTC phone.............NICE :D :D
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cool. You might find the i30 can play any music stored on it too.
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Hello folks first post with the Wildfire, nice! :D :D
Splendid. Nice advance birthday pressie :D
Vodafone I see :mrgreen:
Yeah mine was an early Birthday Pressie too.. Happy with it so far (good one Brian..) :mrgreen:
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The charger that comes with it is a USB lead connected to a standard 13amp plug, have just been out and checked in the i30 and the USB port in the i30 charges the HTC phone.............NICE :D :D
Gee this is a gr8 site.. I must try that in my bus too (never thought of that :rolleyes:)
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cool. You might find the i30 can play any music stored on it too.
yup but you may drain the phone quicker than you charge it
seems to be an issue with the Desire, not sure about the Wildfire
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did`n know you can charge it via the car's USB, as for playing music i was using the AUX input, and the advantage was that i could use it as a handsfree and hear the call trough the car's speakers(phone has good mic didn't had to yell to be heard), main disadvantage being that i had to change song using the phone.Is there any cable like the OEM one for ipod with both usb and aux so i can charge the phone via usb and still be able to use it as handsfree and doesn`t cost that much?
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did`n know you can charge it via the car's USB, as for playing music i was using the AUX input, and the advantage was that i could use it as a handsfree and hear the call trough the car's speakers(phone has good mic didn't had to yell to be heard), main disadvantage being that i had to change song using the phone.Is there any cable like the OEM one for ipod with both usb and aux so i can charge the phone via usb and still be able to use it as handsfree and doesn`t cost that much?
I doubt very much there is such a cable umbro... mine will charge from the usb in my Hybrid stereo but cant play and charge at the same time by the look of it... :'(
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My daughter's has just been delivered and is on charge, with a very strange looking charger plug :rolleyes:
Thanks for the heads-up... it was this thread that convinced me to buy her one :D
Not that she probably needs one, but there was no user manual, other than a quick-start guide.
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Yeah, doesn't come with a manual, just the quick start, if you want the manual it extends to 188 pages PDF download from www.htc.com :eek: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
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you cand find the manual(pdf) on the microSD card that comes with it
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you cand find the manual(pdf) on the microSD card that comes with it
My card was all sealed up so I'd be surprised (I got an 8gb card as I'm also using mine as an Ipod..)
Edit.. Yep it is on the card (although it won't open on my computer - so not sure what format it is in)
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hm.. i only got a 2gb card, what extension does it have?it should be pdf, anyway heres the manual from my card
http://www.mediafire.com/?tcizma3funtydut
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hm.. i only got a 2gb card, what extension does it have?it should be pdf, anyway heres the manual from my card
http://www.mediafire.com/?tcizma3funtydut
Thanks m8 I got mine to open (as a PDF) when I copied the contents of the card to my computer (think my card reader is playing up sometimes)
I bought an additional 8GB card (will keep the 2 GB card that came with the phone as a spare for some other gadget)
Thanks for the upload I'm sure someone will find it handy .. I don't usually read instruction books but I have had to a couple of time with the wildfire (Android is not quite as user friendly as I expected, but maybe 2.2 will be better?)
Anyone got an idea when 2.2 will be available for the wildfire?
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as bumpkin posted the manuals are at htc.com as well as any other support and sometimes downloads etc
no idea on the froyo for wildfire dazz, i'd expect it will be awhile, telstra are only just releasing froyo for desire maybe this week, and they've had the desire 6 months now.
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Oh I see .. I have to wait for Telstra :rolleyes: (I thought I could get it from wherever :'()
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Oh I see .. I have to wait for Telstra :rolleyes: (I thought I could get it from wherever :'()
well [and in risk of all the innuendo's] you could root the phone
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what is that? no pun intended!
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what is that? no pun intended!
I guess that means stick some other software in it :idea:
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yep. it does void your warranty *cough* so i haven't done it to my own phone, just chosen to wait for Telstra.
but its meant to be quite easy and simple and reversible.
essentially yes you 'mod' or 'flash' the phone with devs version of the OS upgraded to 2.2. probably have all the telstra links removed etc as well.
i'm prob not explaining it very well either :lol:
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sounds simple enough! *shrugs shoulders* probably very worth it!
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I rooted my phone before I'd even put my contacts in it :mrgreen:
Rooting gives you Unix superuser access, then you can change pretty muich what you like on the phone.
If you are thinking of rooting, or loading newer andorid operating system software you will need to fastboot a new recovery program (like clockwork mod for one). Clockwork mod will allow you to take a nandorid backup of you existing setup and then flash any newer roms that the community make available.
Its vital to do a nandorid backup before you start messing with your phone.
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Sounds fiddly Lorian.. Guess it is easy if you know how.. :-[
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I updated my lass' Wildfire to 2.2 a couple of days back, using the official "Software update" option (which I don't have on my San Francisco :() Seems to have rolled out officially across Europe in the past few weeks.
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I updated my lass' Wildfire to 2.2 a couple of days back, using the official "Software update" option (which I don't have on my San Francisco :() Seems to have rolled out officially across Europe in the past few weeks.
Did it make much difference (I need to check if it is available here)
I keep getting these stupid location messages on mine which Telstra staff cant help me with. I think I am getting charged 5c each time so they better fix it and my bill next time I go in!!!
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What location message?
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Did it make much difference (I need to check if it is available here)
I keep getting these stupid location messages on mine which Telstra staff cant help me with. I think I am getting charged 5c each time so they better fix it and my bill next time I go in!!!
Dunno if there's much difference as Melissa keeps it much to herself. However I did notice a vast improvement in the response time while I was playing around.
As for that location thing... I noticed that the google navigation aid (installed app) kept asking for the default location, so I just set it to "find it out"... maybe there's an option in yours where you can just set it to something.
Lorian might have a better idea as he uses his more than I use Melissa's ;)
EDIT: I seem to remember there's a Security & Location option somewhere - maybe related?
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Sometimes a couple of times a day it will tell me where I am especially if I am driving out of town.. I get a message tone and it says Devonport or Penguin or whatever (I assume it is the current transmitter location) and I get the choice to cancel or save.. I was just cancelling them but have save the last three to show my service provider as they reckoned they had never heard of that happening :rolleyes:
Been to three different telstra offices and one guy did untick some location box in the setting but didn't make any difference.. :confused:
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With google maps navigation running or just the phone and no apps?
The real benefits of 2.2 are speed, "apps to sd card" and wireless tether.
The sanfransico (ZTE blade) with a custom 2.2 rom, hardware graphics acceleration enabled, stagefright enabled and heap size increased runs much faster than the stock 2.1 rom.
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I only run a A$30 plan so have data turned off (use Wi-fi at home sometimes) So purely used as a phone and sometimes an emergency camera..