Most of our readers may know by now that there has been a story circulating the Internet regarding the Samsung Froyo update for T-Mobile’s Vibrant. Several days ago a tipster, who supposedly works for T-Mobile, tipped off Android Central and Androidspin, ranting that Samsung is not allowing T-Mobile to release the 2.2 update due to the fact that it will dampen the glory and thunder of the Vibrant 4G device slated to hit T-Mobile this year. The tipster states:
Some disturbing things have happened the last week or so concerning our “Vibrant.” Samsung has NOT allowed us to push the update OTA for 2.2 because they feel it will decrease the value of the upcoming Vibrant4G +. While from a marketing aspect I totally understand, as the Vibrant 4G is what the original Vibrant should have been in the 1st place. But to shun off and bold face lie to customers is NOT what T-Mobile is about.
The tipster further tips, that the new Vibrant 4G is very similar to the current Vibrant, with the exception of a new movie added, a front facing camera and HSPA+ support. The staff over at CNET reached out to Samsung regarding the issue and this is what they had to say:
Samsung Mobile does not comment on rumors or speculation. With regard to the Froyo update, we recently issued the following statement: “Samsung feels it is important to make the Android 2.2/Froyo upgrade available only after we feel that we can give the millions of U.S. Galaxy S owners a simple and reliable upgrade experience. Due to the complexity and unique functionality of each Galaxy S device, we are performing additional testing and are working to make the Android 2.2/Froyo upgrade available to all U.S. Galaxy S owners, including the Samsung Vibrant, as soon as possible.
The response seems, with all due respect, to lack a little…well, response. It’s a nice little disclaimer, but come on Uncle Sammy! The company is responsible for single handedly selling over 10 million Galaxy S devices. There is absolutely no reason why any Galaxy S phone in the US should not be running Froyo by now. The company has to be concerned that this might effect future sales. Who would want to invest in a device for a couple of years to find that there is a possibility the manufacturer will not support it? It’s the Behold II all over again! To blame it on “complexity and unique functionality” is to simply pass the buck. So, it’s still unclear as of now what the true underlying issue is, but hang in there folks. Do you want to let us know how you feel? We’re sure Sammy is reading, so feel free to fire away in the comments below.
