vB Easy Archive - 8600 update to fix problems?

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8600 update to fix problems?
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Posted by: Joe Foe from Bu

I called Audiovox today to find out when the next firmware upgrade will be avalible. It's avalible! I was told my provider "Verizon" has it and Audiovox does not know why it has not been offerd for install yet. After a hour on the phone explaining this to many Verizon reps I gave up since each time I was told Verizon does not have the firmware upgrade yet from Audiovox and when they do they will let me know.... and I should check back in a couple weeks. Yes this pissed me off! The phone seems like a nice phone if the simple problems get fixed ASAP.
I have tried this way, TWO forms Verizon reps can fill out that Verizon has is to get things fixed
1) "Verizon voice of the customer"
2) "Trouble Ticket"
and it does not seem to get much action...yet.....but I am getting credit to my account for Verizion not fixing it.

Check a post I started called "Want Verizon to fix it?" for more details on the forms.
http://tinyurl.com/ysbag

Anyone have a differnt angle to shake Verizon's tree to get the upgrade?

Posted by: Joe Foe from Bu

The firmware upgrade was released last night by Verizon. I had it installed today at Verizon Service center and it does fix allot of the VR problems. I was told the other problems very possibly will not get fixed in less other 8600 owners call in to Verizon & Aduiovox to insist they get fixed ASAP like I have. The Firmware update # 3_5.236. To check to see if you need a update press:
1) Menu
2) 6
3) 6
4) 8

Posted by: mollysom

hi, I have the audiovox 8600 and wanted to know how to do the firmware update. thanks much!

Posted by: Joe Foe from Bu

To check to see if you need a update press (on your 8600):
1) Menu
2) 6
3) 6
4) 8
and note the software verion you have which will be lower then the verion I posted since thier is only two verions avalible. The original verion and the one I mentioned....so every one that has a 8600 before today needs the upgrade.

Posted by: mollysom

Hi Joe - I do have an older firmware. How do I go about updating it? thanks!

Posted by: Joe Foe from Bu

Hmm? Put your 8600 phone in your hand and get in your car and drive to your local Verizon service center and tell a Verizon service rep to install the latest verion I mentioned. Be wise though it was released last night so some service reps may not be up to speed on it being avalible yet and tell them it is and they need to check till they find it.

Posted by: mollysom

I'll do that. I know it was silly asking but I'm new to Verizon.

One more thing - is there usually a charge for this?

Thanks so much taking the time to respond.

Posted by: Joe Foe from Bu

It's free to have it updated. I was having fun with my replies so don't take my replies the worng way. PLEASE call Verizion & Audiovox and have them documnet the problems the way I mentined to get the others fixed ASAP.

Posted by: mollysom

will keep you posted on this

didn't take your response the wrong way...huge help

Posted by: ecarvin

Mr. Foe:

So what was fixed in this update? (PLEASE tell me that it gives me the option to remove the obnoxious Verizon Wireless banner on the outer display...)

Posted by: Joe Foe from Bu

This update does not stop the obnoxious Verizon Wireless banner on the outer display. PLEASE call Verizon & Audiovox and do what I said to do to motoviate them to do so in the next update. AudioVox said they will not make it possible in less Verizon says too. Audiovox made the phone to Verizon's specs and they will not change any thing with out Verzions blessings. Verizon will not change any thing in less we show we want it changed (the way I mentioned to docummet it) with many of us saying so. Audiovox has told me 99% of the problems we have are cause they made the phone the way Verizon wanted it and if I was to purchase one from Audiovox it would not have the problems. The problems are from a certain chip Verizon insisted in having installed in the phones....BUT that I can not say for fact .....but sevral Audiovox reps have told me the same thing after speaking with the same reps sevral times building thier trust and help me better understand why the phone has the problems it does.

Posted by: ecarvin

Aaaaa! They came out with a firmware update but didn't address a SIMPLE problem that's driving every 8600 user CRAAAZY? That's nuts. I know for a fact they've gotten tons of complaints about this. They just don't want to take their god×××× AD off the sub lcd. (Yeah, it's an ad -- this "enhanced roaming" crap is obviously just a scam.)

Anyway, thanks for your efforts, Joe. I'll be sure to file complaints with Verizon, as you suggested.

e

Posted by: lets456

Did they change the search feature in the phone book? The search feature has to be the worst I have ever seen. Please let me know. I know it's early, but does this firmware update have any notable bugs.

Posted by: Riche_guy

I called Audiovox Canada and they say there is no update of the software. I also asked about the patch for the the voice activated dialing and they say no. Anyone using Bell Mobility heard of anything?

Riche_guy

Posted by: Joe Foe from Bu

FYI the flashing Verizon on the out side display is thier cause of the chip I mentioned and not needed like Verizon tells us. I have many comfirmations that it is not needed. Audiovox said to me some thing that made sense
"Do you really think Audiovox would make it so it was needed? It's a pain in having to look at that flash every five secs! No Audiovox only made it flash like this cause Verizon wanted it that way along with the many other problems"
To try to prove it's not needed it still flashs when thier is no service in a area. Also notice when you open the phone it does not flash.
PLEASE..... call Verizon and Audiovox and have it documented the way I mentioned you want it removed along with the other problems fixed. This last update only addresses the VR problems from what I can tell and have been told by Auidovox. The Verizon reps knew nothing about it when I had my update done other then it was avalible. Audiovox has told me inless they get told by Verizon to fix it they will not fix it ....AND when the next new model comes out to replace the 8600 it will not have priority and very possible ever get fixed.

Posted by: ecarvin

So I went to get the latest firmware, and I was told at TWO locations that they had the firmware, but not the cable they needed to install it. Can this company get its act together?

Meanwhile, one of the Verizon folks I talked to at a store told me the on-and-off Verizon Wireless on the outer display would NEVER go away.

Obnoxious.

Posted by: Joe Foe from Bu

Ecarvin, I hope you asked for a credit for your trouble and Verizons mistake. I know I would have not left the first place with out a credit for the default $20.00 Verizon policy when a coustomer asks for a problem Verizon caused and twice the credit to my account if I went to the second location like you did and found. FYI read the post I have mentioned called "Want Verizon to fix it?"
http://tinyurl.com/ysbag

I have tried this way, TWO forms Verizon reps can fill out that Verizon has is to get things fixed and have over $100.00 in credits.....so far.
1) "Verizon voice of the customer"
2) "Trouble Ticket"
and it does not seem to get much action...yet.....but I am getting credit to my account for Verizion not fixing it. The more of us that ask for these forms to be filled out in detail the better chance we have in getting problems fixed.

Posted by: petec

As for the flashing "verizon wireless", there are other threads in this forum on how to change that. You need a cable and the program bitpim.

I did it, I replaced the words "verizon wireless' with my name. It now switches every 5 seconds between clock and my name.

I heard that if you are out of verizon coverage, it should switch to different words so you don't answer the phone and pay roaming charges.

My $0.02

PeteC

Posted by: ecarvin

But I don't want it to switch between the clock and my name. I just want the ×××× clock!!!

Posted by: Joe Foe from Bu

Thanks for the info Pete C about changing the flashing Verizon on the out side display. Yes it's possible to change it to stop flashing Verizon....but it still flashes every five secs. Wouldn't it be nice if it did not flash at all? Thats why I say we ALL need to call Verizon & Audiovox. Seems you have been brain washed some what with Verizons wanting of it to flash caned reply they are told to tell us when we ask to have it removed or why it flashes. Again it does not flash when the phone is opend or when you missed a call so that if you think about it disproves that it is thier for us to know when we are in Verizon network. If it was such a concern the phone does show when it is roaming with another display. OR...Verizon could just made it flash when roaming (which I have been told is possible). Also note other phones don't flash like this one. All it is a cheap way to make us note Verizon name. As I look at my 8600 I see SIX Verizon names on my 8600. Thats six to many in my book and not needed. I can live with one or all maybe on a stickers or way we can program that we would have the option to remove them.

Posted by: Riche_guy

Thank God we don't have that flashing Verison on the front display at Bell Mobility.

Riche_guy

Posted by: Joe Foe from Bu

Thank your for that info "Riche_guy" which proves again it is not needed. Verizon needs to really re-think the way phones are tested/made to Verizon specs and how problems like this are fixed ASAP.

Posted by: Riche_guy

Quote:

Originally posted by Joe Foe from Bu
Thank your for that info "Riche_guy" which proves again it is not needed. Verizon needs to really re-think the way phones are tested/made to Verizon specs and how problems like this are fixed ASAP.

Well they don't have the flashing Verizon, but Bell has done things with the phone that I am not happy about. They removed the games and instead want you to download them for a fee and they took off the brew feature. If you check out the audivox site there are two versions of the 8600

riche_guy

Posted by: feirmma

I just got my MOK8600 so I can connect my phone to myu computer and finally kill the annoying Verizon banner.

However, after I installed the USB drivers and all the programs, I can not get the comp-uter to recognize the phone.

Do I have to go into any special mode on the phone? Or should the computer recognize it right away?

Thanks for the help. I am a novice when it comes to playing with files on mobiles.

-Mark

Posted by: mollysom

Joe - so i took my phone to the V-store and assured me that i'll be getting the firmware update. I went there twice, and instead, i was given new phones with the same old software!!! Will keep you posted

Posted by: Joe Foe from Bu

Hope you asked for a credit for Verizon's mistake and waisting your time....TWICE. Getting credits sure makes me feel better about Verizon's problems...if they don't fix them.

Posted by: Gatsu

I ventured to the Verizon SErvice Desk today, waited in line for a half hour to hear the lady say she had never heard of a firmware upgrade for the 8600. How can I ask for a credit on something they have never heard of? Who has gotten the update and who at Verizon can I call to verify that it is available so I don't waste my time in line anymore? Saying I read it on a message board isn't going to help me so what are the hard facts? Does Verizon have this available at all locations? Does Verizon acknowledge it is available and can I call someone to tell me which locations can install it?

On another related note, I asked if they could set my phone to be compatible with the 8300-8500 phonebook software like you mentioned Joe, again the rep had no idea what I was talking about. It's almost like I need some proof when I walk in there from Verizon that these things do exist and can be fixed. Joe have you gotten them to make your phone compatible with the MOK-8300 or 8500 software?

THanks guys and can someone please get that 8600 software available on here??? at least via email request????

Posted by: Joe Foe from Bu

Hmmm How to prove to Verizion they don't know every thing/that thier is a update. You could try calling Verizon 1-800 to verify..or Audiovox. If that fails I would get in a managers face (being nice) and insist thier is one and he/she needs to find it...and give you a fair credit for you wasted time and effort. I posted the update number so that may help also.

Posted by: mlspm

Will calling *228 and choosing option 1 not upgrade my firmware? Do I REALLY have to drive to Verizon?

I tried it just now, it made some appropriate noises, said it committed the upgrade, but I still see
Software: T055VE2M01_4.235, Hardware: TX-55C_Rev_02
(same as before). I purchased my phone yesterday -- is there chance they actually upgraded it, hence no change?

Thanks in advance for advising the clueless.

Posted by: Joe Foe from Bu

mlspm, You need to go to a Verizon Service center to get the update. I would hope you too would ask for a credit to your account since you just purchased the phone yesterday and had to go back to get the upgrade. The upgrade has been avalible for days now and should have been updated before you purchased it.

Posted by: mlspm

Thanks, Joe Foe! I decided since I am going there anyway, I'd exchange it for LG 4400 B. Seems that Audiovox 8600 is not mature enough yet (and I don't have the time/patience for messing with it). No one has properly thought through the user experience, plus it's too buggy (e.g., my ringer volume was refusing to go up).

Happy with my LG so far.

Posted by: petec

As of 4:00 PM EST, 3/9/04, the Verizon Techie said they had problems with the upgrade and it trashed some phones. They are having a conference call later this week to cover this subject. I'm to call on Monday.

PeteC

Posted by: Joe Foe from Bu

LOL Please ask Verizon to show the info they are having problems and make a copy for us all to see (please post it) If it's true they will have a paper trail. Sounds like verizon is telling you a line of bull sh_t to me. My upgrade does make the phone work allot better with no problems related to it. I say I don't think it's true after being in sevral service locations and talking to many Verizon reps on the phone that some tend to send you away with replies like that rather then fix teh problems you present. The sense I make out of why is they must get judged on how fast/how many problems they can fix in a certain time frame. Since most Verizon reps don't know about the upgrade yet they may let others test the waters to be sure it works and not get a repeat repair that will come back on thier perfomance reviews. Being in the repair feild for 20 plus years I know things happen like this.

Posted by: lets456

Quote:

Originally posted by Gatsu
I ventured to the Verizon SErvice Desk today, waited in line for a half hour to hear the lady say she had never heard of a firmware upgrade for the 8600. How can I ask for a credit on something they have never heard of? Who has gotten the update and who at Verizon can I call to verify that it is available so I don't waste my time in line anymore? Saying I read it on a message board isn't going to help me so what are the hard facts? Does Verizon have this available at all locations? Does Verizon acknowledge it is available and can I call someone to tell me which locations can install it?

I called my Verizon center in Mt. Laurel,NJ and the tech had no Idea what I was talking about..."Software upgrade for the 8600, I have no such notice of this anywhere." I will wait and see. My phone is not having any problems at this time, except for that lousy "search feature" in the phone book.

Posted by: Iberam

I just checked the approved device list doc for verizon i have dated 3/11/04 and the current software for the 8600 is T055VE2M03_5 with prl of 50150

Posted by: Gagetwhore

So does that confirm taht there is a new firmware release since my phone currectly has t055ve2m01_4

Also my prl is 50152 so either that is the non eri prl so teh banner goes away or its an older one right?

Posted by: Iberam

There is definately a s/w update if you have anything below 3_5 and if a tech tries to tell you otherwise then make him look it up and show you the approved device list which has s/w version on it to prove him wrong. Also i am not sure if that is the eri or non eri prl, mine on my 8600 is also 50152 but the 50150 is just whaat the approved device doc had on it. i can look that up later and see if that is the non eri prl when i have access. There should be a non eri prl out tehre and if you can convince the tech to do it he can prob put it on your phone.

Posted by: ecarvin

This brings up a good point -- I'd like to get a tech to put a non-eri prl on my 8600, but nobody's been willing to do it. (Most don't even seem to understand the request.)

Any tips on getting a tech to do this? And if I do, will it just be undone if I ever update my phone over the air? Is it OK to never update again, or will I miss out on improved coverage?

More specifically: Anyone know where I can find a Verizon tech in NYC who'll give me a non-eri prl?

Posted by: Iberam

It will be chanced back if you ota(*228) your phone. The 50150 is the default that comes on new phones. 50151 is the Americas Choice non-eri and 50152 is the americas choice eri. I have seen people talking about hacking their prl's to stop the eri but the 50151 prl should do the same thing if you can get a tech to load it for you. And yes i know there are a good bit of stupid techs around. they dont teach them like they used to.

Posted by: Iberam

it is not okay never to update agian, you can still use your phone but your coverage may suffer from never updating

Posted by: apollosmith

I just talked to my local store and they have the 8600 update and would install it today if they had the cable (it will be there in a week or so). They also confirmed that they will remove the ERI/banner at my request - they have to do it in person (they wouldn't share the code with me, as hard as I tried.

)

I'm not real sure if this is the same update that has trashed some phones or a fixed update, but they did say it is new. Heck, i'd take the chance of my phone getting trashed at there expense if there was a chance of getting rid of that stupid banner.

-Smitty

Posted by: ecarvin

You got someone to get rid of the banner? As in permanently, or will it come back when you update your programming over-the-air?

Also, where are you located? (If you happen to be anywhere near me, I may just want to track down that Verizon branch...)

Posted by: Joe Foe from Bu

Thank you for the info ...so far...but, please post exactly who told you they can remove the banner (name and their job titile) along with exact location address and phone number...please.

Posted by: apollosmith

I talked to Jason at the Sugarhouse Store in Salt Lake City - (801)461-0288. The banner has not been removed from my phone, they just told me it was possible. I think you have to have the new flash update to be given this possibility, but they said they'd both flash the phone and remove the banner as soon as they receive a data cable for the 8600 next week. When I called back to confirm if you have to have the update to remove the banner, Jessica told me they MIGHT be able to remove the banner without the update, but they have to do it in person. She did read the bulletin for the update and it indicated that it added an option to remove ERI (don't know if this is a menu option or a dealer programming option). I didn't get the bulletin number or date, but she said it was new. You'll want to talk to Jason though, he knew what he was doing, while Jessica just kept telling me to read the manual that came with the phone (which is a POS, by the way).

Please don't harrass them - I'd like them to be on my side when I go to get things fixed next week (besides, it's a 2 hour drive for me).

-Smitty

Posted by: ecarvin

I just went to my Verizon store to have my 8600 updated, and after 45 minutes, they told me they'd have to give me a new phone because the update fried the old one. So my phone book is entirely lost, of course.

I'm really starting to get pissed at this company.

I convinced them to give me a $20 credit for my inconvenience -- wish I could've gotten more. Really, I wish they'd keep the money and have someone enter all my phone numbers for me!

Meanwhile, the techs said there's NO WAY to remove the ERI banner on the outer display, even after the update. Also, the update did nothing about the annoying phone book search feature.

Bottom line: Seems like Verizon put out an 8600 s/w update and didn't fix any of the big problems! Thanks a lot, Verizon.

Posted by: apollosmith

Well, at least your dealer is offering the update. Most of them (and Verizon customer disservice) are denying its even available. And you're not alone in getting your phone fried - this is at least 4 confirmed cases. What software version does the new phone have (Menu, 6, 6, 8)? Several other people have indicated that they (or the dealer) can disable the banner after the update. My dealer told me the same thing, but they don't have the data cable yet to try the update.

What Verizon store did you go to? Can you give a name of a tech person there? I'd call them back and see if they'll give you instructions on disabling the phone (that is if you have the .136 software).

-Smitty

Posted by: apollosmith

So I called ANOTHER dealer in an area I'll be traveling to this weekend. She indicated, "I don't think there's an update, but bring it in and we'll see." I told her I wasn't too happy about driving 2 hours so they could see if there's an update, but she wouldn't help any more.

I asked about the banner removal and she said, "Yes, we can remove the ERI, but you have to bring it in." When I asked her if it is a software update, she said it wasn't, but they have to do it onsite.

I wonder if the ERI/banner removal is a code entry thing or if they are basically just doing the hack mentioned here. Anyway, its another confirmation that the banner removal can be easily done WITHOUT the software update.

My data cable will be here in a day or two, so it won't matter much anyway, but I'd like to get the update applied anyway (to fix VR and text messaging, etc.)

-Smitty

Posted by: ecarvin

I don't know why they can't tell you about an update over the phone. That's obnoxious. Also tell them they need to open a Verizon location closer to your house!

Anyway, I don't know the name of any of the techs, but I talked to all the ones on duty and they said the same thing -- fried phone, no way to kill banner.

The location:

5th Avenue Store
139 Fifth Ave
NEW YORK, NY. 10010
(212)780-7420

And my software version:

T055VE2M01_4.235

Do you have the same?

PLEASE let me know if you have any luck getting them to kill the banner -- I'm not too tech saavy, so I'm not too confident about messing with data cables. I think it is just a matter of a tech (grudging) putting in some kind of code -- if we could just find out what kind of code that is, we can make thousands of 8600 users happy!

Um, are there thousands of 8600 users?

e

Posted by: Joe Foe from Bu

I agree TheYoz mentioned way does not fix the problem in this post.
http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...threadid=332892
The way mofroe mentioned confirms
it is the only present way to fix it.
"If you can get a tech to do it for you, have them replace the current PRL with the equivalent non-eri (Enhanced Roaming Indicator) version. We did this for one of the other techs and her phone still works fine and she doesn't have the banner anymore"

Trouble is.. no one knows how to get Verizion to to do it. I had my local Verizion Service center call the place cantcme had his fixed in this post at the Sugarhouse Store in Salt Lake City - (801)461-0288 by Jason (tech)

http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...mp;pagenumber=3

and they did give sort of a way they did it like Mofroe mentioned.....but when my local techs tried it they said the 8600 does not recognize the menthod when tried. I spent over two hours on this at my local service center to find this out and my reps made it look like a big waist of time but tried it to please me. Anyone else want to try to get the place that fixed cantcmes phone to give more details? MY local techs said they did not give details on what or how they did it just in gen. how to do it. They also said they would do it for me if they had more info on how cantcme had his done (step by step or the document that was referd to) since the guy that did his was not working at the time to find out more info.

Posted by: tamidecali

Can someone please verify for me that the latest software update for the Audivox CDM8600 is 3_5.236?

Also, please coach me on how exactly to get the $20 credits? Do I just casually mention "voice of the customer" or "trouble ticket" or do I need to say I want to be accomodated for my time?

Also, has anyone figured out how to get rid of the verizon banner or download new screensavers?

Posted by: apollosmith

Yes, the newest update is .236.

When you get the update, be sure to let us all know that you have it and where you got it, because most service centers and Verizon itself are denying it even exists.

I wouldn't be casual at all about demanding a credit. You purchased NEW hardware that is defective and you had to take the time to go to a store to get it fixed. If they give you any grief, file a trouble ticket. While you're at it, complain about the items that are not addressed, such as the flashing banner, downloading/messaging ringtones, etc.

The only current options for getting rid of the Verizon banner requires a data cable and a minor modification of a system file. Do a search here for details. Screensavers/wallpapers are also possible with the cable, though I don't believe that they stick (they disappear when you reset your phone).

-Smitty

Posted by: ecarvin

What? The newest is .236? You've gotta be kidding me...

As I've mentioned, I went to get my phone updated earlier this week, and they ended up frying it and had to give me a new one. They assured me the new one has the latest software. I've checked since then, and the version is T055VE2M01_4.235.

What is wrong with these morons? What exactly are the qualifications to be a Verizon tech? an elementary school diploma and a signed promise to never to be helpful to customers?

Posted by: kilsen

Two months ago I successfully killed the Verizon banner on my 8600 by following the instructions in this post:

http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...ht=%2Bmentalbob

Since then I have travelled across country and have been able to roam, and return, and the banner never re-appeared.

I have NOT tried to get the firmware upgrade from Verizon . . . I have version .235.

Posted by: ecarvin

Quote:

Originally posted by kilsen
Two months ago I successfully killed the Verizon banner on my 8600 by following the instructions in this post:

http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...ht=%2Bmentalbob

Since then I have travelled across country and have been able to roam, and return, and the banner never re-appeared.

I have NOT tried to get the firmware upgrade from Verizon . . . I have version .235.

I've been hesitant to go this route, since I'm not the most tech-saavy person in the world. Assuming I get a data cable, is it fairly easy and reliable? Also, if you update your PRL over the air, does the banner stay away, or does it come back?

Also, with the banner gone, does the little (and pleasantly discreet) roaming indicator still appear when you roam?

Posted by: davieboynj

I followed mentalbob's instructions as well.

no problems, very easy, highly recommended.

you can execute all options on *228 with no reversal of what you did.

Posted by: Gagetwhore

I have a question to those who have killed the banner on theres phones. ig ot it to work but everytime i get a call i get a blank menu that comes up like it should be the banner.

It doesn;t show or flash when no one calls but it reappears blank when i make a call

is this normal or did i not change everything correctly

Posted by: ecarvin

Quote:

Originally posted by apollosmith
Yes, the newest update is .236.

When you get the update, be sure to let us all know that you have it and where you got it, because most service centers and Verizon itself are denying it even exists.

I wouldn't be casual at all about demanding a credit. You purchased NEW hardware that is defective and you had to take the time to go to a store to get it fixed. If they give you any grief, file a trouble ticket. While you're at it, complain about the items that are not addressed, such as the flashing banner, downloading/messaging ringtones, etc.

The only current options for getting rid of the Verizon banner requires a data cable and a minor modification of a system file. Do a search here for details. Screensavers/wallpapers are also possible with the cable, though I don't believe that they stick (they disappear when you reset your phone).

-Smitty

So I went to a store today to get upgraded to the .236 software and the tech acknowledged that it exists but said they're not upgrading to it anymore because it's been causing problems. He said a new, fixed version would come out eventually, but he had no idea when.

Also, for anyone who's done the data cable-based banner fix: does the fix stick if you upgrade the phone's software? If not, no big deal -- I can probably live without an upgrade if I can get rid of the Enhanced Advertising Indicator.

Posted by: apollosmith

So I took my phone to the Idaho Falls Verizon store last night. I ask if there is an update. They assured me there was an update and that they could remove the ERI. I came back 45 minutes later as they instructed and they told me that they fried my phone and to come back in 30 more minutes and they'd try to fix it. 30 minutes later I come back and and they tell me they can't fix my phone and have to give me a new one.

So, I wait another 30 minutes while they get the new phone set up. They assure me that the new phone has the new software on it. I ask them to remove the ERI, so they plug it into their computer and the phone and computer both lock up. After about 10 minutes, they get the phone working again and tell me they don't dare do the ERI removal again. I ask for compensation for the 2 hours I spent waiting plus the fact that they fried my phone and they tell me they'll credit me for the ringtones I had already downloaded. WHAT! I ALREADY PAID FOR THEM - that's is no compensation at all! They said that's all they could do, so I take my new, updated phone and leave. It's not til I'm in the parking lot that I realize the phone has the same software as my old one. I spend over 2 hours there just to get my phone fried and I still have the old software and the ERI.

So, I call *611 and go apes at the customer service chick. She gets the store on the phone and they tell me that as soon as I left the store they looked and determined that there IS NOT UPDATE AN FOR THE 6800. Hmmmm... I wonder what they tried to put on it for an hour. They say the .235 is the most up-to-date software and that loading the existing software on top of itself probably caused the problems. After ×××××in and moaning for a while the Verizon service lady credited me $40 - I'd rather have my 2 hours back and an updated phone, despite the fact I drove over 2 hours to get there. Good thing I backed everything up before I left (I just got the cable yesterday). So, I went home and in about 2 minutes applied the new banner hack and removed the ERI myself. Freakin' idiots!

So, despite my sad story, this helps confirm two things:
1) Verizon CAN and WILL remove the ERI for you, as these guys obviously knew how and had done it before.
2) There does not appear to be a .236 update for the 8600.

OK, rant over.

-Smitty

Posted by: ecarvin

Maybe I'm an idiot, but Mentalbob's instructions for removing the banner -- and once again, we all thank you -- are rather confusing. I'm afraid I have no idea what I have to do, in a step-by-step sort of way.

For example, the description begins: "The file appears to have a 4 byte header which is followed by variable length ERI entries." I have no idea what this means. Also confusing to me: "You'll notice that for the string'ed entries they start with @, A, B, C, etc. This field in the first 3 entries appear to increment by 0x10's until the first string'ed entry."

Is there any chance someone can help out with a Banner-Killing for Dummies explanation?

Please excuse my idiocy.

e

Posted by: apollosmith

I just got a call from a manager of the Verizon store I went to the other day. He apologized for his techs screwwing up my phone and told me that there IS AN UPDATE FOR THE 8600. The software version is T055VE2M03_5. My brand new phone is T055VE2M01_4. He read me the bulletin which was dated March 4.

The update fixes the following:
- 11 digit numbers in phone book are now identified by caller ID (i.e., you can leave the 1 in front of the numbers and the caller ID will work.
- You can now select media objects when sending SMS messages. This is VERY COOL as it SHOULD allow us to send ringtones and images from phone to phone (at $.25 each).
- T9 recognition speed is increased.
- When sending SMS messages to multiple recipients, error messages are identified by recipient.
- You can save txt message contact info to the phonebook.

He also confirmed the they can load a NON-ERI PRL into the phone to get rid of the banners. It only takes a few minutes to upload the new files. He warned me that you may not get the roaming banner when you are outside the Verizon network. Hmmm... sounds like Mentalbob's method is MUCH better than Verizon's method of changing the PRL, as nothing changes except the display of the banner using his approach.

So, does any one out there have the T055VE2M03_5 software? Menu... 6... 6... 8...

I also have just launched a new 8600 hacking site (still a work in progress)

-Smitty

Posted by: ecarvin

Well my phone's still T055VE2M01_4, and the techs assured me on Saturday that the newer software -- presumably the version you heard about -- is causing problems and isn't being given out.

So did you get this update?

Posted by: apollosmith

No, I don't have the update. My phone got fried when they tried to put the new software on there and my new phone doesn't have the new software either. This phone died in the first 2 days, so I have a 3rd one on it's way. If it has the new software, I'll let you know (I doubt it will). I've been having a pretty bad run of luck with this phone. :-(

I wish Verizon could get it's act together on this.

-Smitty

Posted by: ecarvin

I have a feeling the new update is fryin' phones left and right, and they've decided to stop giving it out -- but haven't gotten word to all the stores. Or maybe some outlets make their own decision to wait for the next update to avoid the problems.

Anyone have any insights?

Posted by: petec

So, they have not fixed the problems with voice dialing?

1) When set to voice dial on open, is usually fails unless you press any key (except hangup)

2) Looses the association between voice tags and the phone book entries.

For #2, I found that retraining any one voice tag will bring them all back.

The stuff they fixed never bothered me. These things still do.

PeteC

Posted by: jimbim

I just called the two local Verizon stores (Manchester and Nashua NH) store and was told to just bring in the phone and they will do the update. Wish me luck!

Posted by: Gagetwhore

let me know how it goes I'd be interested to know since i'm from that area as well

good luck

Posted by: J3ff

I have to say that this phone has got to be one of the worst phones I've owned in a while....

Posted by: J3ff

Anyone else have the problem where fuzzies get in the screen ?

Posted by: Boukie

I do but luckily they fall out and new ones come to visit.

Quote:

Originally posted by J3ff
Anyone else have the problem where fuzzies get in the screen ?

Posted by: mau108

I actually like this phone...
I got SW Version

T055BM1T16.2.242

is that the latest?
says Aug 06 2003 (oopz , guess not)

anyway of bell upgrading the firmware for free?

Posted by: Boukie

I have that version as well. I read a thread recently about a software upgrade being evailable. I have no there info.

Quote:

Originally posted by mau108
I actually like this phone...
I got SW Version

T055BM1T16.2.242

is that the latest?
says Aug 06 2003 (oopz , guess not)

anyway of bell upgrading the firmware for free?

Posted by: mau108

well i got the phone few days ago, shouldnt it have the latest firmware already?

Posted by: Riche_guy

I got my phone back from Audiovox a few weeks ago and it has a newer updated software. My voice recognition for voice dialing works well now and before it didn't. I'm with Bell Mobility.

I noticed that it is impossible to activate contact list while on a call.

Riche_guy

Posted by: knipknup

Quote:

Originally posted by mlspm
Will calling *228 and choosing option 1 not upgrade my firmware? Do I REALLY have to drive to Verizon?

I tried it just now, it made some appropriate noises, said it committed the upgrade, but I still see
Software: T055VE2M01_4.235, Hardware: TX-55C_Rev_02
(same as before). I purchased my phone yesterday -- is there chance they actually upgraded it, hence no change?

Thanks in advance for advising the clueless.

Odd, I have the same software version and have been staring at my phone for 10 minutes but there is no Verizon Wireless banner flashing anywhere every five seconds.

I have verizon service and don't like the clown, and commercials at startup, but otherwise, I don't see any banner.

If I get the firmware upgrade, will I be stuck with a banner?

Posted by: knipknup

Quote:

Originally posted by apollosmith
(I just got the cable yesterday). So, I went home and in about 2 minutes applied the new banner hack and removed the ERI myself. Freakin' idiots!
-Smitty

Hey Smitty, what cable did you get and where did you get it?
Thanks.

Posted by: apollosmith

I got the DIC-8300 (serial) from Radio Shack ($20). Their Web site says it is serial/USB, so I thought there would be a USB to serial adapter or something, but it's just serial. Oh well! It works great and the serial cables don't require confusing driver installs.

More info at http://www.smithplanet.com/8600/

-Smitty

Posted by: VaderFan

Sorry to bring an old thread back but I need to upgrade the firmware of my 8600, how do I do it myself? I can't bring it to a Verizon shop, I'm going to get the serial cable tomorrow but I need the software to update it. Thanks!

Posted by: sc2dave

i just got a 8600. so what are the latest s/w updates? this is what my phone has: to55ve2m04_0.236, h/w is tx-55c tx55c_rev_02. is the banner removal finally perfected?

Posted by: sc2dave

bump to my previous question