14 DAY TRIAL // Samsung Epic 4G, Sprint's flavor of Galaxy S, has just tasted a leaked official software update to the Android 2.2 Froyo (Android 2.2.1, to be more precise) operating system, though in an unofficial manner. The software solution can be found available for download from Google's servers, and was meant only for those devices which are running under the stock Android 2.1 firmware at the moment.
According to a recent post on XDA-Developers, the software was “intended for those going from stock Android 2.1 (DI18) to the latest firmware.” However, other users can also download and install the solution, though the process is a little different for them.
For those currently running stock Android 2.1 on their Epic 4G devices, Android 2.2.1 Froyo can be downloaded from Google's servers here.
As soon as the software was downloaded, one would have to rename it to “update.zip” (not 'update.zip.zip') and put it on the root folder on the USB storage/microSD card on the Epic 4G.
After that, one would have to boot the mobile phone into “recovery mode,” and then apply the update.zip from Recovery Mode. As soon as the process is completed, the Epic 4G would run under Android 2.2.1 Froyo (DK28).
Those who rooted their devices would lose root access following the update, while certain apps developed specifically for the handset might not work with the new software.
In case there are users who run on their Epic 4G an OS version different from the Android 2.1 (DI18) OS, they would have to install the new software solution using Odin.
For that, they would need to download this .tar file, along with Odin. After downloading Odin, they would have to fire it up and put it on 'download mode.'
Next, they need to turn off the device and hold “1” on the keyboard while powering it up. With the handset plugged in to the desktop computer, they would need to place the .tar file in the PDA slot, and then start flashing the OS to the new Android 2.2.1 Froyo (DK28).
In case there are some yet unfamiliar with what booting into recovery or download mode is all about, they should head to this briefmobile post to learn all about it.