The update is rolled out in stages OTA (over the air)

Nov 9, 2011 18:01 GMT  ·  By

All those prayers asking for a Gingerbread upgrade for Sprint's Samsung Epic 4G have just been answered as the carrier officially announced the availability of the update.

According to Sprint, Android 2.3 Gingerbread software update is now pushed OTA (over the air), but those who are yet to be notified about the upgrade can check for it manually.

The carrier releases this update in stages with 100% of devices on the most current prior release having received the update within 10 days, so it's quite understandable if not all Epic 4G owners will get the update in the first few days.

Software version S:D700.0.5S.EI22 brings the phone's operating system from Froyo to Gingerbread and adds several new features and enhancements:

- Audible Sprint AIRAVE notifications when answering call; - SMS messages sent without area code; - PRL and Profile update; - EAS (Exchange ActiveSync) email displaying HTML; - Bluetooth headset sound improvements; - Fully visible date on device lock screen. To check for the update manually simply go to the home screen and tap on the Menu tab / Settings / About phone / System updates / Update Android.

If the update is available for your phone then it will automatically download and install it, so make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection and at least 50% of the battery is charged.

It may take up to 15 minutes to complete the whole upgrading process, after which the Epic 4G will reboot itself.

As a side note, those who do not receive the update are recommended to try downloading or updating an application from the Android Market, which may trigger the software update download.

Hopefully, the updates does not contain any bugs or critical issues like those offered by Verizon Wireless lately.

Feel free to add any comments regarding the improvements offered by the latest Android 2.3 Gingerbread upgrade for Samsung Epic 4G.