Samsung Fascinate Tastes Android 2.3 Gingerbread

Mobile phone carrier Verizon Wireless has made a new OS flavor for Samsung Fascinate devices available for download on its airwaves, offering users the possibility to get a taste of the Android 2.3 Gingerbread platform release.

The new update arrives on devices as version i500.EH03 and brings along not only the new Gingerbread platform release, but also a series of fixes and enhancements from Samsung and Verizon alike.

“Verizon Wireless is pleased to announce a new software update, i500.EH03, for your Samsung Fascinate. This update provides several improvements for your device, as well as upgrading to the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) Operating System (OS),” the wireless carrier notes.

Among the improvements that users will see following the installation of this software, we can count a new download manager application, which is complemented by a series of improvements to app and power management capabilities of the device.

After applying the update, users will find a new new “Running” tab in the Manage Applications menu section, where a list with all applications that are active is displayed, with details on the storage and memory that each of them uses.

The new OS flavor also makes contacts searchable by last name on Fascinate, and SMS messages accessible through a Quick Alphabet Access Option that is available on the right side of the screen. Moreover, it adds MMS delivery reports.

The release notes (PDF link) for the new software update also include:

Multi-Touch Key-Chording: New ability to enter numbers and symbols with keyboard shortcut combos, instead of having to change to the numeric keyboard mode.

Improved Word Selection and Copy Functionality: New capability to select a word via press-hold. A second press of the selected word copies the selected characters.

New Homescreen Experience: New widgets, icons and screens with refreshed colors.
Security: Added Device and SD Card encryption. VPN enhancements integrate IPSec VPN clients into device security settings.

Updated Calendar Options:
- Display Calendar and event times in your home time zone when traveling.
- Dismiss individual reminders, such as dismissing one meeting reminder without dismissing other meeting reminders.

Users can access additional info on the new OS upgrade for the Samsung Fascinate on Verizon’s website. Detailed instructions on how to perform the upgrade are available there as well.