14 DAY TRIAL // Romanian Galaxy S users will be happy to hear that the long-awaited Gingerbread software upgrade is one step closer, as Samsung has just made available the Android 2.2.1 update.
Initially slated for a March 20 release, the update was postponed by Samsung invoking “founded reasons.”
Samsung Romania confirmed last week that it would bring all Galaxy S devices to Gingerbread in a two-step procedure that should imply the deployment of an Android 2.2.1 update prior to 2.3.
So far, Samsung hasn't made any comments on the subject, which means that the update is either too 'fresh' or that the manufacturer is still waiting for users feedback.
Currently, the Android 2.2.1 update is available for download through Samsung Kies, so users need to make sure they are running the latest version of the syncing software. It is also recommended to backup all personal data.
The whole downloading process of the firmware update takes less than 5 minutes, while the first boot after the update is installed will take another 4-5 minutes.
Even though the initial delay of the Galaxy S major update was unfortunate, it looks like Samsung only needed a few days to make the necessary adjustments.
It will be interesting to find out when Romanian users with unrooted Galaxy S smartphone will be able to upgrade to Gingebread.
Two more Samsung Galaxy devices, i5500 and i5800, are expected to receive the Froyo update, but there's no information regarding any future software updates for the smartphones for the moment.
As a side note, Samsung has recently confirmed that Galaxy Tab will also receive Gingerbread, but no further comments on the availability have been made.
Update: Currently, the Android 2.2.1 update is available only for Orange Galaxy S owners. Vodafone and Cosmote Galaxy S devices will receive the update in the next 10-12 days.