Feb 4, 2011 12:21 GMT  ·  By

Mobile phone carrier Verizon Wireless has started to deliver a new software update for the popular Samsung Fascinate smartphone, in an attempt to fix an issue the previous firmware for the device brought in regard to the emergency call when the handset is locked.

The problem was discovered a few days ago, when Verizon announced that it would make the fix available in the nearest period of time possible.

The new firmware release brings the software on the smartphone up to version i500.EA28, from the previously available SCHi-500.DL09, which caused the problem in the first place. However, firmware versions SCH-i500.DI01 and SCH-i500.DH12 were not impacted by the issue.

According to Verizon's support website, the new release comes with the following changelog: - Make instantaneous emergency calls from locked device in time of need - If already in a locked state, the device will now remain locked when placed in desk dock or car dock. - Increased security by hiding your 3G Mobile Hotspot password while typing. - Updated versions of preloaded applications, including V CAST videos, City ID, VZ Navigator and Amazon Kindle. - Ability to change the reminder time and alert tone for calendar events. - Improved the update consistency of the feed and widgets. - Music now pauses if you unplug your wired headset or turn off your Bluetooth headset. - Improved stand-alone GPS performance. - Ability to open any PDF attachments sent in an email. - Ability to use special characters in corporate email passwords. - Widgets now refresh based on the defined refresh time interval. - Enhanced backlight display for the bottom four buttons on the device to now follow the device display timer setting.

Basically, the new software update would bring to Samsung Fascinate the same features as the previous release, with the addition of the aforementioned fix.

Verizon warned users on the said issue with the firmware version SCHi-500.DL09, and provided them with a workaround, which included the disabling of the pattern lock. Those who took the advice can re-enable the pattern lock following the installation of the new software update.

Additional info on the new software update is available on Verizon's support website here.