Android Devices (Samsung, HTC, Sony Ericsson, etc.)

[mattyc]

When are we expecting the o2 updated firmware, it relieves a lot of the problems with redraw and I understand better battery life etc. I know orange and tmobile and others have all released updated firmware yet we're still on old software.

[iStrikeRx]

I'd also love to know. Been waiting for ages for it, as right now the battery life is abysmal on my S3. The most annoying thing is, as I have the sim-free / unlocked version, surely Samsung themselves would just release the update instead of me having to rely on a carrier? Edit: Quick update. According to O2, they are still processing the update, and it will take a few weeks.

[MI5 Level 63: Greatness Assured]

@iStrikeRx
You do not have to wait for O2. Youe update will come directly from Samsung. Have you tried connecting to Kies with the data cable?

[SpaceGooner]

A few weeks? That's ridiculous! Vodafone, T-Mobile and Orange released the ALF* firmware update weeks ago and now some European networks are releasing the new BLFB update. We're still stuck on the original ALE* firmware. Why are O2 so slow? All they'll add to the Samsung unbranded UK update is the O2 APNs, O2 boot/shutdown animation, an O2 wallpaper and the O2 Space app. Why will that take a few weeks?
If I flash my phone to Samsung stock unbranded firmware via Odin or via a Samsung dealer, will that void my phone warranty? Surely when you buy what is a £500+ device, you have the right to the manufacturer's own approved firmware updates when they are released, not weeks or months later than everyone else because your network provider doesn't drags its heels! Appalling!

[MI5 Level 63: Greatness Assured]

Providing you flash official firmware via Odin you will not void your warranty, however, do not attempt to flash open FW on a network locked phone. Get the unlock code and use it first.

[mattyc]

I shouldn't have to risk voiding my warranty via using odin just because o2 are so slow! If I connect my phone via keis it tells me phone doesn't support updating firmware this way? Presume this is because it's o2 firmware? I switched from galaxy nexus to s3 as was having so many problems with phone. I had really bad reception and radio issues also and this s3 is miles better reception and far less radio issues so don't want to flash to something else and mess this up! If I did flash via odin, is there only one radio for the UK or do o2 use their own special radio in their firmware?

[MI5 Level 63: Greatness Assured]

There is only one baseband on open FW but I guess O2 tweak their version to be optimised for O2.

[iStrikeRx]

@MI5 I havent no. I assumed since there was no update available using the usual About Phone > Software Update under settings that it hadnt been pushed yet?

Will try Kies now though.

Update: Connected via Kies and the newer firmware prompt came up straight away! Thanks for the tip!

Now why didnt the update show via the phone's software update function? 

[Yaar]

I have been trying to update my phone for days now, Kies and the phone itself say no updates are available from firmware PDA:LE8/Phone:LE5/SCS:LE5 and nothing new seems to be coming through. Are the phones network locked if bought from O2 direct? If not I may just flash the official Samsung release if it doesn't effect the warranty.

[MI5 Level 63: Greatness Assured]

Type this into keypad *#7465625# to View Phone Lock Status
If it is on contract O2 will provide the unlock code free of charge. Just fill out the form on the website then once unlocked you can flash away....