Motorola MPx220
Firmware upgraded to Cingular 1.430.0.0
Just completed updating my firmware from Cingular 1.3.0.0 to 1.430.0.0 thanks to the links in the "Rumor: New Cingular Firmware to be delayed" thread.
Don't know if this is the final Cingular release version and don't know all the new features added yet. Called Cingular help 611 and the system voice comes across a tad deeper and a tad louder which I think sounds better and is an "improvement."
By the way I think a lot of people who complained about sound problems ought to check to see if they peeled the tiny transparent almost invisible protective sticker off the earpiece. Esp if they are far sighted!!! The newer produced MPX220s have "remove label" on the various protective transparent stickers.
One scary thing I experienced after...
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Don't know if this is the final Cingular release version and don't know all the new features added yet. Called Cingular help 611 and the system voice comes across a tad deeper and a tad louder which I think sounds better and is an "improvement."
By the way I think a lot of people who complained about sound problems ought to check to see if they peeled the tiny transparent almost invisible protective sticker off the earpiece. Esp if they are far sighted!!! The newer produced MPX220s have "remove label" on the various protective transparent stickers.
One scary thing I experienced after...
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Tried to upgrade, but mine failed.
During the install process, the installer never got past the point of "establishing communications" with the phone.
The installer is very specific about not connecting the power charger when connecting to the USB port. Unfortunately, my only PC cable is a combo USB and power cable. I even tried covering the power supply pins with a strip of plastic, but I now notice that when I hook up the USB line, the phone shows it's charging even with the plasitc in place. Did you use a USB-only cable?
FYI, I do have and use ActiveSync 3.8 without problems.
During the install process, the installer never got past the point of "establishing communications" with the phone.
The installer is very specific about not connecting the power charger when connecting to the USB port. Unfortunately, my only PC cable is a combo USB and power cable. I even tried covering the power supply pins with a strip of plastic, but I now notice that when I hook up the USB line, the phone shows it's charging even with the plasitc in place. Did you use a USB-only cable?
FYI, I do have and use ActiveSync 3.8 without problems.
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Seems I can't edit my above post, but immediately after posting, I tried the upgrade again and it worked. I don't know why.
I had previously tried about 4 times with plastic over the power and 3 times without plastic.
FYI, the time that worked was without plastic, so I guess you don't have to worry about the USB power issue.
I'll try it out for a while and post any observations.
I had previously tried about 4 times with plastic over the power and 3 times without plastic.
FYI, the time that worked was without plastic, so I guess you don't have to worry about the USB power issue.
I'll try it out for a while and post any observations.
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The phone is definately easier to hear without an earpeice now. Today in my truck, I found myself turning the volume down during a conversation for the first time ever! I found that about 50% volume was about right. This is a tremendous improvement. The real test will come when I try a call from the airport parking garage. Unlike my past phones, I absoutly couldn't use the MPX220 in that noisy environment.
When connecting to Sync up with my PC, I can no longer make up my own ID name within the Sync program. It gets the ID name from the phone. This name can be changed in one of the phone's 273 setting pages 🙂 . Guess it only matters if you'll be sync-ing 2 MPX220 phones on the same computer (we have 2).
That's all for now.
Steve
When connecting to Sync up with my PC, I can no longer make up my own ID name within the Sync program. It gets the ID name from the phone. This name can be changed in one of the phone's 273 setting pages 🙂 . Guess it only matters if you'll be sync-ing 2 MPX220 phones on the same computer (we have 2).
That's all for now.
Steve
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I cant seem to get the upgrade to work. It fails every time. I have everything needed and it all works until when it is applying the update to the phone, then it gets to the very end and stops working. I have even tried formatting the phone before the upgrade but nothing works. Does anyone have anything else I can try? Or know why it is doing this?
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I got the firmware upgraded and have noticed great improvements in a lot of features.... except batter life.
My phon used to last for 3 or so days of normal use. Regardless of exactly what "normal use" means for me, with the new firmware I can't even get 1 day of similar use.
I guess this is a suitable compromise until the release version of the firmware, but I just thought I'd raise the issue that at least with my phone, the battery life is drastically reduced with the 1.43 firmware, even though sound quality, signal strength, and a few other things have improved.
My phon used to last for 3 or so days of normal use. Regardless of exactly what "normal use" means for me, with the new firmware I can't even get 1 day of similar use.
I guess this is a suitable compromise until the release version of the firmware, but I just thought I'd raise the issue that at least with my phone, the battery life is drastically reduced with the 1.43 firmware, even though sound quality, signal strength, and a few other things have improved.
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I finally got mine to work. I left it on allnight (since around 10 till 12:30 now) andmybattery is still full. Signal strength is excellent and so is everything else.
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I have updated to 1.43 and here are a couple of things I've noticed:
1.> Sound in earpiece is much clearer and louder than before.
2.> if you go to start -> accessories... there is now a choice called "BT SerialPortSetup"
3.> All menus come up faster, phone seems faster.
I havent really compared before and after pics with the camera. But it seems that it is adjusting to different lighting conditions quicker than before.
1.> Sound in earpiece is much clearer and louder than before.
2.> if you go to start -> accessories... there is now a choice called "BT SerialPortSetup"
3.> All menus come up faster, phone seems faster.
I havent really compared before and after pics with the camera. But it seems that it is adjusting to different lighting conditions quicker than before.
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OK here's my initial report on v.1.430.0.0
-- People I talk to a lot say I sound clearer and the sound quality like "night and day" -- I didn't even know this was a problem until I started getting positive feedback today.
-- Sound is a bit more "fuller" and louder. No problems here.
-- Reception seems to be better.
-- When depressing on volume-up switch to activate Speech Recognition, the "Say a command" voice sounds softer now.
Overall I'm pleased with this upgrade. I'm hope there are other things I'll notice in the coming days.
-- People I talk to a lot say I sound clearer and the sound quality like "night and day" -- I didn't even know this was a problem until I started getting positive feedback today.
-- Sound is a bit more "fuller" and louder. No problems here.
-- Reception seems to be better.
-- When depressing on volume-up switch to activate Speech Recognition, the "Say a command" voice sounds softer now.
Overall I'm pleased with this upgrade. I'm hope there are other things I'll notice in the coming days.
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I also upgraded this morning - a few thoughts:
1) the ringtones are much louder
2) volume is louder when the phone is against my ear - I work in DC and could actually hear someone on the other end while walking on the street ... this was **NOT** possible before
3) mp3 ringtones do not sound any louder to me
4) menus load faster
Give it a try - overall it's an improvement from 1.300 that I had before. I left my wife's at 1.300 and my phone is much louder than hers.
It's a good start!!
😉
1) the ringtones are much louder
2) volume is louder when the phone is against my ear - I work in DC and could actually hear someone on the other end while walking on the street ... this was **NOT** possible before
3) mp3 ringtones do not sound any louder to me
4) menus load faster
Give it a try - overall it's an improvement from 1.300 that I had before. I left my wife's at 1.300 and my phone is much louder than hers.
It's a good start!!
😉
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I don't know about MP3 ringtone volume adjustment but here's how I adjusted my ringtone volume:
start-8-3, place cursor on 1(normal) -
hit menu key, select edit....and select ring volume. I have mine set at 4.
My profile is set for Normal--play with it for other profiles.
start-8-3, place cursor on 1(normal) -
hit menu key, select edit....and select ring volume. I have mine set at 4.
My profile is set for Normal--play with it for other profiles.
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I was able to complete the upgrade and found the same improvements.
1. Better sound from ear piece.
2. Better menu response
3. 1 or 2 Menu options changes.
But I hope they address a few more things like
1. Speaker phone to work when closed.
2. Louder Ring tones or louder speaker to hear ring tones.
3. And maybe better use of Bluetooth options (like Voice activation via Bluetooth) It currently only works via wired headset.
1. Better sound from ear piece.
2. Better menu response
3. 1 or 2 Menu options changes.
But I hope they address a few more things like
1. Speaker phone to work when closed.
2. Louder Ring tones or louder speaker to hear ring tones.
3. And maybe better use of Bluetooth options (like Voice activation via Bluetooth) It currently only works via wired headset.
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Frank D.,
Here are responses to your items 2) and 3):
Ring tone volune CAN be adjusted. Do this.....Hit
Start-8-3, place cursor on Profile of your choice (1 thru 9),hit menu key, select edit....then
select ring volume. I have mine set at 4. You have volume choices 1,2,3,4,off, and loud.
Voice activation works without headset. Depress the VOL-Up rocker switch and hold down. Make sure you have the earpiece on your ear. You will hear the phone tell u "Say a command" -- say "voice dial" .............and go from there
Here are responses to your items 2) and 3):
Ring tone volune CAN be adjusted. Do this.....Hit
Start-8-3, place cursor on Profile of your choice (1 thru 9),hit menu key, select edit....then
select ring volume. I have mine set at 4. You have volume choices 1,2,3,4,off, and loud.
Voice activation works without headset. Depress the VOL-Up rocker switch and hold down. Make sure you have the earpiece on your ear. You will hear the phone tell u "Say a command" -- say "voice dial" .............and go from there
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Thanks 900gecko
Thanks, but I know the phone pretty well and have adjusted all volumes to the max in all settings (video, media player, profiles.) Unless 4 is louder than loud I am at max.
As for the Voice activation. In the moto manual for the MPX 220 clearly states the Voice activation software will only work with a wired head set and not Bluetooth. I am aware that it works on its own with out any head set. But when you have Bluetooth head set on it can only answer and hang up calls you can not tell it to dial or say a command.
You can only do so with a wired head set, which is a bit disappointing.
Thanks again for your help and let’s hope things improve with any more updates they release. Thanks.
Thanks, but I know the phone pretty well and have adjusted all volumes to the max in all settings (video, media player, profiles.) Unless 4 is louder than loud I am at max.
As for the Voice activation. In the moto manual for the MPX 220 clearly states the Voice activation software will only work with a wired head set and not Bluetooth. I am aware that it works on its own with out any head set. But when you have Bluetooth head set on it can only answer and hang up calls you can not tell it to dial or say a command.
You can only do so with a wired head set, which is a bit disappointing.
Thanks again for your help and let’s hope things improve with any more updates they release. Thanks.
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What a JOKE! I contacted Cingular about the issues with my phone. The Guy told me a firmware update is being applied to all phones and when they get more in they would send me one. Said it would be a couple of weeks but they would overnight it when they got some in. I finally got it yesterday, swap sims and battery and power it up. Geuss what? Yep, same @!*@!ing firmware my old phone had: 1.30!!! Killing me! So I went ahead and did the 1.43 update and have not used it enough to say if it is better. I know I got a free OEM HS810 out of it but come on. I don't know what to think. I just know that the US release firmware seems to suck.... Fire them and get some real programmers.
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Hey guys, i must not be reading in the right place. Where can I get the firmware download from, any help would be great!!!!!
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Seems to me that action of installing new firmware is like doing a "hard reset?" I could have sworn people said anytime you do a hard reset on the phone, you have to make certain the battery has 100% charge beforehand, otherwise the phone will think wherever the battery level is at is completely charged????
I know a couple months ago it was discussed or possibly even further back around December when I bought my phone it was discussed on here.
I know a couple months ago it was discussed or possibly even further back around December when I bought my phone it was discussed on here.
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The firmware upgrade is more like upgrading the BIOS on your PC motherboard. The upgrade writes new progamming code to the MPX220's built in memory....instructions to tell the phone how to work. During the data writing process if there is any interruption most likely your phone will not work. So be very careful and make sure your USB cable is connected properly.
As far as the battery charge level and the upgrade, I don't think there is a connection. My battery was about 50% full when I ran the upgrade. My battery still lasts a full 3 days after a charge. Nothing has changed.
During the upgrade you are instructed to remove the battery. You need a full battery because after the upgrade and you reinsert the battery for the first time boo...
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As far as the battery charge level and the upgrade, I don't think there is a connection. My battery was about 50% full when I ran the upgrade. My battery still lasts a full 3 days after a charge. Nothing has changed.
During the upgrade you are instructed to remove the battery. You need a full battery because after the upgrade and you reinsert the battery for the first time boo...
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I start the updater and everyhing goes fine until it tells me to take the usb cable out then pull the battery out the put the usb cable back in... i do that and it starts to install then gives me an error message during installation that says its taken to long and i need to cancel installation... i've tried it 2 times and the same thing... if you have any help for me please let me know!!! thanks!
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Did you make sure that you installed the usb modem driver?
Plug the phone into the computer without the battery and do the automatic install in windows.
Plug the phone into the computer without the battery and do the automatic install in windows.
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😁 Just discovered the external LCD now orients properly when the clamshell is open...neat! Didn't do it before. 😁
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Truthful,
Hope you had a good extended weekend. You seem to be the one with the most accurate information so, would you comment when you have a chance.
When Cingular feels 1.43 is ready to go will it become available at the Moto site? Or how will the Cingular customers get the upgrade?
Thank you for keeping us in the loop as much as you have.
Hope you had a good extended weekend. You seem to be the one with the most accurate information so, would you comment when you have a chance.
When Cingular feels 1.43 is ready to go will it become available at the Moto site? Or how will the Cingular customers get the upgrade?
Thank you for keeping us in the loop as much as you have.
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Thanks, my weekend was progressing very well until I finished a most dissapointing 18 holes this afternoon.
According to an internal Cingular memo dated 4-8-05 MPX220 owners are to register for the uprade at www.motorola.com/us/mpx220
When the firmware update is officially released owners will be notified by email and "the customer can swap out their handset (XBM) or perform a software upgrade at their convenience using Motorola's online upgrade tool."
At this time I do not know if ver. 1.43 is the official release (1.39 is also a Cingular version but not well known) or whether the official release will be another version. All I know is that Cingular 1.43 has many improvements over the 1.30 (current official version).
According to an internal Cingular memo dated 4-8-05 MPX220 owners are to register for the uprade at www.motorola.com/us/mpx220
When the firmware update is officially released owners will be notified by email and "the customer can swap out their handset (XBM) or perform a software upgrade at their convenience using Motorola's online upgrade tool."
At this time I do not know if ver. 1.43 is the official release (1.39 is also a Cingular version but not well known) or whether the official release will be another version. All I know is that Cingular 1.43 has many improvements over the 1.30 (current official version).
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Thanks guys - 1.43 is the version that will be released. For those of you that have been patient, thank you. Motorola will be sending out an email to advise on where to go to download the latest Active Sync (version 3.7.1)
Guidelines for successfully Running the Motorola MPx220 Update Tool
1. It is imperative that ActiveSync 3.7.1 (or higher) is correctly installed on the PC carrying out the update before the process begins. The MPx220 device must be connected to the PC by USB data cable, and an ActiveSync connection present before the MPx220 Update Tool is run.
MPx220 USB Driver Install
NOTE:
· You need to install this driver only once. If you connect your MPx220 Device (without the battery) to your computer and...
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Guidelines for successfully Running the Motorola MPx220 Update Tool
1. It is imperative that ActiveSync 3.7.1 (or higher) is correctly installed on the PC carrying out the update before the process begins. The MPx220 device must be connected to the PC by USB data cable, and an ActiveSync connection present before the MPx220 Update Tool is run.
MPx220 USB Driver Install
NOTE:
· You need to install this driver only once. If you connect your MPx220 Device (without the battery) to your computer and...
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Hi Truthful. Thanks for all your insights thus far. For those of us who are too chicken to download the update from a french website, any idea when Cingular or Motorola will post the "blessed" updated to their respective websites? Thought it was going to be last Friday?
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the software was actually approved for use on the Cingular network last Friday; the caveat is the tool (for consumer use) is being tested and approved. That should be this Friday. Each consumer will actually get an email with the link to the things to download. I used it - it seems to work similar to the original disc that came with the new phone.
I hope this helps
😎
I hope this helps
😎
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Hi Truthful--Now that the software upgrade is in place, will the MPX220 be re-released and if so, when. What would you prefer, a new MPX220 or Razr. Any thoughts on the s/w upgrade for the Razr allowing video recording?
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As for re-release - that is TBD.
I prefer the Razr for its size....I carry a Blackberry 7290 anyway, so all of the functionality of the MPx220 I have on my 7290. If I were to have just ONE phone that could do it all, then it would be a different story.I would do a PDA type phone (MPx, 650, etc).
As for video recording - not sure, I think with access to Bluetooth, I can take vids whereever I am with another camera phone or camera and bluetooth them to the Razr. I like using he Razr as an MP3 player
I prefer the Razr for its size....I carry a Blackberry 7290 anyway, so all of the functionality of the MPx220 I have on my 7290. If I were to have just ONE phone that could do it all, then it would be a different story.I would do a PDA type phone (MPx, 650, etc).
As for video recording - not sure, I think with access to Bluetooth, I can take vids whereever I am with another camera phone or camera and bluetooth them to the Razr. I like using he Razr as an MP3 player
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If the s/w issues are fixed, why won't the phone be re-released. Is there going to be a replacement model with Windows 2005? As for the v3, the black razrs sold in the UK on O2 have video recording. Why doesn't Cingular offer it.
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Will it be upgradable to Windows Mobile 05?Any idea what the new Razr offerings will be. The Malaysia Razr has video capture and a 1 pixel camera.
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Truthful
thanks for the info but is the 1.43 that was applied from the french web site the same as the release that is to come. or is it have changes. Any info will be great, I just need to know if I need to re-applie the upgrade again. Thanks.
thanks for the info but is the 1.43 that was applied from the french web site the same as the release that is to come. or is it have changes. Any info will be great, I just need to know if I need to re-applie the upgrade again. Thanks.
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