Yeah, there's a cooked Windows Mobile 6 ROM
floating around for the now-ancient Apache, but it ain't official -- and let's be honest, there's a good contingent of folks out there that like their updates officially blessed by the powers that be. That very group should be delighted to hear that UTStarcom appears to have an official Windows Mobile 5 AKU3.3 update (you know, the one that was hacked for the handset
many moons ago) available, which we would imagine means Verizon should be offering it directly before too long. Windows Mobile 6 it's not, but the patch appears to offer some key goodies like A2DP, tethering via USB, and Microsoft's Daylight Savings Time fix
from frickin' ages ago. Oh, and the best part? You don't have to wait for Verizon to roll it out -- just follow the read link and look for the XV6700-related files on UTStarcom's site (user beware, of course, since this hasn't been announced). Rock on! Follow the break for a rundown of what's new in the package.
[Thanks, anonymous tipster]
Verizon XV-6700 Maintenance Release
This software update makes available some new features and corrects some issues. Some of the primary enhancements are:
• Upgraded the WM 5.0 OS from AKU 2.2 to AKU 3.3.
• Enabled the capability to support tethering on the device using Verizon's VZ Access Manager (USB cable only) application.
• Enabled A2DP (BT Stereo) Headset Profile.
• Added the capability to enable or disable the Voice Speed Dial application to support other user preferred 3rd Party software.
• Fixed an issue with sending MMS Pix message to users.
• Added the Daylight Savings Time Fix from Microsoft.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Proto732 @ Oct 24th 2007 1:24PM
This late in the game ... what is the point?
Why would VZW ever roll this out? Don't they want you to go buy a new XV6800 next month, or two, or three ... if they ever release it?
I would love to see how many Windows Mobile users ditched Verizon for a Sprint(Mogul) or an AT&T(Tilt).
JSM @ Oct 24th 2007 1:38PM
anyone who goes from a 6700 to a 6800 must not care for their money very much. I am a two year user of the 6700, and would very much like a replacement that fixes the flaws and keeps the features (and adds vga or even better wvga) but the 6800 is nothing better than what verizon should be GIVING to the folks have suffered with the 6700's problems. It's more like a .1 release than an upgrade.
Randy @ Oct 24th 2007 2:09PM
Unbelievable. UTStarcom can roll out an update for an ancient version of Windows Mobile for a (relatively) ancient piece of HW. And at&t/ Samsung can't get their acts together to officially release WM6 for the blackjack in a timely manner.
Just... wow.
John Garcia @ Oct 24th 2007 3:01PM
The XV6800 seems like it is going to be a big disappointment if we on Verizon can actually ever get it. I've been plodding along with my 6700 and am quite happy with the WM6 upgrade on it. A lot of the old problems I had are a thing of the past. Oh sure, there are silly little problems like the phone switching to vibrate mode for no reason, but the phone is very stable these days. Come to think of it, I don't think I've restarted it in 2+ weeks which was unheard of with WM5.
On the other hand, for my clients at work I'd be willing to put on AKU3 on their 6700's. I don't mind running something unsupported on my own phone, but for the users, they get only more "official" releases.
fyreblazer @ Oct 24th 2007 3:16PM
You're kidding. AT&T is on 3rd Gen (Tilt) w/ WM6, Sprint (Mogul), T-Mobile (Wing) and Alltel (6800) are on 2.5 Gen, all with WM6 and VZW & UTS are putting out WM5 updates on 6700? Not only that but an update that's been out for a LONG time.
In my opinion this is a horrible disservice to the VZW PDA community.
@Randy, the unofficial official Blackjack WM6 update has been out since about May or so, but like you said the official official WM6 update for the Blackjack AND 8525 have yet to be realized. I don't know why the hell AT&T is dragging along.
Khidr @ Oct 24th 2007 4:21PM
I couldn't agree more, I'm still hanging on to my 6700 and see no reason to "upgrade" to a 6800. My next phone will probably be on another network, likely AT&T, just so I can gain the flexibility to buy whatever phone I want (imate 9502 anyone) I love gadgets, and while the "network" has been great on vzw, I hate not having a selection of decent pda phones.
ShortFuse @ Oct 24th 2007 4:23PM
What are you guys complaining about? Verizon is definitely up-to-date. This has Daylight Savings Time fix. You know, the one that would have been useful 7 months ago, in March?
Downsouth821 @ Oct 24th 2007 4:28PM
You guys dont get the point. Your quick to jump the point and say verizon is wrong for still releasing stuff like this. People still have this phone who intentions are not to upgrade, buisness people are pretty contempt with there phone. They dont switch them out every year like people on here. And for a company to still show them love by putting up updates this long is pretty damn good. I know its a shame that a 3 year old phone has stereo bluetooth,and one revoloutionary phone still has not got it.
Proto732 @ Oct 25th 2007 7:53AM
Well look at it like this ... VZW is in business to make money. Carriers have never been prompt with updates (unless there was a serious issue, and even then it could take time). They want you to spend money and buy a new phone, not keep updating your old phone for a few years. So it is Odd for VZW to release this update for a phone they EOL'd months ago.
The other odd thing is to release this update, very close to the launch of a highly anticipated new model. We've often see them release the updates AFTER the new model has been out a while. They don't want to sabotage sales of the new unit. And it isn't just one anticipated WM model it is the i760, xv6800 and the xv5800.
Keith Murray @ Nov 15th 2007 9:11PM
I have the xv6700 and I love it, its one of the best pdas i've had because of the slide out qwerty keyboard. The only down fall is I'm trading carriers to get a cheaper plan. If anyone here wants the phone. Email me at clover2112@comcast.net and we can set something up.
littledemon1978 @ Jan 4th 2008 2:32AM
I agree with most of the comments and I love my 6700. It's been one of the best PDAs that I've owned. What I do hate is the sub-standard "upgradedability". OK so they're selling an acient phone with an old OS. Should't they at least have the upgrade readily available for those who are remotely savey? The best I could get is a line from VZW IT that an upgrade to WM6 "might be" available this month.