I sent this to a few co-workers that have Verizon.
I am posting it here for people who have had little to no experience with firmware updates.
It is still unknown whether or not the "Software Update" option (under "Phone Info") will be available for use on the Versa, but the following are
tips and recommendations for updating your phone: I hope it helps some of you and I welcome comments:
Your phone may not have the latest “SW/HW Version” or “Firmware Version” available.
I recommend updating your phone to maximize the phone's full functionality and utilize any enhancements and/or “bug fixes” that the manufacturer may have made available.
To check the your phone’s current version, go to: Menu>Settings>Phone Info>SW/HW Version (or some variation of this directory)
The “SW Version” is the one you are looking for. . . . For example, mine shows: VX960V02
Here is a Verizon Firmware Tracker site that I found (you may want to do some additional research, just to confirm):
http://www.phonenews.com/phones/index.php/Verizon_Firmware_TrackerIn most cases you have to take your phone into Verizon for the update.
I recommend calling the store first and speak with a "tech" not a member of the sales staff.
The firmware may be available for download and transfer to our phone via the web and data cable, but keep in mind that if you don’t perform the update 100% correctly and the phone “bricks,” it’s your fault and you now have an expensive paperweight
. Verizon will do nothing for you other than sell you a new phone or activate an older one that you have lying around.
When you talk to Verizon, don’t say “software version or update,” say “firmware.”
Make sure they do indeed have the same latest version that you have found.
FYI, the sales staff rarely know much about updates, so once again ask for a "tech."The tech may tell you that corporate has not posted anything to their "board" regarding an available update, so ask them to check their email. Verizon is not consistant in their methods of notifying their branch offices.
Despite what they may tell you, this is not the same as the “*228, option 2” update.
If you have determined that a new version is available and you do decide to update your phone, keep in mind that there is always a chance that you can loose data on your phone or even worse, the phone may “brick” (break completely).
Prior to visiting Verizon, my recommendations are:
1. Back up your contacts with Backup Assistant for free (to get it free, all you have to do is have your account access online). Call Verizon if you don’t believe me, they will confirm this fact.
2. Back up your photos, sounds, music, videos onto a memory card or computer via data cable.
3. Make sure the individual (tech) at Verizon has experience with firmware updates. Preferably, specifically with your phone, but honestly they are almost exactly the same processes regardless of the phone.
4. You may have to re-download some or all the apps, games, etc. but Verizon will wave the charges of the apps you previously had if you call them and notify them immediately after.
5. You may loose calendar events, text messages, custom ringtones and/or sounds.
6. Worst case scenario, if Verizon does “brick” your phone, they will give you a new one for free since it was their fault.
Keep in mind that if you have an experienced tech doing your update, it is VERY rare that they will “brick” your phone.
**Don’t forget to remove and keep your memory card before the update.**
FYI, updates typically take +- 30 minutes, but most often, your phone will be in there for about an hour.
To find out what fixes, patches and enhancements come with the latest version, check out the forums because it is VERY rare that Verizon will actually contact you regarding update availability or fixes.
Always call your local store to make sure they have techs that can do the update, and have the Verizon rep check their NOTIFICATION BOARD as well as THEIR EMAIL for update notifications.
