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Windows Phone Updates from Verizon - ON TIME. (Meet Joe B.)

Another Windows Phone Update - another release delay from Verizon.

Anyone else with a Verizon Windows Phone tired of waiting for Verizon to provide us with our Microsoft updates on a timely basis? Yes. I have heard. They need time to test. Blah, blah, blah.

Well, Verizon - meet Joe Belfiore. joeb@microsoft.com

You may have seen Joe today 4/4 rolling out Cortana - the new "Siri" for Windows Phone. (See link below.) Joe runs the show for Windows Phones.

I have extended the challenge to Verizon a number of times to contact Joe to find out how they can get engaged in a Beta program for Windows Phone updates. There are a number of companies who review Windows Phone updates prior to release so they can be prepared WHEN THE RELEASE IS AVAILABLE. Just like the iPhone. What a concept.

I am tired of asking the Verizon Lip Service Representatives to research this. I am tired of filing complaints with the FCC.

So here's my challenge Verizon. Now public. Now in writing. Send an email to Joe Belfiore and jump into the program that allows you to test Windows Phone updates prior to release (since this is what you claim takes so long to get your updates out). OR, allow your Windows Phone customers to go directly to Microsoft to download the updates just as you do with your iPhone customers. That would be an acceptable alternative if this whole story about testing releases is just more nonsense.

Meet Cortana, Microsoft's Answer To Siri And Google Now

Comments

MadDogFL62

...and while you have Joe's ear - how about working something out to get GLANCE added to the Icon.

scolab

The fact that Icon doesn't have Glance is keeping me from upgrading my 822, but it's more Nokia's fault than Verizon. You can read more here: The Nokia Lumia 930 does not have Glance, here’s why | Windows Phone Central

Hopefully they'll get it worked out.

scolab

Follow the articles and forums on www.wpcentral.com and you should be able to figure out how to install WP8.1 when it's released through the developer channel. I had Black and GDR3 long before Verizon released it. And once it was officially released, it updated without any problem. And I believe Verizon actually updated my their 2 Windows phones long before ATT did any of theirs.

rednibkram

Please don't divert the conversation. The topic is about updating our Windows Phones faster, not Glance. This is a legitimate complaint and Verizon needs to address this situation. They allow pre-testing with the iPhone, and now that Microsoft owns Nokia and will be building their own phones (like Apple) Windows Phone updates for Lumia devices deserves the same respect that iPhones get. And yes, I know all about the Developer Preview program, but that DOES NOT provide us with the firmware updates (Cyan). That comes from Verizon after they do their "testing bit", which if they would "pre-test" as recommended above, we wouldn't be waiting on testing like we are now! We'd be receiving the updates. AT&T is about to release the update for their flagship Windows Phone because they DID do pre-testing for the 1520, why can't Verizon do the same thing!? I agree with MadDog! Either Verizon should PRE-TEST the updates or allow us to get the updates (including the firmware like Apple iPhone) directly from Microsoft and push all trouble-shooting off onto Microsoft (just like they do with the iPhone to Apple).

MadDogFL62

This Spring, thousands of Windows Phone users experiences just what is made available to Verizon when they participated in the Windows Phone Developer Program and received a number of pre-release downloads of the 8.1 beta of Cyan 8.1.

Joe Belfiore is a personal friend and clearly the go-to person at Microsoft for Verizon.

Considering that Verizon can't, won't, didn't and haven't sent Joe an email or engaged with Microsoft on a pre-release program is pathetic.

What Verizon has done is make a clear statement about their dedication to the Windows Phone Platform and their customers who use those devices. They could care less about both.

"Yes, we can hear you now Verizon!" Your apathy speaks volumes. And just to make sure you hear us - we are partnering with the FCC who can help adjust your attitude. File your complaint today at www.fcc.gov/complaints Demand your Cyan 8.1 update and demand that Verizon pre-test these releases.

JIce88

Can you please explain what part of the FCC laws and regulations Verizon is in violation of?

T_Williams

I agree! T-Mobile made progress and now AT&T. Not a peep from Verizon on WP 8.1!

MadDogFL62

I discussed my update concerns with the FCC several WP versions ago. I was specifically told by the FCC that if you purchased your phone from a carrier and if that carrier controls the software upgrades to your hardware - then that carrier is responsible to see that you get your upgrades on a timely basis. Especially if that software upgrade improves device performance, corrects defects (fixes bugs), or includes new features.

Since that conversation, I have filed 3 complaints against Verizon. And after all 3 complaints were filed, I received a call back from Verizon looking to confirm that I received my upgrade. I do not know if Verizon received any fees or fines, but it was clear that the FCC contacted them. In addition, during all 3 calls with Verizon, I explained to them just what is written in this post. They were asked to participate in pre-release programs and they were given Microsoft Executives to contact to get into these programs.

So it's "Shame on Verizon" again. Another WP Update - and - nothing. www.fcc.gov/complaints My complaint was filed 3 days ago. If you want improved WP phone performance, bug fixes, better Wi-Fi, and the new 8.1 features you have been reading about - join me in filing a complaint. Because complaining out here does no good.

winnamon84

Alright I file the complaint, approximately how long after you submitted did you receive response back from Verizon. Also did you receive the upgrade before the general public? MadDogFL62

MadDogFL62

winnamon84: I did not receive any kind of special "priority update" from Verizon. From what I could read on this form and on sites like WPCentral and WMPoweruser, I got my update the same time as all other Verizon customers.

However, what I did get was a call from a Verizon "Damage Control" Rep within a week after the update was released. They reviewed my complaint as it was specifically filed with the FCC and wanted to insure that every issue was addressed.

This go-around, I added the issue of Verizon not pre-testing the release to my complaint form. I have asked on this forum and I have asked these Damage Control Reps to forward our concerns yet there are no improvements to the process.

So once again we sit on the sideline as Verizon customers; watching AT&T and T-Mobile customers enjoy their new software on their Windows Phone.

jnetSYNATK1

Complaint filed.

Glad to see I am not the only one irritated with the way Verizon runs business. As long as we pay them, we are treated like second class citizens. Don't even get me started on their support representatives. The perception of these people seems to be that they have an IQ of < 55.

Guess all we can do is wait - we are at their mercy, which is balls. I really wish people would stop sucking Apples pole, Their products are dumb'ed down for the average user to use. Really, they are far behind when it comes to productivity - ie. real job usefulness. I mean if all I wanted to do was listen to music - play retarded games, or watch videos - sure I'd go Apple.

iKnowPhones

I think there is a lot of confusion around how these updates are handled by the respective carriers. Once the update is out of the Beta phase (which is essentially what we are using in the Dev Preview Program) it is then passed on to Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc. Once they have the finished version of the update, they perform their own testing and certification before approving it for public release. This is the step that Verizon is in now. Right now they should be testing the 8.1/Cyan update to see how well it works on their various phones to make sure nothing is broken in the process.

This cannot be compared to how Apple rolls out updates because they bypass the carrier testing and certification process entirely. It's a benefit they are able to enjoy because they were the first major smartphone to make it big, so they had the power to call those kinds of shots. This is different from how both Google and MS have to handle their updates with the various carriers.

The real question is, how hard is Verizon working to get the update rolled out to their phones? I may not question the roll out process, but I do question how hard they are working to test and release this update. Making complaints to the FCC is pointless, Verizon has every right to handle the process as they are, and that's a shame since I do believe they put a higher priority on Android updates than they do for WP updates. Regardless, there are some here who seem confused on the whys of the process and I hope my post helped them out.

MadDogFL62

Thank you Captain Obvious.

Complaints to the FCC about Verizon are escalated to Executives in Verizon. The same Executives that establish policy on testing updates. Those Executives know how Apple Updates are rolled out and based on a volume of FCC complaints - they will realize that Windows Phone customers expect the same - and that such demand is growing.

Regardless of how Verizon tests updates, regardless of how Verizon treats Apple customers, regardless of what the Verizon contract states that you signed for service (BTW - it states that Verizon doesn't have to deliver anything), the FCC requires that carriers provide their customers with expedient software updates that impact and/or improve the performance of the hardware that they use with their service. At the request of the FCC, I have filed such a complaint in writing with the use of their Website on 4 occasions now. On my last 3 occasions, I received a call back from Verizon stating that they were contacted by the FCC, that they were sorry about the delays, and that communication would go to "higher ups" on how Windows Phone updates could be tested more aggressively.

This should come as no surprise to ANY Verizon customer - Verizon is 0 for 3 in changing their policies. So last week, I filed complaint number 4. Bombs Away! Do join me. www.fcc.gov/complaints After all, it would be nice to be loading updates, rather than just reading about them on the technology Websites.

iKnowPhones

The leading OS (Android) in the world has to go through the same song and dance. Your letters to the FCC are not going change their policies to mimic their policies with Apple. It's just the reality of the situation. I believe enough noise will make WP more of a priority, but your settings yourself up for disappointment and frustration if you're expecting testing to be dropping entirely.

Sent from my Windows Phone

MadDogFL62

Listen Captain -

I will speak for myself in saying that there is no, none, zero expectation that Verizon will release updates as they do with Apple. All I am looking for is a policy update that provides testing PRIOR to the Windows Phone Update Release. That is what the Forum Thread is all about. Contact Joe Belfiore at Microsoft and he will explain what kind of pre release testing opportunities are available to carriers just like Verizon.

I will repeat myself again in saying that I am fed up with reading about new Windows Phone releases in the Tech Pubs for 4 to 6 weeks, while Verizon takes their sweet time releasing MY update. I am simply looking for a shorter "release to customer" timeline. Please don't put words in MY MOUTH by telling me I want an Apple sort of release or for Verizon to mimic their policies.

JIce88

AT&T has just rolled out the Cyan Update for their 925 and 520 models. Last week they rolled it out for the 1520. It seems to me that with release of the 930(international Icon) Most of the Cyan update should have already been tested. It should not take this long.

iKnowPhones

I agree, it’s frustrating to see AT&T really step up their delivery while we’re just sitting here with no communication from Verizon.

Jallenwest

Another day without Cortana....Boooo

MadDogFL62

"Don't delete that thread! That's one of the posts that has the FCC stuff in it. If it get's deleted, then sent to the FCC, we will be in big trouble!"

Verizon. We are tired of waiting. Better yet, tired of seeing other carriers release the update, tired of reading about the update, and VERY tired of not having the update.

Please join me: www.fcc.gov/complaints Like it or not, Verizon is required to provide software updates to their customers that improve the quality of their device and/or service. Enhancements, Bug Fixes and Improvements for all Windows Phone devices are numerous in the 8.1 Cyan release. Let the FCC know that Verizon is keeping you from your copy. File your complaint today.

rednibkram

I'm not confused as to the process, I'm angry at the process. As you stated, the only reason Apple gets to update their phones directly is because they "powered" themselves into that situation. However, regardless of WHY they are able to do it, they ARE able to do it. I'm making the point that this is DISCRIMINATION. It's no different than saying a company will allow "this type person" to have this right, while denying another "type person" from having the same thing. Just because some people own iPhones, is not a reason to allow them the "privilege" of bypassing the carrier testing. Either they should have the same carrier testing period we do, or we should be allows to bypass the testing as well. This is why I am asking as many people as possible to send this request to the FCC and possibly staring a class action lawsuit for discrimination against Verizon.

MadDogFL62

Hey, look... another article (below) about that Joe Belfiore from Microsoft. Seems that the guy that can help Verizon with their Windows Phone Updates is empowered by Microsoft to fix other Windows Phone problems too!

How could Verizon ever get in touch with this Joe from Microsoft who can help them with their Windows Phone business? joeb@microsoft.com maybe?

Get your act together Verizon.

Microsoft's Joe Belfiore investigating Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 update errors | Windows Phone Central

unknown

Give it a rest.

You are again on yet another post spreading misinformation!

Verizon does not have to update your device. Be it a windows phone, android phone or any other phone.

The FCC has no authority over a cellular carrier to make updates. It is the device makers obligation.

Or Microsoft's updates.

The cell carriers don't even have to allow the device on their network.

As I told you yesterday post proof positive from the FCC that they find you correct, or that any complaint from you has compelled Verizon wireless to effect that update.

As I also pointed out there was not even a subject line for the upgrade situation and then you are telling people its listed under "service" again the FCC cannot compel any wireless carrier to push out any update.

Good Luck

MadDogFL62

Irrelevent, off-topic post removed.

Message was edited as required by the Verizon Wireless Terms of Service.

Message was edited by: Admin Moderator

iKnowPhones

Regardless of whether or not you care to see it, elector does have a point. I understand wanting to put pressure on Verizon to release the update sooner than later. However the FCC is not going to force Verizon to do anything. If the FCC were really the right organization to go to, don’t you think people would be hounding them to go after T-mobile for not releasing the 8.1 update to the Lumia 810? Those consumers are being ignored completely and that isn’t changing. I know how eager you are to go off on a rant, but remember, I agree on pressuring Verizon. I just agree with the other level headed individuals that expecting the FCC to step in and take serious action is a pipe dream.

Also when you post something on the internet, it’s anyone’s business if they want to read it. You just need to learn how to deal with opinions that differs from yours.

unknown

You are posting incorrect information. Again post proof of any of your statements regarding the FCC having a direct impact on any of your complaints. You cannot.

>> Edited to comply with the Verizon Wireless Terms of Service <<

Edited by: Verizon Moderator

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