Gingerbread Changes / Issues

DucksDroid wrote:
I have noticed three changes to my Droid X since the Gingerbread update that have caused some issues.

1. The backlight on the keys do not work consistently. If they are pressed, the light does not come on. I have found that if I rotate the phone, they seem to come on. According to some searching, this was a Froyo problem as well but I had never experienced it before Gingerbread.

This happens to some users that updated to GB from Froyo without a wipe and there really hasnt been a solution but wipe data or hard reset, both of these options will loose personal settings and device need to be reconfigured.

2. I have several personalized notification sounds. About 4 of the sounds were in WAV format. Once Gingerbread was loaded, they would no longer work properly. I had to convert each one of them to MP3

WAV files are not the most optimized audio format and this is why a number of developers lean towards the mp3 format because they are also smaller in size also.

3. If you go to Contacts...Press Menu key...Press More...Press Settings...Press Contact storage, the default account to store new contacts is "Backup Assistant". I use my Google account, so this change would have caused me significant issues.

Try clearing the dialers default setting, this option is normally a option the first time you add a contact to the contact list... I never set the defult because I love tt allows me to sync with Yahoo, gMaol and my RR accounts in one setting.

If I have duplicated another post I am sorry. I looked around but did not see these issues.

DucksDroid

Thanks but my post was informational.

DucksDroid wrote:
Thanks but my post was informational. .WAV not working is a bug regardless other options.

The contact issue is a new setting. Or atleast one I had never seen.

I dont believe this is a bug because all apps these days have removed the support for wav files, there is a few apps out there that still uses them but Android normally use qcp or mp3... The programers job is to optimize a devices performance and wav files require to much to cache and store... But you have your veiw but the developer may viewed this diffrently.

DucksDroid

droidsw

DucksDroid wrote:
Thanks but my post was informational. .WAV not working is a bug regardless other options.

The contact issue is a new setting. Or atleast one I had never seen.
Did you post to get help, or post to argue?

demmo86rt

DucksDroid wrote:
It worked in froyo removing support without notification makes it a bug.

Either that, or a change they just didn't tell you about.

That would be nice if that is how programming worked.... Heres the link to Android support page http://developer.android.com/guide/appendix/media-formats.html , notice the special notes next to WAV (rates up to limit of hardware). I am just pointing out the facts.

PCM/WAVE

•

8- and 16-bit linear PCM (rates up to limit of hardware)

WAVE (.wav)

DucksDroid

I work in software developement and I am not a rookie to this game, but you appear to be one that want to complain and I am not up to that game..... Hope you resolve your bug.... By the way have you thought to refilter the file because if they are encoded in a 24 bit encryption this could be why the worked on one os and not others..

Just a thought... Good day.

artj

You have to remember, some people do not like to be told no. An entitlement issue? :smileyhappy:

about the backlighting on the keys

i had the same issue

had no apps on the phone

no sd card in the phone

did a wipe before and after update

and in 24 hrs have seen this happen 2 times didnt try rotating to fix just rebooted

jwilli5621

I noticed in Froyo you use to be able to enable or disable the smart profile and tap to silence features, I was curious to see if those still worked or not in GB, and so far i haven't seen those options in the menu.. Anybody had any luck finding those or were they removed due to consitant problems.

Droiddudeaz

I like the brighter buttons. My DX just updated 8 apps at the same time. The OS seems pretty stable. I 've had 2 random reboots but I attribute to the new update, getting settled in, lol.

marcuseyre

Well, so far I have 2 complaints with the update. First, how come we still have the Eclair Gallery? My wife's Fascinate, still on stock 2.2 has the Froyo Gallery, but my DroidX still has the same, lame, old Eclair version on it. Second, I've found that putting the phone in the Motorola desk dock, which activates the media mode or whatever, anyway, it rotates to landscape, great. But when I pull it out and hold it in portrait, the wallpaper is now cut off at the top and bottom where it was when it was in landscape. If I go in and change the wallpaper, the "cropping" border is wrong too, so it doesn't fix if I change the wallpaper. If I set a Live wallpaper or reset the phone, it does reset the wallpaper, and then I can put it back to a normal picture.

Other than that, I'm happy with the upgrade, though the battery doesn't seem to last as long as it did before...

Runestyr

I got my 2.3.3 update this morning! Here are my inital reactions, comments, gripes and (for those who have not yet installed it) warnings.

* Why did we have to wait so long? Didn't 2.3.3 fix security issues?

There are many interface changes. Below are just the ones that confused me, but the changes are so pervasive that most of the DroidX user manual needs a rewrite. I would have liked a pop-up window during the update that said, "while you're waiting for the download, would you like to see what has changed?". Even better would be for the "Tips and Tricks" widget to be pre-populated with such information (instead of being quiet all this week). Let us remember that "terribly mysterious" is not a super-power.

* The new color scheme is not appealing to me, but that's just opinion. The relevant fact is that some apps that used to have grey-on-black buttons now have grey-on-grey buttons that are hard to read. Do the devs have to update their apps, or is there a way to change the color scheme?

* The 3 persistent softkeys have been replaced by 4 configurable tiles. The configurability is good, but wasn't obvious.

* The App Tray button ("up arrow") has a different look and moved to the far right.

* When I slide left and right to see my 7 screens, the "shortcut" dots that let me jump to any screen are gone. Now if you want to jump to a particular screen, you have to press the Home button when you are already in the home screen (or press it twice), and you get 7 mini-screens that act as buttons to make the jump. I like it, but would have preferred a tip to explain it.

* The "trash can," used to remove tiles when customizing the screens, moved from the bottom to the top, got a lot smaller, and is a banner instead of a tile.

* The status indicator for "vibrate mode" was an obvious "phone with zig-zag," now it's a cryptic "3 zig-zags."

It's a bit early to comment on performance or stability. My battery life seems degraded but that was probably because I spent so much time trying to make the phone do things I used to know how to do. A bunch of apps needed updating, which I figure is a good thing.

Oh and while I'm complaining :smileyhappy: the Verison forums are setting off alarms in my new high-security browser. The most notable alarm was that the login process uses cross-site scripting. I had to use a low-security browser to successfully log in and post.

keezy

Runestyr wrote:
I got my 2.3.3 update this morning! Here are my inital reactions, comments, gripes and (for those who have not yet installed it) warnings.

* Why did we have to wait so long? Didn't 2.3.3 fix security issues?

There are many interface changes. Below are just the ones that confused me, but the changes are so pervasive that most of the DroidX user manual needs a rewrite. I would have liked a pop-up window during the update that said, "while you're waiting for the download, would you like to see what has changed?". Even better would be for the "Tips and Tricks" widget to be pre-populated with such information (instead of being quiet all this week). Let us remember that "terribly mysterious" is not a super-power.

* The new color scheme is not appealing to me, but that's just opinion. The relevant fact is that some apps that used to have grey-on-black buttons now have grey-on-grey buttons that are hard to read. Do the devs have to update their apps, or is there a way to change the color scheme?

* The 3 persistent softkeys have been replaced by 4 configurable tiles. The configurability is good, but wasn't obvious.

* The App Tray button ("up arrow") has a different look and moved to the far right.

* When I slide left and right to see my 7 screens, the "shortcut" dots that let me jump to any screen are gone. Now if you want to jump to a particular screen, you have to press the Home button when you are already in the home screen (or press it twice), and you get 7 mini-screens that act as buttons to make the jump. I like it, but would have preferred a tip to explain it.

* The "trash can," used to remove tiles when customizing the screens, moved from the bottom to the top, got a lot smaller, and is a banner instead of a tile.

* The status indicator for "vibrate mode" was an obvious "phone with zig-zag," now it's a cryptic "3 zig-zags."

It's a bit early to comment on performance or stability. My battery life seems degraded but that was probably because I spent so much time trying to make the phone do things I used to know how to do. A bunch of apps needed updating, which I figure is a good thing.

Oh and while I'm complaining :smileyhappy: the Verison forums are setting off alarms in my new high-security browser. The most notable alarm was that the login process uses cross-site scripting. I had to use a low-security browser to successfully log in and post.

These are all completely personal opinion. I, for one, love the new colors and layout of everything. The dark status bar blends perfectly with my wallpaper. The 4 icons on the bottom can easily be changed to anything you want (well, 3 of them can) and it helps me de-clutter my apps on my home screen. I can just make the 3 I use the most the 3 on the very bottom. I personally like the indicator for vibrate mode, the old one was hard for me to see. I also like the fact that the dots don't appear anymore when scrolling through the 7 screens - the mini screens are much easier. Those dots and the red home icon drove me crazy - probably because I kept accidentally sliding to a new screen and the dots took forever to disappear. The new app tray icon still fools me, I'll admit I'm not used to it quite yet - the placement or look of it. The new trashcan placement doesn't bother me at all, it's still just as easy to drag and drop things into it. The color scheme of the menus isn't my favorite, I don't like the "light" themes. I prefer the old dark ones much better. My battery is also going a lot faster, though it's not that big of a deal. That's just my opinion, though.

OK you can inhale now.. :smileyvery-happy: , I am really amazed of all the complaints you have with the update because this update appeared to be one of the smoothes changes made to device.

Each to there own but I wouldn't give up my GB for nothing... It runs smoother, I prefer the new look and a number of bug fixes has been added that makes things run like butter.

You ask about how long it took, the codes has a serious set of rewrites to add some of new security fixes and API integration accesses, they didn't just sit in a room like a mechanic for a hour and half doing nothing while you car was fixed 10 minutes after getting delivered, Google refined a number of things to increase compatibilities for developers so the users can have all the fancy toys that they want to add to the device. Also if you have kept up on the news that hackers are attempting harder to infect Android and in order to resolve the issues or vulnerabilities it takes time.

Nothing happens in a day and can't make everyone happy...

droidsw

wildman, where are you? You are in the Droid X forum. Of course,
people are going to complain.

What was the saying? You can give some people a job sitting down all day and they will complain that their chair isn't comfortable enough.

I've pointed out some minor issues, but more so out of sarcasm towards those ready to jump off a building if GB wasn't released, soon. Overall, GB is an improvement and a success.

Trust me gb for the x is outstanding just ran it on the evolution and its minor at best hardly any changes and no visual upgrades bow that was a huge letdown and it took s week longer to release than it did on the x

B33

I think he maid The Point Very Clear an said it with Great Words Wildman Kudos to ya an another Ice cream sandwich When it Take 3 to 4 or More months to design software an work as good as this One does with just a few issues you got to Commend it alittle. Not throw Dog Poop on it! But everbody wants Perfect! Perfect ! Perfect. An that just don't always Happen!

Lol htc evo 4g the autocorrect is much touchier now

cbschimpf

The thing that disappointed me about the new 2.3 is that you can't see the battery level anymore in the settings. It only shows usage/consumption. Any good apps that you can suggest?

yellowcanary73

I use Circle Battery Widget can be customized a lot.

Dominick

I like Gingerbread in general but certain changes have me wondering if I could go back to Froyo:

1) Battery Life has decreased by almost 50%. This is unacceptable. I have WAY less apps on it compared to when I had Froyo, and on Froyo I used to get between 12-16 hours of life with the Verizon extended battery, but with Gingerbread I am only getting about 6 to 7 hours. WHY??

2) Now when I slide up on the screen or down I will in certain places get this blue ghost image that follows my motion and fills a good amount space like an opening or closing window.. It's not a deal breaker but it's quite annoying..

3) The Media Effects where I'd always add Extreme Bass/Bass now the sound system wide is just generally much lower and the bass isn't any where NEAR as boomy as before. WHY?? THe sound via the speakers and via the headset was MUCH louder under Froyo. THis is REALLY unacceptable as that was the one thing I'd really use the phone for, Pandora, where I was able to listen to music WITH GOOD BASS. Now it sounds just as crappy as the Thunderbolt which has NO system wide equalizer last time I had it.

I'm thinking MAYBE if I was able to RE download and install Gingerbread that MIGHT correct at least the ghosting image with the capacitive touch screen and battery life.. maybe.. but really these issues are really making me want to go back to Froyo.. If they could put out a corrective release SOON I'd hold on.. but this just sucks.

B33

Well Dominick change does stink yes but as things go there was a reason for the update an there will be points on it to like an to dislike we all will encounter them some ware Down the road. But you know that when the Developers were workin on gingerbred they didnt get out a pen an write down i think we need to set this up just for Fred or Tom or George they were just trying to make a Good or Great OS for all of us but in trying to do that there are some little things that we loved in the old OS thats not in GB . But remember we've had Fro-Yo since Sept. or Oct. of Last year an even it has been updated. An there were Many gripes about it . Ones would say it ant worth a crap you cant do this or cant do that an i'm ready for something better an how much more are We going to have to pute up with it. Its like those that love the old pair of sneakers that felt so good but was totaly shot. an time for a New Pair But just feels awlful because there tight on your feet an your feet are screaming what did you do to me were's my old pals that i could slop around in what did you do with them . So weather it be a New OS that is'nt going to get the full Praise of everyone or that old sloppy ol shue our feet Dearly loved to replaced by a New But Tight shue. New changes comes all the time . We just need to make it work as much as humanally possible. An pute a smile on our Face see :smileyvery-happy:

cbschimpf

Thanks for the suggestions on the battery apps. I'll get one downloaded and try it out.

I'd like to echo the more recent comments about battery life....since the new 2.3 I've noticed the battery doesn't last as long too. Any explanations or suggestions for that?

I have seen a battery boost from about 7-8 solid hours on a stock battery to about 10 that's with heavy texting and moderate web use no calls generally

Fwow13

I just want to say that I love GB, and after a very long wait I'm happy to finally have it. With that said, I do have one observation (not complaining). One of the biggest reasons I was anxious to get GB was the reported increase in battery life. I'm am very disappointed to find that I'm one of the unlucky ones to be experiencing significantly worse battery life. I used to do a good amount of gaming on my phone and still finish the day out strong. Now I have to reach for a charger periodically and I don't even open a game app for fear of my phone dying. This isn't a huge issue for me, but like I said it's a let down since I was expecting an improvement.

DroidudeAZ

I love battery circle widget, you can customize all the colors and it looks crisp and modern on the main screen.

hallcp1019 wrote:
I have seen a battery boost from about 7-8 solid hours on a stock battery to about 10 that's with heavy texting and moderate web use no calls generally

Boy that is strange, with extended battery I have seen close to 24 Hours out of my device since GB compared to the 16-18 Hours I seen with Froyo and this is with Pandora Radio always on, heavy web browing and editing xmls for custom theme designs usually all at once....

I still cant express the hard reset option before upgrade because there was to many programming changes made to the new GB os and I believe this is where the diffrence is. My device hasnt has any of the bugs other have had.

cbschimpf

Thanks for your suggestions, I downloaded Battery Solo Widget and it works great! Love it better than the old stock battery indicator.

dirkbonn

I like BattMonX for monitoring my battery usage. The % notification is up in the notification bar. Gives batt usage in 1% increments and the battery changes color (also set by you) based on how much battery is left. It also monitors the battery temp and you can set the temperature threshold to alert you.

this may just be me, but the only thing that I can find that I do not like about the update is the texting, It seems that my texting lags a little and can't keep up. Before the update it would keep up with me, now I seem to make mistakes all the time because it falls behind. Any suggestions?

Also, I am one of the unlucky ones who got worse battery life, my phone would last me all day before, not it doesn't even last until I get off of work :smileysad:

Dominick

Very much not helpful...lol.. but thanks anyways. Droid Bionic..when??

Bionic was rumored to be cancelled, not to sure how true that is. Ive heard they have had alot of issues with the phone and keep having to delay the release to fix the phone, it more than likely won't be until later this year

keezy

DbG2514 wrote:
this may just be me, but the only thing that I can find that I do not like about the update is the texting, It seems that my texting lags a little and can't keep up. Before the update it would keep up with me, now I seem to make mistakes all the time because it falls behind. Any suggestions?

Also, I am one of the unlucky ones who got worse battery life, my phone would last me all day before, not it doesn't even last until I get off of work

Clear the cache of the texting app you're using... In another post you say you are currently a Verizon rep....shouldn't you know these troubleshooting steps?

We don't deal with the trouble shooting end of it. I mainly know the pull battery, that is about it lol.

I cleared the cache and that has seemed to work! Thank you!

keezy

DbG2514 wrote:
I cleared the cache and that has seemed to work! Thank you!

Glad it worked! Are you using the stock texting app with the stock keyboard? I was having the same problem using Handcent and SwiftKey, but clearing the cache didn't work for me.

washcell

I have tried looking in here but on my Droid X i had midi ringtones. A lot of them. After this update none of them work. Why did they remove this compatibilty. How can i get it back? If not able what can i use to convert the midi's to a mp3 format.

Catspanker

Alrightee then...

Today my OS usage is at 2%. I've been on battery for 5 hours, checking email, taking calls and voicemail, and thrashing games. Battery is at 70%.

*shrug*

washcell wrote:
I have tried looking in here but on my Droid X i had midi ringtones. A lot of them. After this update none of them work. Why did they remove this compatibilty. How can i get it back? If not able what can i use to convert the midi's to a mp3 format.

What device did you come from because smartphones usually use mp3, ogg and 8 or 16 bit wave audio formats... If you would like to convert them there is a number of free apps that can convert them without issues or you can try Ringo because I believe it supports Midi files as custom ringers and alerts.

tullja

My battery life is 1/4 of what it was before. Also, I am unable to set up my corporate/exchange email account. Verizon Tech support couldn't help, and my IT office doesn't know anything about the update. Any suggestions?

TonyCatastrophe

From my experience with the update, its been a mixed blessing, some apps are working faster while others, not so much.

My main concerns are with battery life and why I keep losing service. I'm using an extended battery and the life is the same but it does somehow seem to charge faster? 15% to 70% in less than an hour on the stock charger.

As for the service issue, even with wifi, I can't respond to a text or send a phone call yet I can still receive both. At first it started out around 1am-4am EST, since I work overnight, but today it had started around 5pm. I had to sign into an AIM client to respond to texts and have people call me otherwise if needed, having to use wifi to get any service for the client.

As for info, I never had issue with service in the two locations in which the connection issues occured, even having service in the basement of a three floor building. Bars going from blue to white which I assume means roaming? Then losing 3G altogether and having two white bars to one.

demmo86rt

TonyCatastrophe wrote:

As for info, I never had issue with service in the two locations in which the connection issues occured, even having service in the basement of a three floor building. Bars going from blue to white which I assume means roaming? Then losing 3G altogether and having two white bars to one.

When the bars are blue (or other colors, depending on the phone, stock GB is green) that means you have a direct connection with Google's servers, when they are white, it is not a complete connection. For example, most public free WiFi has you open the browser and sign in and, until you do, your WiFi indicator will be white.

bharath23

Overall my experience with GB has been positive. I do miss some of the features I liked in froyo. In froyo you could just got to settings->battery to see how much was left without installing any additional widgets/apps. Now you have to go settings->about->status or install additional widgets/apps. I miss the frequently called feature in the contacts which has now been replaced with "most likely" which is just broken. The most annoying feature loss is the led indication when I have a missed call. I have no clue how to get it back working.

bearone21

still can on the batt, settings/about phone/status.

bharath23

bearone21 wrote:
still can on the batt, settings/about phone/status.

Yes, If you read my post I do mention that now you have to go to settings->about->status to see the percentage. Previously it was nicely presented in the settings->battery.

I am also noticing issues with the compass direction in the google maps after the update like many other users.

bearone21

missed that.

gb update or maps update?

my compass was/is correct before and after update to maps 5.5.0 with gb.