Looks like HTC has a update coming to address a number of bugs in the TB, I figured this is worth a look at http://support.vzw.com/system_update/thunderbolt.html
I Wonder if this will fix the audio/microphone issues.Or just offer improvements for the Radio
HEy Jaysean,
What microphone issues are you having? Is it low audio, echoing, etc. May I ask that you elaborate.
ArnettH_VZW wrote: HEy Jaysean, What microphone issues are you having? Is it low audio, echoing, etc. May I ask that you elaborate.
1. When doing video recording the audio has trouble being picked up if picked up at all.
2. When using voice control via blueooth it often comes out soft or no audio at all. Accuracy is questionable as well. Like how do you get call #3282 from "call Vicky ____" or "call Jason ____"
3. When on call sometimes people can't hear you at all. Sometimes you need to hang up and redial and audio then works.
Those are the ones I know of when I had my Thunderbolt.
@BOTB - Notice you are in Hawaii.... My TB has been in Hawaii on and off (mostly on) since Friday,,, unfortunately I am not in Hawaii, I am in Texas. Yesterday I got flood warnings for the Island all day instead of tornado warnings that were broadcast where I am. I am also tired of not having my alarm go off in the morning because my phone went to Hawaii overnight. That and the poor 3g signal issues I have are driving me to hate this phone and I really wanted to love it!!! I hope the OTA update really does fix these problems like I have been told it will.
I am also having the same audio issues. Hardly any sound when playing back a video recorded with the thunderbolt, and speech often comes out extremely low on my blutooth. The only way I've found to fix the blutooth issue is to turn the thunderbolt off, take battery out, and reboot. Then it will work fine for a couple of days, until I have to do it all over again.
Thank you for replying ArnettH. I would be glad to elaborate on the issues but I don't think there's anything Verizon can do about it since its mostly an HTC problem, but here goes..
1. Certain apps I use that requires Voice, (Voice Recorder, Talking Tom, Etc) the phone does not pick up my voice at all, if it does its faint and low. If I search for a # to call using the Voice Search it displays jumbled words in the search results. I called HTC and they said its due to the noise canceling mics that cancels the noise but also your voice. Its a known problem that they claim to be 'working on'.
2. Audio & Video recording is very low. Even with the volume all the way up I can barely hear anything whenever I record anything.This again ties in to the microphones canceling out the sound along with the noise.
3.This one I found the most annoying, mostly because its a handy feature for me but it may not be a problem for others. Whenever my headphones are plugged in and a calls comes in, I can answer but the other person cannot hear a word I say unless I unplug the headphones. HTC says the phone was 'designed to work this way', where it mutes the mics whenever headphones are plugged in. On my previous phone (droid x) I never had a problem with this and I even used multiple headphones.
The only other issue I have with this phone is the 4G service cutting out and always giving me a 'Network Error' message every time I use the browser or try to access the market. Its beyond frustrating because I pay for data and can't use it. That's why I was glad to see the update coming, but haven't seen it yet. Last I read it has been 'delayed'. I am to the point where I will have to switch phones and go back to my trusty droid x, which id have to go out and buy.
cheers
JaySean
1. no issues with voice search here.
2. fixed in the upcoming update whenever that may come
3. HTC poorly coded how the phone reacts when something is plugged into the headset jack. It automatically assumes that whatever is plugged in has its own mic. Who knows if/when they'll fix it.
I purchased the Thunderbolt about 3 weeks ago, and have been utilizing the Mobile Hotspot for my primary internet connection. After buying a new laptop and about 50 hours on this, I have concluded some very valuable information: I am in a unique situation becuase I have one home in a 4G area, and another in a 3G area, so I have been able to figure this out: the internet connection on the phone (and thus the Mobile Hotspot) works perfectly when the phone is in a 4G area. HOWEVER: WHEN THE PHONE IS IN A 3G AREA IN LOOSES ITS INTERNET CONNECTION EVERY TIME IT LOOKS FOR A 4G SIGNAL. I can sit and watch the Mobile Network constantly connect and unconnect and as it cycles this way I am loosing and connecting again constantly on my computer. On, Off, On, Off......yet the Mobile Hotspot says "connected, active", etc. the whole time on both my computer and the device- I only know I don't have a connection when I go to try to do something on the computer. THE GLITCH IS IN THE 4G PHONE WHEN ITS PHYSICALLY IN A 3G AREA.
I am writing this so that my discovery will help those working on the upcoming update which amongst other things says it will provide "enhanced data connectivity when accessing the Verizon 3G network". PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT THE ABOVE PROBLEM IS INCLUDED IN THIS UPDATE! In the meantime, I had to reinstate Cox Cable in my house in the 3G area paying a new activation fee.
My deepest apologies Jaysean,
It definitely sounds like an equipment issues. I have tried to duplicate the issues you have stated on several of our test Thunderbolts at work and everything works as it suppose to. Audio issues if such magnitude isn't typically fixed with a software upgrade. The upgrade is being rolled out in stages, meaning everyone won't get it at the same time. If you have already received it and are still having the issues, we can certainly look into replcement options. If you haven't received the software update, it would be interesting to see if the audio improves. In either case, I will send you a private message so I can review your account and provide you with all you options.
BTW, on May 15th, you get to start paying $20/month for just 2G metered data on your nice new HotSpot, or the application quits.
Isn't VZW great?
vx1 wrote: BTW, on May 15th, you get to start paying $20/month for just 2G metered data on your nice new HotSpot, or the application quits. Isn't VZW great?
Really! We all know our free hotspot ends May 15th. Can you post a link to actual proof that $20 for 2g is true? That's what VZW already charges for 2g on any other 3G hotspot enabled device.
That was what was quoted to me on the phone by VZW tech support. 2GB for $20.
May 15 is when the free tethering goes away. You HAVE to add the plan if you want to have it. Pricing may be different for 4G, but it's unknown until Verizon shows some pricing.
The tethering was a promotional deal, and they probably wanted to see how much people would use tethering on their devices to figure out how much data and how much to charge for 4G tethering.
I have used it a few times, but I believe I only used like 1GB tops when I had my T-Bolt... The battery life sucked bad for me so I returned it.
I'm with you. The update will come when the update is done. Complaining about it won't help it go any faster.
gina7289 wrote:Vx1 as of tonight they don't know that about the price yet. There trying to keep unlimited but I hear it isent going to be the same as 3g Hotspot. There saying what u said because that's the plan for all others. It's going to be labled 4g Hotspot. It's not going to be a universal plan. We will know on the 14th. They can't tell u something other then plans that are similar. Everything changes everyday.
i don't see why they couldn't keep the same pricing. most people don't even get 4g/LTE so how could they charge you more for 4g if you don't even have it? i'm guessing it will be the same......2 gigs for $20/ month.
AZSALUKI wrote: gina7289 wrote:Vx1 as of tonight they don't know that about the price yet. There trying to keep unlimited but I hear it isent going to be the same as 3g Hotspot. There saying what u said because that's the plan for all others. It's going to be labled 4g Hotspot. It's not going to be a universal plan. We will know on the 14th. They can't tell u something other then plans that are similar. Everything changes everyday.i don't see why they couldn't keep the same pricing. most people don't even get 4g/LTE so how could they charge you more for 4g if you don't even have it? i'm guessing it will be the same......2 gigs for $20/ month.
View it this way, they could have easily kept it at $20.00 for 2 GIGs for 3G and charged more for the 4G service, since they had it a that price for 3G before hand I would have figured they would have went up not down on the rate plans. Basically they are giving access to the new network for the same price, this is far if you view it from a business view.
Wildman wrote: AZSALUKI wrote: gina7289 wrote:Vx1 as of tonight they don't know that about the price yet. There trying to keep unlimited but I hear it isent going to be the same as 3g Hotspot. There saying what u said because that's the plan for all others. It's going to be labled 4g Hotspot. It's not going to be a universal plan. We will know on the 14th. They can't tell u something other then plans that are similar. Everything changes everyday.i don't see why they couldn't keep the same pricing. most people don't even get 4g/LTE so how could they charge you more for 4g if you don't even have it? i'm guessing it will be the same......2 gigs for $20/ month.View it this way, they could have easily kept it at $20.00 for 2 GIGs for 3G and charged more for the 4G service, since they had it a that price for 3G before hand I would have figured they would have went up not down on the rate plans. Basically they are giving access to the new network for the same price, this is far if you view it from a business view.
but what i mean is, would they seriously increase the rate across the board, because 4g is available in some areas? it just seems to me that they should keep it at the current rates....at least until everyone has 4g. if i were in a 3g market only and they raised the hotspot fee to $30/month because of 4g, i wouldn't pay it. and it seems too difficult to have didfferent price plans (ie:$20/month if you're only in a 3g network, but $30/month if you get 4g). i suspect they will keep it the same.
Sounds to me they are following Sprints patteren. They charged customers 10.00 for 4G even when they didnt have 4G in their area....
Wildman wrote: Sounds to me they are following Sprints patteren. They charged customers 10.00 for 4G even when they didnt have 4G in their area....
but wasn't that just for the unlimited data plan for the phone (EVO)? or did they increase hotspot fees as well for the EVO?
I read that it is not a push, but an over the air download. I was hoping for a push, cause I keep getting service unavailable when I check new. I have done everything, restart, battery pull, factory data reset. Still getting this error message.
Wahoo! Downloading update now!!!
Download running here too! Woo!
Saw the update is available now via http://www.droid-life.com/2011/05/12/breaking-htc-thunderbolt-update-is-available-now/
Went to "Menu, Settings, Software Update, Check New" (If errors out, try again). Indicated update "Mecha_Verizon_WWE_1.13.605.7-1.12.605.6 is available. Hit "Ok" to download which took about 5 minutes (on 3G, no 4G LTE yet in my area). Download size was approx. 35MB. Once the download completed, it prompts you to click "Ok" to proceed. During this time you won't be able to use the phone. The system rebooted and went to an update screen for about 5 minutes, then rebooted again. All appears to be working normally as it did before the update. Note: I'm not rooted, just stock apps (a few updated, such as Flash, Adobe Reader, Google Maps, Gmail). One change I did notice right away is that my 3G connection is now back on CDMA -eHRPD, whereas before (since the nationwide 4G LTE outage issue back at the end of April), it was always on CDMA EVDO Rev A. I didn't do anything to set it that way or try to force it back to -eHRPD. I figured it was changed by Verizon for a reason and expected it would change back when ready.
So far, a cursory check of the phone, all is working normally. Will post back IF I see any problems.
Well that was kind of scary. After the update finished downloading, the phone rebooted. Got the TB lightning and thunder and then it rebooted again. Stayed black for almost 20 minutes before I thought to try the "power" button. Much to my relief, it powered up. The battery charge indicator dropped by almost 40%. I am assuming that the battery history file that droid builds either got deleted, or a new charging profile was part of this update. Stayed on 1X for a few minutes before 4G/LTE mode come up. Signal level seems to be same as before.
App-wise, GPS comes up very quickly and seems to be pretty accurate from the GPS Status app. Mail, SMS and my modest collection of apps are working. The weather widget actually figured where I am (yay!). Don't really notice anything else yet, but we'll see. Will update if anything worth mentioning pops up...
Mark
Ann154 wrote:Downloaded and installed 30 minutes ago! I have pictures to prove it too. Need to resize the pics though. They were too large to upload onto the VZW community.
As promised pictures!! So far I haven't noticed any bugs.
Sorry for the mirror reflections in the shots. I had to use the tools available.
Mobile HOtspot working very intermittantly. What's the deal? This is getting real old. The 'free" Hotspot isn't worth anything if it doesn't work. Was working in 4G area perfectly, and only intermittant in a 3G area, but now its intermittent whereever it is starting yesterday. The update seemed to work for about a week, but now is acting up.
Have you tried a factory reset? My cousin had your problem as soon as he did the factory reset he hasn't had a problem with reboots since.
Hello. I tested my Thunderbolt phone in a 3G area again yesterday to see if you've fixed the problem with it loosing its internet connection all the time: on, off, on, off, on, off, and it is not fixed. (The internet connection and mobile hotspot work perfectly when the phone is in a 4G area, and always have).
When my husband and I bought the phone our budget alowed for the $20 mobile hotspot ($40 for both of us) since we could terminate our Cox Cable Internet service at home (our home is in a 3G area). WeI had to reinstate my Cox Cable Internet Service within a week of purchasing the phone since the Verizon did not provide the promised service as per our contract. Fortunately, since I had cancelled with Cox, I became a "new customer" when I reinstated it so could take advantage of an introductory rate of $25 mo. As long as VErizon is paying for our Mobile HOtspots since they are not working that was fine. My understaing is that Verizon is paying for our Mobile Hotspots only until today (JUne 15). Is that correct???? ??? I trust that Verizon will continue to pay for our Mobile Hotspot until the problem is fixed to make up for the cost of having to get internet service from another source. Please let me know about this.
Tthe introductory rate from Cox goes up to $36 next month since it was only introductory. Our budget when we made thedecision to buy the phones was for $40 mo for the 2 mobile Hotspots, and it will become $76 mo to have an internet connection at home plus our 2 MObile Hotspots. This is not fair to us!!! We bought the phones in good faith that Verizon would deliver the product and service that they promised. Not only that, we STILL don't have an internet connvection whenever we are in a 3G area, like we were told we would when we bought the phone. We have been very patiently waiting for Verizon to fix the problem for 2 months and have been extremely inconvenienced.
Here we are 2 months after my husband and I bought the phone, and we stll do not have use of our Mobile Hotspot in a 3G area and therefore at home where we both work from.
One of 4 things needs to happen:
1) Verizon fixes the problem (our first preference!) as per your contract with us-You should deliver the product and service that you presented to us when we bought the phone. You have not upheld your end of the business agreement.
2) Verizon continues to pay for our Mobile Hotspots until it is fixed (then we would be back to our budget paying for Cox at $36 mo).
3) Verizon gives us a $36 credit every month to pay for the Cox Cable internet connection that we must have because Verizon has not provided it as promised (then we would be back to our $40 mo. budget).
4) Verizon gives us the newest 4G Droid phone that works in a 3G area.
Please advise as to which option you choose. I am done spending time on this. Verizon has cost me a lot of money taking me away from work for this.
Thank you. Vicki Droz,{edited for privacy}
Vicki, you may want to delete your phone number, this is a public forum. Also, you do know the $20 hotspot would only get you 2GB of data, so cancelling your home internet may not be the best option.
In fact VZW stated the hotspot for 4G phones when they do start charging for it will NOT be 2GB for $20, but none of us know what they will charge.
You also do realize that the mobile hotspot feature was never designed to "replace" a wired internet connection, right?
Wireless, by nature, can be very inconsistent. Even in your T&C, it says there is no guarantee that you will always have optimum service available to you at all times.
I hope you get what you want, but I don't really think your expectations are realistic.
Just my opinion.
Dnakaman wrote: You also do realize that the mobile hotspot feature was never designed to "replace" a wired internet connection, right? Wireless, by nature, can be very inconsistent. Even in your T&C, it says there is no guarantee that you will always have optimum service available to you at all times. I hope you get what you want, but I don't really think your expectations are realistic. Just my opinion.
To be fair, most wired home connection T&C have the same disclaimer. It's pretty standard. Your point is still valid, though.
