Engadget reviews and confirms no way of getting Google search without rooting

[durangojim]

Samsung Fascinate review -- Engadget

Deal breaker for me. I'll be keeping my DINC for a little while longer.

 

[xrussx]

I don't even use the widget so it doesn't matter to me. When I search I just go to google.com

 

[ckochinsky125]

This has been known for awhile. Oh well makes it easier for those of us who want one to get it.

 

[EliC]

I wish they would have commented on GPS functionality.

 

[EmOtaku]

The review on Slashgear stats they experienced none of the GPS related issues reported on other versions of the phone.

http://www.slashgear.com/samsung-fascinate-review-07100970/

It's funny how different sites can review a device and give totally different conclusions. The engadget review seemed slightly skewed against the phone from the start, and ultimately felt it was outclassed by the X and even the INC. Slashgear seems to think the Fascinate is the best Galaxy S so far and even prefer it over the X. They especially loved the camera and video performance and even stated the battery life was pretty good too.

PCMag just posted a review as well and stated that GPS performance was quick and accurate using Google maps d/l'd from the marketplace.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2368684,00.asp

Guess it's just further proof that for devices who's spec's are this close, it's ultimately a personal decision with relative opinions and preferences.

 

[dmiller2007]

Why is it that so many ppl waiting for this phone open there browser up and go to google.com to search instead of just hitting the dedicated button? I've seen multiple ppl say they do that.

 

[EliC]

Another review, and they said they had GPS problems with accuracy:

Samsung Fascinate (Verizon Wireless) Cell Phone reviews - CNET Reviews

 

[Badmf222]

I have to say I'm truly disappointed at how Verizon managed to completely lock down this phone. I was looking forward to grabbing one on release, but with Verizon disabling key Google services that are native to the Android platform, I think I will have to pass on this phone and grab either an X or an Incredible. What a big letdown. This basically kills the Google Voice Search capabilities that were introduced for Froyo. Why would anyone want a phone that doesn't work with upgrades done to make the OS and services work seamlessly?

 

[Droidus]

Another review, and they said they had GPS problems with accuracy:

Samsung Fascinate (Verizon Wireless) Cell Phone reviews - CNET Reviews

I bet it performs the same as the Epic, which has accuracy problems as well.

 

[Droidus]

I have to say I'm truly disappointed at how Verizon managed to completely lock down this phone. I was looking forward to grabbing one on release, but with Verizon disabling key Google services that are native to the Android platform, I think I will have to pass on this phone and grab either an X or an Incredible. What a big letdown. This basically kills the Google Voice Search capabilities that were introduced for Froyo. Why would anyone want a phone that doesn't work with upgrades done to make the OS and services work seamlessly?

I agree 100%, it really is too bad that Verizon decided to go back to its old ways and try to corner people into certain parameters and features. You could always root the phone and get around this crap, but thats a personal choice that many people would not like to make.

 

[howdy]

Just root your phone and get rid of all the bloatware you don't need, including Bing. this phone is going to be easy to root. All that you have to do is load an update.zip file onto the phone and it's done. Then do the lag fix and you'll be running above 2000 quadrant, probably closer to 2200-2300. compared to the droid 2 running around 1200?? my incredible only did 1500 and that was fully rooted with a custom rom and froyo. Once the Fascinate has Froyo it will likely push 3000.

 

[TheXFactor]

I have to say I'm truly disappointed at how Verizon managed to completely lock down this phone. I was looking forward to grabbing one on release, but with Verizon disabling key Google services that are native to the Android platform, I think I will have to pass on this phone and grab either an X or an Incredible. What a big letdown. This basically kills the Google Voice Search capabilities that were introduced for Froyo. Why would anyone want a phone that doesn't work with upgrades done to make the OS and services work seamlessly?

I would have to say this pretty much sums up my thoughts too. I read the Engadget review and I am quite disappointed in what I saw. From my past experience with Samsung, it does not surprise me. I was never a fan of touchwiz either.

That leads me to my last point. VZW and how they compromised the OS. They are looking more and more like ATT every time a new handset is released.

For now I'll stick withe the X. It's the best android phone on the market right now. Incredible a close second.

 

[whitesnake1]

I am also up in the air with this review.. Now I am thinking about the Droid 2.. UGG.. MY co-workers have the T-mobile version, and they like the phone.. but with the "hanging" and delays sluggish of the phone comments I am thinking of what to do... WAAA.

 

[substring]

Am I missing something here? I totally understand when people are complaining about VzW locking down the phone. I can see that point of view (even though it does not bother me that much). But how come nobody on this forum has ever complained about Motorola locking down their X so that you will brick the phone when you are trying to install custom ROM? Please explain.

 

[hanano17]

The slashgear guys said its the best Galaxy S phone, and they liked it better than the X. Cnet pretty much kept all Galaxy S phones as equals for reviews, and I haven't read the engadget one yet but I never trust their reviews anyway (Apple bias). Plus engadget already stated that phones won't score high if they don't do anything new or innovative, and since there are already 3 other Galaxy S phones, the Fascinate won't score high...just like the X scored low because the Evo came out first.

 

[wonsae]

Engadget was pretty hard on the Fascinate especially about the Bing part. Either way, I still love this phone and engadget did not change my mind (actually slashgear made me want it even more lol)

 

[torch7890]

I think this review was laughable at best. if the worst part of this phones is the easiest the correct (with either root or update from Samsung) then why is everyone bitching? I trust the hacking community to come up with custom ROM's in no time that will make this phone amazing.

 

[substring]

Engadget was pretty hard on the Fascinate especially about the Bing part. Either way, I still love this phone and engadget did not change my mind (actually slashgear made me want it even more lol)

Me neither. After reading all the articles, it seems the biggest issues of this phone are Bing and the TouchWiz. Neither one of these two bother me that much to bypass this phone.

By the way, you all should know that Engadget is a big Apple fan.

 

[TheAlmightyDrew]

Me neither. After reading all the articles, it seems the biggest issues of this phone are Bing and the TouchWiz. Neither one of these two bother me that much to bypass this phone.

By the way, you all should know that Engadget is a big Apple fan.

Not to mention, both of these problems are easily fixable. Thursday cannot come any sooner.

 

[JuneNYC]

how much is microsoft paying verizon?
Was the review truly objective?
Did samsung buy any ads in engadget?

 

[dmiller2007]

Just root your phone and get rid of all the bloatware you don't need, including Bing. this phone is going to be easy to root. All that you have to do is load an update.zip file onto the phone and it's done. Then do the lag fix and you'll be running above 2000 quadrant, probably closer to 2200-2300. compared to the droid 2 running around 1200?? my incredible only did 1500 and that was fully rooted with a custom rom and froyo. Once the Fascinate has Froyo it will likely push 3000.

Your faith in quadrant is hilarious. And a user shouldn't have to risk bricking their phone to make google the default search engine in a GOOGLE device.

 

[Redbird1]

And a user shouldn't have to risk bricking their phone to make google the default search engine in a GOOGLE device.

Amen Brother.......

 

[wonsae]

Your faith in quadrant is hilarious. And a user shouldn't have to risk bricking their phone to make google the default search engine in a GOOGLE device.

pretty much impossible to brick your phone by trying to root.

Me neither. After reading all the articles, it seems the biggest issues of this phone are Bing and the TouchWiz. Neither one of these two bother me that much to bypass this phone.

By the way, you all should know that Engadget is a big Apple fan.

seriously, how does the iphone4 get a 9/10? antennagate and failos should put it at 7/10.

 

[Droidus]

I think this review was laughable at best. if the worst part of this phones is the easiest the correct (with either root or update from Samsung) then why is everyone bitching? I trust the hacking community to come up with custom ROM's in no time that will make this phone amazing.

Because not everyone is willing to root it, that is why their review is good. It points out the obvious flaws that this phone has, everyone would much rather have a choice in which search engine they use rather than being forced to use only one. That is a given.

 

[Droidus]

pretty much impossible to brick your phone by trying to root.



seriously, how does the iphone4 get a 9/10? antennagate and failos should put it at 7/10.

the antenna problem was blown out of proportion and the operating system is by far the most user friendly and seamless os out in the market. In shot, it gets the job done. Much the same way the ipod caught on as a standard mp3 player, the iphone does the same thing in the same way. Does it satisfy everyone? No, but it does for the majority of the people that buy it.