What next - Move from AT&T or Samsung?

[avgdroid]

I know that the topic of Jelly Bean on the Samsung Galaxy 2 is frequently discussed topic - and I am on the AT&T network. I am posting this question here because I am trying to understand the players (Samsung, AT&T, Google) and why the delay. My question is, "Who is dragging their feet - Samsung or AT&T?" Is Samsung so specialized with their devices that upgrading will always be delayed?

I have seen arguments about the delay falling on AT&T (because they want to make money...) and others pointing at Samsung. The reason I ask is because I am trying to make a decision about phone manufacturer and carrier to move to the next time my contract is up. I know I can root my phone, but do not like the option because of the risk of bricking (is that really a risk - and how often does that happen?) because I am very dependent on my phone working. I know, who isnt? .

With AT&T, I use to tether my tablet for free, and since one of the updates to ICS they will charge for use. Are they going to do something similar with JB?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Digital Controller]

Usually the delay is the carrier. Google releases the update and it has been tested thoroughly on the device, but then the carrier tests it again, for months, slowing the release of the update to your actual device.

Bricking is usually a very slim chance, as long as you follow the guides completely, it's when users don't read carefully or stray from the guides is when bricking happens.

 

[avgdroid]

Thanks Digital Controller! Is there a carrier that is more release-friendly than others?

 

[jhawkkw]

Not really, but Verizon is actually worse than at&t. The only way to ensure updates aren't held back by the carrier is to get an non branded gsm device like the nexus devices, or unbranded international version of the device. That way the carrier is not part of the process and it comes straight from the oem.

 

[Digital Controller]

Not really, but Verizon is actually worse than at&t. The only way to ensure updates aren't held back by the carrier is to get an non branded gsm device like the nexus devices, or unbranded international version of the device. That way the carrier is not part of the process and it comes straight from the oem.

Verizon is in fact the worst about releasing OTA updates. They are usually held up for about 4months, typically, sometimes longer.

Usually you can try and contact Customer Service but they usually have no idea either

 

[xmr405o]

I would agree in most cases with VZW being the slowest but to their credit they did update their razr line of moto phones pretty fast. So I'm not sure who to blame for slow updates anymore.

I guess it's based on luck now.

 

[avgdroid]

Thanks! I happened to call AT&T about something else and asked about the update. They said that it is now available through Kies... I will give it a shot when I get home and let you know how it turns out.

 

[avgdroid]

It still does not appear that the update is available for the S2. I have installed (complete reinstall) the Kies application according to the AT&T tech and I am getting the "Your device's current firmware version is not supported to update firmware via Kies." message. From what I understand, this does not mean there is an issue, only that the update is not available for the phones firmware. Current firmware: PDA:LI3 / Phone:LI3 / CSC:LI3 (ATT).

Interesting because the Tech sent me in the wrong direction or Kies no longer supports my phone and there really is a problem.