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My SGS II is disappointing me? HELP.

O

oly730

Newbie
Today is my second day to have Samsung Galaxy SII after immigrating from Symbian Nokia N95. What I am feeling now is pretty bad disappointment due to the following SGS II features/ unavailability features:
- Contact list.
Its contact list has gone back to the system used decades ago where one name has only one phone number. It is indeed surprised me it comes from a most discussed/waited latest phone model.
Older phones such like N95 has had structured contact address where a name might has several phone numbers, fax number, addresses, spouse
 
Your are able to store multiple numbers, emails and addresses with location facilities... Per single contact.

When adding a contact use the plus buttons to add more detail. It's all there.
 
Kies is malfunctioning rubbish, unfortunately it's just a trap that most people are going to fall in to, they can be forgiven for thinking some shiny 2011 software should actually work. Whatever you do don't use it to update your firmware.

You can go into settings to connect the phone to the PC to exchange files (Choose to connect phone to pc BEFORE connecting the USB), or to tether the phone's connection. Make sure you're using the USB cable with a silver U2 sticker on the bottom of it, the other one that some people got in their box causes chaos so don't use it.
 
This is probably a really noob question but how can you update it without using Kies? I've seen references to Odin but that sounds like it only works with rooted devices which I don't want to do (I'm no stranger to rooting things in general but I'm not aware of any rooted capabilities that i'm very interested in for my S2).

So is there a way to upgrade a an un-rooted S2 without using Kies?
 
If you forgive me for saying so... your problem is not the Samsung Galaxy SII but rather your lack of knowledge of the phone and operating system, having come from a Nokia N95, Symbian, phone (as I did).

I would strongly suggest familiarising yourself with the phone and the platform. It took me weeks to come to grips with it after years of Symbian use.

As for the PC Suite... try MyPhoneExplorer free from here:-

FJ Software Development

and download, again free, from the Market the ancillary phone app for MyPhoneExplorer. This is the most Nokia/Ovi like PC Suite and is far superior to Kies.

It will also pay you to download the "full" instruction manual for the SGSII from here:-

Support for Galaxy S II SAMSUNG

which contains a wealth of information for those new to the phone.

Hope this helps. :D
 
Remeniz said:
How do I figure out which firmware to download?
Click to expand...

Some quick questions:-

1. Are you rooted?

2. If not, do you want to root and install a custom ROM?

3. If you do not wish to root, do you just want to update to the latest firmware available for your phone/location/operator?

4. What firmware are you on now?
(Settings > About phone > Android version + Baseband version + Kernel version + Build number)
 
ironass said:
Some quick questions:-
Click to expand...

1. Are you rooted?
Click to expand...

No

2. If not, do you want to root and install a custom ROM?
Click to expand...

No thanks... well not yet :D

3. If you do not wish to root, do you just want to update to the latest firmware available for your phone/location/operator?
Click to expand...

Yes/yes/yes.

4. What firmware are you on now?
(Settings > About phone > Android version + Baseband version + Kernel version + Build number)
Click to expand...

I'm on O2....

2.3.3
I9100XXKE7
2.6.35.7-I9100XWKF3-CL276555 root@DELL101 #2
GINGERBREAD.XWKF3

I'm assuming I download the file under XWKF3 XEU (Generic UK+Europe) ??
 
If you do not wish to root or debrand your phone, you will need to flash it with the latest O2 branded firmware from here:-

[ROMS]Official i9100 carrier branded firmware download for Odin Flash - xda-developers

which is, for O2, XWKF3. UPDATE You are on the latest firmware for your phone/location/operator already! If you flash the generic firmware you will lose the O2 customisations and, "possibly" void your warranty.

I suggest you start a new thread about this in, "All things Root", here:-

Galaxy S2 (International) - All Things Root - Android Forums

You will find all you need to know about flashing operator branded firmware in Slug's sticky, here:-

http://androidforums.com/galaxy-s2-...-guide-updated-12-02pm-bst-oct-15-2011-a.html

Also use the, "Search this Forum" button as you are definitely not the first to do this. :D
 
oly730 said:
Today is my second day to have Samsung Galaxy SII after immigrating from Symbian Nokia N95. What I am feeling now is pretty bad disappointment due to the following SGS II features/ unavailability features:
- Contact list.
Its contact list has gone back to the system used decades ago where one name has only one phone number. It is indeed surprised me it comes from a most discussed/waited latest phone model.
Older phones such like N95 has had structured contact address where a name might has several phone numbers, fax number, addresses, spouse
Click to expand...
 
Gearu said:
Kies is malfunctioning rubbish, unfortunately it's just a trap that most people are going to fall in to, they can be forgiven for thinking some shiny 2011 software should actually work. Whatever you do don't use it to update your firmware.
Click to expand...

Sorry, can't share the sentiment. I use USB and WIFI Kies few times a day, from my older PC, to latest PC, imac, macbook pro, and my office computers. Non of which ever had any problem. I mostly use it to organize my photos and videos, send some SMS, back up contacts and SMS...

Seriously, not once I had a problem with it and the very first thing I did, was update my firmware.

I'm sorry to hear you have disappointing experience with it. Wish it would work for you as smooth as it does for me.

Best regards, and have a great weekend, whatever left of it.

regards
Sebastian
 
Guys, he has legitimate complaints here, so I don't know why everyone is telling him to learn how to use the phone :p

1) The contacts app only displays one number when you search for a contact using the "dialler" section. I've got a mobile and home number stored for my mum, but when I search for "mu" in the dialler app and it matches my mum, I only have the option of dialling the primary number (mobile) from here. If I want to dial the non-primary number, I need to go to the "contacts" part. This is a pretty silly limitation.. I can't think of a good reason why Samsung would only show the primary number from the dialler part of the app.

2+3) We all know Kies has a mind of its' own :p
 
matttye said:
Guys, he has legitimate complaints here, so I don't know why everyone is telling him to learn how to use the phone :p

1) The contacts app only displays one number when you search for a contact using the "dialler" section. I've got a mobile and home number stored for my mum, but when I search for "mu" in the dialler app and it matches my mum, I only have the option of dialling the primary number (mobile) from here. If I want to dial the non-primary number, I need to go to the "contacts" part. This is a pretty silly limitation.. I can't think of a good reason why Samsung would only show the primary number from the dialler part of the app.
Click to expand...

If you don't set primary number, then the dialer will ask you which number to dial when you try to dial. Another way instead of going into contact is just to tap on the picture location. Options will appear for dialing, message, video call, etc.

Cheers
 
Russell Ng said:
If you don't set primary number, then the dialer will ask you which number to dial when you try to dial. Another way instead of going into contact is just to tap on the picture location. Options will appear for dialing, message, video call, etc.

Cheers
Click to expand...

Not on my phone... when no default number is set it defaults to the first number in the list. If you want to dial another number you have to go into the contact.. it's the only way.

Tapping on the picture just opens up a box which voice/video calls the default number, or allows you to open the contact.. none of which allow you to dial a number other than the default :p
 
matttye said:
Not on my phone... when no default number is set it defaults to the first number in the list. If you want to dial another number you have to go into the contact.. it's the only way.

Tapping on the picture just opens up a box which voice/video calls the default number, or allows you to open the contact.. none of which allow you to dial a number other than the default :p
Click to expand...

That's different. I tap on the contact pic, then tap on the call icon, and I get to choose which number to call as long as no primary number is set. Although it is just as many steps by going into contact. Just looks nicer with the icons and colors. :D
 
Thank you very much for your responses to my post regarding SGSII problems recently.
After reading/understanding all posting regarding the above, I found the following:

- Contact List
Correct the SGS II Contact list has already been complete with various columns to choose from.
I got contact list with one number for every one name just because I got it copied from Nokia N95 SIM Card contact list.

- KIES Program
It is true that KIES program is limited. I have followed Bro Ironass to use My Phone Explorer instead KIES. I have tried it and it is indeed very good and easy to use.

- Motion Sensor
Motion sensor is sluggish on the idle screen. However, once we open a program then the motion sensor becoming alive and very agile.

Anyway I do highly appreciate with your attentions towards my SGS II problems, thanks again pal.
So actualy the problems were not on the phone, just I do need some time to learn deeper.
 
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