RANT: letter to Samsung.

[tmellen]

The reason you need active sync installed to charge your phone is the same reason Blackberries need their software installed to charge the phone...

The USB standard for supplying power to an unidentified device is 5 volts, 100 milliamps. The Omnia needs a lot more power than that. If properly identified to the computer (because activesync has the right drivers for it), the USB port will supply 500ma, which WILL charge your phone.

This isn't some low-powered flipphone. This is a PDA unit, and it needs a lot of power. Windows needs to know that before it will properly supply it.

The default 100ma is for flashdrives and generic devices like USB keyboard lights and the like.

[Morkai AlMandragon]

Actualy if im not mistaken computers are completely and fully capable of detecting which devices need which power supply, as long as the device conforms to certain standards.

I NEVER had to install drivers for a comp to charge my HTC, in fact, i charged it all the time on a mac.

[DavidNM]

Think about it this way -- Samsung and Verizon thought they were deploying a "iPod Killer" with the Omnia i910. Had they sat down for 30 seconds with any focus group of human beings they would have been told loud and clear that the unit needed:

1. A usb port that would charge and sync
2. A regular headset plug

Instead they put their proprietary bullspit on the unit cause they thought they could make a few extra bucks and could save some money on manufacturing. What it got them was a nice phone - but a phone that is nowhere near an iPod killer.

This is a perfect lesson in how not to run a business.

[pdub73]

Originally Posted by DavidNM

Think about it this way -- Samsung and Verizon thought they were deploying a "iPod Killer" with the Omnia i910. Had they sat down for 30 seconds with any focus group of human beings they would have been told loud and clear that the unit needed:

1. A usb port that would charge and sync
2. A regular headset plug

Instead they put their proprietary bullspit on the unit cause they thought they could make a few extra bucks and could save some money on manufacturing. What it got them was a nice phone - but a phone that is nowhere near an iPod killer.

This is a perfect lesson in how not to run a business.

LOL...well my omnia is and "Ipod" killer...but Samsung and Verizon never touted the Omnia as an IPhone Killer...that was the various Mobile phone websites putting them head to head...

Apple has some good things on their Iphone, and Omnia has plenty of good points as well, anyway...thats another debate for another thread...samsung BTW isn't the only phone maker that doesn't have 3.5mm head phone jack...but they are one of the last to finally move to MicroUSB jack...better late the never...but as far as how to run a successful business, whether we agree or not with their methods...they are bot pretty effin successful...

[Soundy]

Originally Posted by tmellen

The reason you need active sync installed to charge your phone is the same reason Blackberries need their software installed to charge the phone...

The USB standard for supplying power to an unidentified device is 5 volts, 100 milliamps. The Omnia needs a lot more power than that. If properly identified to the computer (because activesync has the right drivers for it), the USB port will supply 500ma, which WILL charge your phone.

This isn't some low-powered flipphone. This is a PDA unit, and it needs a lot of power. Windows needs to know that before it will properly supply it.

The default 100ma is for flashdrives and generic devices like USB keyboard lights and the like.

I don't buy that. My HTC didn't need software installed to charge off any computer's USB port. Remember that the included cable won't work off any standard USB-A equipped car adapters either, but Samsung does SELL a cable that will. And like I noted before, even with ActiveSync, the computer barely provides enough juice to keep the phone running, nevermind putting a charge on it... without AS, the phone doesn't even appear to recognize that there's power present.

Originally Posted by Morkai AlMandragon

Actualy if im not mistaken computers are completely and fully capable of detecting which devices need which power supply, as long as the device conforms to certain standards.

That was my understanding as well. USB supply current should be communicated between the device and the USB controller; it should be independent of the OS, let alone the support software.

I NEVER had to install drivers for a comp to charge my HTC, in fact, i charged it all the time on a mac.

Yup... same with my previous HTC and my old RAZR.

Originally Posted by DavidNM

Think about it this way -- Samsung and Verizon thought they were deploying a "iPod Killer" with the Omnia i910. Had they sat down for 30 seconds with any focus group of human beings they would have been told loud and clear that the unit needed:

1. A usb port that would charge and sync
2. A regular headset plug

Instead they put their proprietary bullspit on the unit cause they thought they could make a few extra bucks and could save some money on manufacturing. What it got them was a nice phone - but a phone that is nowhere near an iPod killer.

This is a perfect lesson in how not to run a business.

Actually, I think Samsung DID take a lesson from Apple here. While Apple has maintained the same connector on pretty much every iPod since the beginning of time, they've recently made changes so that older chargers, cables and docks *will not charge the device*. When my wife got her new 4th-gen Nano, she was rather perturbed to find that her *Apple-branded* wall charger she'd used with the 3rd-gen Nano no longer worked; her third-party car charger didn't work anymore either. I was a little miffed as well to find that the dock-equipped portable radio I bought her will play and control her Nano, but not charge it (works fine with the 3rd-gen Nano though). Same applies to the iPhone 3G/3GS and the new iPod Touch series as well.

I've heard lots of speculation as to the reason for this change, the main theory being it's to combat the proliferation of third-party accessories... but then that doesn't explain why the *Apple-branded* charger no longer works. And for a car charger, I simply found her one that was labeled as being "For iPhone 3G" - $12 at a truck stop, vs. $35+ for a "real" Apple charger. So much for third-party "blocking".

[Soundy]

Well, got a reply (kind of) from Samsung...

Thank you for taking the time to inform us of the concerns with Samsung products. We do apologize for any inconveniences you have experienced while using the Samsung products. Hearing from our customers is truly appreciated, as their comments are vital for us to continue improving our business. We will forward your concerns and issues to the appropriate parties for review and consideration.

Thank you again for your comments. We hope that you will continual to give us the chance to serve you.
Sincerely,
Technical Support
Grathey

Wow, I feel so much better now... Engrish FTW.

[pdub73]

Originally Posted by Soundy

Well, got a reply (kind of) from Samsung...



Wow, I feel so much better now... Engrish FTW.

I wonder who writes those generic responses for these companies...lol