Samsung came under fire the last couple of days because of their Behold II handset, which launched on T-Mobile USA a few months back. When it did launch, it did so with Android 1.5, and as you’re probably more than aware, that put the handset at a big disadvantage as the months rolled by, and Google released applications that could only be utilized with the 1.6 version. And, of course, then came Android 2.x.
Unfortunately for Samsung, they decided to use some questionable advertising strategies. Mainly, they informed customers of the Behold II that they would, in fact, be getting an update to Android 2.0 when it was made available. The video wasn’t as hard to find when the Behold II released, but since then it’s slipped into obscurity. Unfortunately for Samsung though, it seems like those customers didn’t forget. And, due to their impatience, were willing to take legal action against Samsung for not providing the update.
Samsung decided to meet its customers half-way. While they aren’t going to update the Behold II to Android 2.1, they are “willing” to update the handset to Android 1.6. In addition to that, they are also going to throw in the Swype keyboard, to hopefully make customers like them again. Here’s Samsung’s official statement:
Samsung Mobile and T-Mobile USA are planning to update the Behold II to Android 1.6 which provides access to Google Maps Navigation, Google Voice Search capability and quick search box for Android.
The update will also supply additional benefits including Swype, an improved Media Player, updated core Android applications and improved Bluetooth capabilities. However, the Behold II is not upgradeable beyond Android 1.6.
Unfortunately, the most interesting part of that statement is the, “…Behold II is not upgradeable beyond Android 1.6.” We know that isn’t accurate, and it makes us curious as to why Samsung is seemingly refusing to take the time to upgrade to 2.1. It seems to us that they didn’t have any plans at all to upgrade their customer’s firmware version, but in light of the possibility of lawsuits, were forced to make an easy, and quick, decision. We will admit that Android 1.6, especially including the Swype keyboard, is a great update, and will give the Behold II an extra bit of life, we hate the fact that we have Samsung on record, even indirectly through some marketing video, stating that the device would be upgraded to 2.0. A very unfortunate string of events, surely, and we hope those Behold II owners out there are happy with their upcoming Android 1.6 update.
[via SlashGear]
