Why does Vodafone have its own software on phones?
We customise phone software to optimise customers' experience of the device on the Vodafone network and to enable access to our services. At a basic level, this can involve ensuring services like MMS, voicemail and data connections are set correctly. In other instances, our customisation is more extensive such as the preloading of services (People, My Web, 360 Shop, etc), but this varies from device to device.
Why does Vodafone delay the issue of future software updates?
Prior to releasing or approving any software update for customers who have bought a handset through Vodafone, we test it thoroughly to ensure it provides customers the best possible experience on our network. Our testing process begins as soon as we receive the software, which often happens once the manufacturer has already released the open market version of the software. During the review process, we report any issues with the software back to the manufacturer for them to address. Once the firmware is approved by Vodafone, we return it to the manufacturer and they will then distribute the software to customers through the appropriate channels.
We undertake this process with every device that we sell to customers, regardless of whether or not the handset contains Vodafone branded software.
If you have purchased the device from another company (Phones 4U, Carphone Warehouse etc) it is possible that the device may not be on the Vodafone version of software. In this case the manufacturer would be in control of releasing any future updates
Do you add or remove anything compared to the standard firmware?
To ensure the handset is optimised for performance on Vodafone, we will sometimes add or remove certain functions. As an example, we would remove an App that only worked in America, to avoid confusion for people trying to use it in the UK. We also remove other operators' settings from the handset to free up onboard memory.
When will the update be available?
As mentioned above, there are numerous factors which influence a release date which means we cannot give a date; even an estimate would often change.
What happens if I update my phone to an unofficial (non-Vodafone) version of software?
All mobile phones that we sell are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Provided users are downloading official software, whether operating system updates or applications, via the manufacturer’s website, PC software or Over The Air there should be no impact on its validity.
Any update that users are prompted to download to their device through an official channel (either by the manufacturer or Vodafone directly) is classed as an official update. For example, if you are told an update is available for your Samsung Galaxy S through Samsung’s Kies PC Sync software, your warranty won’t be impacted if you choose to install it.
Your warranty may be invalidated if you download software which fall outside of this process.
Firmware Feedback
As there is nothing more we can add we won't reply in firmware related discussions other than to quote or link to this information, however, we are happy for you to discuss firmware related topics. We will always leave one main thread open per phone and then direct any new queries about the same issue to the original thread. This makes sure any interested eForum members will know where to come to discuss any firmware feedback. As this will be a discussion thread we won’t respond to any questions, but we will monitor the thread and pass comments back to the business where appropriate.
