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K700 / K500 Firmware Overview |
mwarner
Joined: Dec 23, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Warwickshire, England
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K700 / K500 Firmware Overview
Each firmware revision listed below contains the fixes listed against that revision plus the fixes of all the firmwares below that entry.
R2CA001
- Released by Cruiser on 18/11/05
- Released by DaVinci on 8/12/05
- Released on SEUS II around 14/12/05
- Fixes camera driver problem for new hardware.
- JBenchmark 1: 2548
- JBenchmark 2: 131
LCD: 200406041
Camera: 3.10
ITP: CXC 125 813 R2C
R2AY004
- Released by DaVinci on 24/5/05
- Released to Service Centres around 10/6/05
- Rolled out on SEUS in July 05
- Currently no reported changes from R2AT
- JBenchmark 1: 2419
- JBenchmark 2: 127
LCD: 200406041
Camera: 3.10
ITP: CXC 125 813 R1T
R2AT003
- Released by DaVinci on 13/5/05
- Less noise in photos taken with low lighting conditions
- Significant increase in Bluetooth speed when copying data to the phone (from around 23.1Kbps in previous firmware revisions to 49.8Kbps)
- JBenchmark1: 2392
- JBenchmark2: 127
- Software versions:
LCD: 200406041
Camera: 3.10
ITP: CXC 125 813 R2C
R2AL029
- Released by Setool on 1/4/05
- Picture preview (e.g. scrolling through the picture folder) is noticably faster.
- JBenchmark1: 2550
- JBenchmark2: 130
- Software versions:
LCD 200406041
Camera 3.10
ITP CXC 125 813 R1T
R2AN001
- Released on SEUS around 25/2/05
- O2 specific release
- Currently no reported changes from R2AE
- Software versions:
LCD 200404041
Camera 3.10
ITP CXC 125 813 R2C
R2AG001
- Released on EMMA II (8/1/05)
- US1/US2 languages only
- No reported changes from R2AE (which is still the latest version for the rest of the world)
R2AE033
- Released on EMMA II (6/12/04)
- Faster overal speed
- Search function disabled in Asian firmware (Far east only?).
- Search function in phonebook upgraded for non-Asian firmware (C doesn't delete Contact, but letters you've entered, cursor cancels search)
- 900 ms+ delay on answering a call before the microphone was switched on has been fixed.
- Display Smileys in MMS/Browser
- Support of Apple ITunes format .m4a (=.mp4) including speech encoding format AAC
- Stopwatch no longer goes into backlight off mode or sleep mode
- Noise in HCA-20 car handsfree is gone
- The signal strength indicator has changed. Now signal is lowered by 1 bar at a time. Signal is raised to 5 bars if a strong signal is detected.
- Various crashes fixed (e.g. when music is playing an an alarm goes off)
- Various Java / Java 3D fixes
- Various browser / WAP / CSS fixes
- Various fixes to the Calendar application
- Various layout / font size fixes
- Updated Camera driver to change the default flicker compensation mode from 50 Hz to automatic.
- JBenchmark1: 2129
- JBenchmark2: 125
- Software versions:
LCD 200406041
Camera 3.10
ITP CXC 125 813 R1S
R2AC003
- Released by Orange UK (first appeared around 10/1/05)
- Orange specific version of R2AA003
R2AA003
- Released on EMMA II / Total Multiserver (around 6/10/04)
- Later withdrawn from EMMA2 due to connectivity issues.
- Faster main menu
- Search function disabled in Asian firmware?
- Added shortcut to change the subject line of an MMS (on More rather than through Advanced)
- Improvements to Bluetooth
- Improved battery life (for post Week 40 batteries only?)
- JBenchmark1: 2529
- JBenchmark2: 129
R2Y005
- Released by Orange UK (first appeared around 25/10/04)
- Phonebook quicksearch facility
R2V001
- Released by Vodafone (UK)
- MP3s can now be used as ringtones so long as they have digital rights management, e.g. repackaged using Sony Ericsson's DRM Packager Tool. (Vodafone specific)
- "Autosave on SIM" facility readded to automatically save phonebook entries on the SIM card. This facility was removed in R2L.
R2N001
- Released by Vodafone (Netherlands)
- Functionality as R2L
- Still unable to use MP3s as ringtones, whether they have DRM or not. (Vodafone specific)
R2L001
- 4/8/04
- One second delay before the person at the other end of the phone can hear you when answering a call bug fixed (unless they are associated with a picture?)
- At least 10% improvement in battery life (over and above R2E?)
- Backlight timings have changed to improve battery life (20s, 26s, 40s to 15s, 20s, 60s - Fade, Backlight off, Display off)
- Pressing a volume control button when in Standby mode displays the time, or the missed call icon and time if you have missed a call, for 3-4 seconds.
- Use Now option appears when transfering pictures to the phone (previously just Ok). Options are View, Set as wallpaper, Set as screensaver, Set as starup screen, Add to contact
- SE wap link removed from Application folder
- Faster image browsing with selected images appearing full screen.
- Improved Bluetooth stability
- Bug where entering multiple names & numbers could delete the numbers for the first names entered has been fixed.
- Snooze is now available on Recurrent alarms
- Can now delete one contect from a group without deleting the whole group
- Time of the last call now displayed in the missed calls list
- The bug whereby the first call received after power up produces an "answer, reject, answer and continue" menu seems to have been fixed
- The fonts of Operator logo, the command keys such as "Calls", "More" are a bit larger and the font of Date & time has been Slightly reduced.
- The Globe icon that appears when using GRPS has been modified during initial connection (four silver ball circling around the globe)
- SMS Delivery Notification sound is now different to Incoming SMS sound (fixed to bluetooth transfer notification sound)
- Faster loading of JAVA games
- Screen brightness increased
- Performing a Sync does not cause the phone to reboot (some phones only?)
- Playing sound and video after running Java applications now always works fine.
- When in phonebook, it's now possible to change keyboard language by simply press the # key.
- New contact =>New number =>Look up =>Unsaved list is now limited to 10 numbers rather than unlimited
- Line 1/2 indicator in top line of display
- Additional profile of 'TTY accessory' (Teletype device for the hearing impared)
- Sending pictures via bluetooth to other devices occasionally sent a lower quality image with previous firmwares. This has been fixed.
- Setup wizard has tips on the back and cancel key
- "Mark several" included in messages function
- Moving around in the Main Menu is faster and smoother
- Animated images run at a constant frame rate rather than vary according the the complexity of the image.
- JBenchmark 1 - 2,313 - 2,326
- JBenchmark 2 - 118 - 127
- Software versions:
LCD 200406041
Camera 3.9
ITP CXC 125 813 R1S or R1T
- Bugs
Bluetooth turns itself off if a paired bluetooth headset goes out of range (some phones only).
Pocket PCs can no longer connect to the internet via bluetooth (still possible with IR). Add "Z" to the field of 'Extra dial-string modem commands' to fix this issue
Auto save to SIM option no longer available - Contacts / Advanced / Auto save on SIM.
R2J041
- Chinese release (perhaps Chinese version of R2L?)
- Snooze is now available on Recurrent alarms
- At least 10% improvement in battery life (over and above R2E?)
- Time of the last call now displayed in the missed calls list
- The fonts of Operator logo, the command keys such as "Calls", "More" are a bit larger and the font of Date & time has been Slightly reduced.
- Faster loading of JAVA games
R2J015
- Released to Chinese service centres around 27/7/04.
- Software versions:
- LCD 200406041
- Camera 3.9
- ITP CXC 125 813 R1T
New bugs
Ability to mute the shutter sound of the camera taken out
R2J002
- Were available from SE Online Firmware Update (http://www.sonyericsson.com/updateservice/K700/frameset.htm)
- Not released at service centres
- Software versions:
LCD 200404231
Camera 3.9
ITP CXC 125 813 R1S
R2E011
- Released to service points around 14/7/04
- Improved battery (i.e. green (full) to red (empty) is now slower)
- Smoother video playback
- New Bugs
Appointments are no longer marked as bold dates in the month calender. So now you can no longer see on which days you need to do things.
R2C001
- Released around 30/6/2004
- Ability to mute the shutter sound of the camera
- Software versions:
LCD: 200404231
Camera: 3.9
ITP: CXC 125 813 R1T
R2A041
- First release
- JBenchmark 1 - approx 2,640
- JBenchmark 2 - approx 123
- Software versions:
LCD 200404231
Camera 3.9
ITP CXC 125 813 R1S
To find out which firmware revision your phone currently has installed, perform the following:
>*<<*<*
Where < and > represents pushing the joystick left and right respectively.
Updating your firmware
To update your firmware it is recommened you take your phone to your nearest Service Centre. Firmware upgrades are free within the warranty period:
UK / Netherlands / Swiss / Norway Service Centres
Note that UK SE Service Centres do not really exist any more. I would advise phoning them first to see if they still perform firmware updates. If not, your local Carphone Warehouse may be able to perform firmware updates.
Alternatively, if you have a Sony Ericsson DSS-20 or DSS-25, you can visit the K700i Update Service (SEUS II) to perform a Firmware update.
This service currently works for the following phone brands:
Unbranded - Yes
Orange UK - Yes
O2 UK - Yes
T-Mobile UK - No*
Vodafone UK - No
Vodafone NL - No
T-mobile NL - No
Please note that not all phones will be able to update to the latest firmware. Each world region validates their own firmware, with some regions lagging others. Branded phones also tend to lag behind - operators must validate and brand new firmware revisions which leads to release delays or refusals to accept new firmware.
* Support for branded mobiles appears to have been removed since the introduction of R2AE on SEUS.
Digital Rights Management
Vodafone users should download Sony Ericsson's DRM packager to assign Digial Rights to their MP3s for use on the K500/K700. Firmware revision R2V001 or later is required for full MP3 support.
Other Sony Ericsson Firmware Overviews
K800
K750 / W800
K700 / K500
T610 / T630
[ This Message was edited by: mwarner on 2006-07-12 19:10 ] |
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masseur
Joined: Jan 03, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Sydney, London
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excellent. I have added this to the Answers to the most common questions on Esato Forums (FAQ style). Thanks!
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mwarner
Joined: Dec 23, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Warwickshire, England
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Thanks Mass  . I did the same thing for the T610 firmwares, which should still be kicking about somewhere on the forum.
Some data I have gathered from my own K700i:
R2A041
Backlight timings
- If I leave the phone on a Menu the backlight doesn't fade, e.g. the more menu
- First fade after 20 seconds (reduced brightness)
- Second fade after 28 seconds (to backlight off)
- Third fade after 40 seconds (to display off)
Java performance
- JBenchmark 1 - 2640
- JBenchmark 2 - 122 (first pass), 123 (second pass)
I would appreciate results for the other firmwares I have listed above.
Thanks,
Mike |
StoneRoses
Joined: Mar 05, 2002
Posts: 103
From: Thailand
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R2L001 Asian Latin 4
==========
JBenchmark1 - 2,326 pts
JBenchmark2 - 118 pts
Backlight timings
==========
1 .On standby screen (with animated background), ÚBacklight set to Power Save mode, No auto key Lock, No screen saver
15s - Backlight fade to dimmer
20s - Backlight turn off, animation stop
60s - Screen turn off
2. Same as above but on Main Menu screen
15s - Backlight fade to dimmer
20s - Backlight turn off
60s - Switch to standby screen without animation, backlight still off
120s - Screen turn off
[ This Message was edited by: StoneRoses on 2004-08-13 13:52 ] |
jakester2000
Joined: Jul 09, 2004
Posts: 142
From: London & Gillingham, Kent
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I never really heard much about R2C001, the version I have for my Orange (UK) K700 and its bugs. Anyone shed any light on this?
[ This Message was edited by: jakester2000 on 2004-08-13 14:36 ] |
vegetaleb
Joined: May 03, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: Lebanon
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The ding sound on IR transfer is still here sorry !
Prince Vegeta,prince of all sayans  Administrator in Dailymobile |
jakester2000
Joined: Jul 09, 2004
Posts: 142
From: London & Gillingham, Kent
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Ok did it.
R2C001
Benchmark1 - 2611 (2nd try 2517)
Benchmark2 - 123 (2nd try 121)
[ This Message was edited by: jakester2000 on 2004-08-13 14:29 ] |
shbib
Joined: Jul 14, 2004
Posts: 14
From: London
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@jakester2000
i've got R2C001, on orange uk, one bug i've noticed is the GPRS wap and internet seems to be pretty flakey but i don't know if that's peculiar to my phone or orange....
oh, the other weird thing it occasionally does is run the battery down overnight when the phone is switched off with a full charge but not plugged into the charger, very annoying!
ps, got 122 for jbenchmark2
[ This Message was edited by: shbib on 2004-08-13 14:47 ]
[ This Message was edited by: shbib on 2004-08-13 15:28 ] |
mwarner
Joined: Dec 23, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Warwickshire, England
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@StoneRoses
Thanks for that! Nice work! Bizarre that you have slightly lower benchmarks than the users of older firmwares!
@vegetaleb
> The ding sound on IR transfer is still here sorry !
Ok, thanks. I assume this is for firmware R2L when transfering data to the phone? If you could try Bluetooth too then that would be great!
Can you people who have firmwares newer than R2A tell me whether you still have the bug whereby you get a second or so delay at the start of a call where the other person can't hear you?
Also, does Bluetooth really switch itself off after a few seconds with R2L?
Mike |
arnljot
Joined: Aug 13, 2004
Posts: 11
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I don't have that delay when I use my phone in normal operations (fw R2L001), but when I use my bluetooth handsfreeset I do get the delay.
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shbib
Joined: Jul 14, 2004
Posts: 14
From: London
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@mwarner
my R2C001 still has the second or so delay before a caller can hear you bug |
JKay
Joined: Mar 07, 2002
Posts: 115
From: Denmark
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R2E also still has the one second delay when answering.
In R2E the appointments are no longer marked as bold dates in the month calender. So now you can no longer see on which days you need to do things. Now you have to go to the week view to see your appointments.
In R2L the feature has reappeared! Thanks god!
Bluetooth still shuts down in R2E (at least on my phone).
But MP3 and Video playback is better than with R2A.
Backlight still fades after 40 secs!
[ This Message was edited by: JKay on 2004-09-13 12:51 ] |
masseur
Joined: Jan 03, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Sydney, London
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guys, can I suggest that we keep this thread for the summary and benchmark etc but keep firmware version specific comments for the firmware specific threads otherwise its all out of place and harder for people to find stuff
thanks!
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Sebu_Sebu
Joined: Aug 13, 2004
Posts: 10
From: Hong Kong
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Hi mwarner,
Perhaps I could add some notes for the R2J041 upgrade I've made it Hong Kong.
R2J041
- Snooze is now available on Recurrent alarms
- At least 10% improvement in battery life (over and above R2E?)
- Time of the last call now displayed in the missed calls list
- The fonts of Operator logo, the command keys such as "Calls", "More" are a bit larger and the font of Date & time has been Slightly reduced.
- Faster to load the JAVA games than before.
Answer to your question 1 :
"I notice on my R2A phone that when I answer a call it takes a few seconds before the person at the other end can hear me. Is this a fault with all R2A phones? Has it been fixed, and if so in what firmware?"
---> Yes, its fixed in R2J041.
Bugs
- There is still a chance to find that Mr. X's telephone number displayed under Mr. Y's name when I browse the phone book.
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bico
Joined: May 19, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Stockholm, Sweden.
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@mwarner: Really nice firmware overview! Thanks a lot!
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Posted: 2004-08-13 12:43
