Samsung Galaxy Y Duos - S6102: 3G or UMTS not working

I've blogged about a new Dual-SIM phone an year and half ago (here). It served me well, and saved from roaming costs as I tend to buy local SIM when I travel and use this as a hotspot + voice device.

But recently I've updated the firmware (Samsung pushed a new one) and that's where the problems started.  Now the phone couldnt stay on 3G network for a min. It connects when it starts afresh but immediately goes in to "no network". I've tried by resetting it and at first thought SIM card issue so changed the SIM but finally realized it's something to do with the phone itself. Irony is it works great on GSM :(

Currently the updated version is DDMF4. Old one was DDLJ1. I tried to fallback (odin+stock firmware from XDA) but somehow both my laptops couldn't detect it in recovery mode. Unfortunately there is no heimdall version. Seems like I need to cook my own.

Android Version: 2.3.6
Baseband Version: S6102DDMF4
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7
Version: DDMF4 (auto update from samsung)

Heimdall package for Samsung Galaxy Anycall S [SHW-m110s] - Korean handset firmware/android upgrade

Ok guys. If you are one of those folks who purchased a Korean Anycall due to any reason and stuck with its old Android version then this post is for you.

First refer to this post from XDA

If your phone is not detected by ODIN or if you 'bricked' your phone then Heimdall is for you. You can find more info from XDA post here about Heimdall. A word of caution,

DO NOT TRY TO USE ANY OF I9000 FIRMWARE ON M110S.

M110S is not i9000 and if you try then you've a 'semi bricked' phone. You'll end up with a phone that doesnt start or recognize the SIM card.

To recover you can use this package for M110S. I've installed on my Anycall a week ago and it's working fine. Here goes the mediafire links.

http://www.mediafire.com/?dkb1v53q6g54b58
http://www.mediafire.com/?208p10tkbki6w40

Download both files and merge with HJSPLIT.

Samsung Dual-SIM UMTS Smart Phone

Just purchased this Dual SIM phone after I lost my previous Karboon phone. Bought it online from Flipkart here

@SGD240 this phone is a mid range device & the best part is it's all the features for a 'smart phone'. i.e.

* 3G/HSDPA/HSUPA
* Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
* Android 2.3
* Touch screen &Other regular stuff..
Ofcourse don't expect a wonderful performance like the high end items.

There is another local brand (Micromax) but I'm not quite sure about the 'support'. So I choose the 'samsung' and paid around SGD50 though this is a tad lower spec compared to Micromax.

Here is the comparison sheet from Flipkart.

Well, I can't do a good review but here is a good review from Martin

http://mobilesociety.typepad.com/mobile_life/2012/05/the-samsung-galaxy-y-duos-6102-dual-sim-and-android-part-2-internet-connectivity.html

http://mobilesociety.typepad.com/mobile_life/2012/05/dual-sim-android.html

Purchased a Samsung Mono Laser Printer - 1865W

Just purchased this mono laser for occasional home usage. Initially I was looking for a MFC but realized I don't really need a MFC and opted for a cheaper alternative.

I went to IT Show 2012 at Suntec City and as usual the place was crowded madly. I wonder how these shows attract such a massive crowds even with no price difference compared to sim lim square :)

Anyway the box is pretty solid and so far managed to try the features and the 'app' in iPhone where you can directly print the stuff to printer. At $110 this is a pretty good deal for me though the toner is rather expensive. But for occasional use and considering the long shelf life of a toner I don't see purchasing a replacement toner within the next year. So may be when the show comes the next time I might simply purchase a new printer :)

Akash / Ubislate Tablet vs BSNL Penta vs iPAD vs Galaxy Tab

I believe India is obsecced with 'cheap' these days and you may have heard the news from India on the 'cheapest' tablet which is called Akash. As usual the tablet launch is delayed and when it was available few weeks back students/people didn't even use it as a paper weight. Ofcourse the ministries and the 'experts' are working on improving the situation.

Just now BSNL announced they are launching a new 'cheap' tablet. So I thought of having a look at the specs and most importantly do a spec comparison with more successful tablets. I am still not used to HTML so below is the JPG file instead of table.

Missing items from Websites of Ubislate & BSNL are the most important items. "Dimensions & Weight" are not mentioned anywhere in the press release or websites. As you can see from below table,

• Penta IS701R is much better than original Akash. But Ubislate I'd say a close call based on individual preferences. For me I don't even consider a tablet without 3G in India.
• If you intend to use Tablet as a replacement of Notebook then don't even look at any of these. Tablets can't be used to replace Notebooks. There is no way you can edit in Excel or Powerpoint or send long emails. This is only for "look" only. Means you read the mail and reply simple stuff. But for actual work you got to open your laptop. Still if you need a tab then go for iPad or Galaxy or Xoom. They are worth the money.
• If you need a entertainment device then you may give "Penta Tpad WS802C" a try. 
• The deal breaker for Penta Tpad WS704c is the memory & no back camera. I don't mind paying 2,500 for added performance playing movies or playing games.

Why Samsung Galaxy S is not getting Froyo (Android 2.2) update..(US)

Source: XDA-Developers 

In summary Samsung wants to charge US carriers for the 2.2 update which Operators not willing to pay. I doubt the authenticity & accuracy of the news as Samsung sold few million pieces of Galaxy S worldwide and updates are available.
Officially Samsung didn't announced the availability but when you connect to Kies it prompts to upgrade to 2.2. Also I heard that Samsung service center does the upgrade if Kies is not working or can't use due to whatever reason.

I see only one good reason to update which is Skype. Skype only runs on 2.2 on Galaxy and I need skype so I've updated myself in late November 2010. So far so good with some minor hickups but overall don't see any big improvement or change.