Motorola Set to Release Another ROM Update for MPx220

[Mike Temporale]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://promo.motorola.com/mpx220/index.html' target='_blank'>http://promo.motorola.com/mpx220/index.html</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Motorola.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/><br /><br />We just received word that Motorola is working on a new ROM upgrade for the MPx220. Apparently all of the current ROM versions, included the much loved 1.30, are not up to Cingular's sound quality standards. We can't confirm when this update will be released, but according to <a href="http://promo.motorola.com/mpx220/index.html">this website,</a> you will be able to upgrade it yourself, or contact Cingular for a replacement. I wonder if the update will add any other features besides the improved sound quality?

[ctitanic]

well, that sounds good.
I would like to see an upgrade because one of the things that I used to do with all my cellphones with BT was to use them as modems connected to my iPaq. Well, the mpx220 does not allow me to do that. I'm not a newbie and I have been using this service with my T616 and before that with my T68i but with AT&amp;T so I'm sure that my settings are good, it's just a motorola issue.

[Mike Temporale]

It also appears that Moto has just pulled the plug on the MPx. (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=339355) 8O Maybe, just maybe, Motorola are listening to the consumer and working to right the wrongs so many of you feel. Well, we can hope anyway. :wink: :lol:

[Jerry Raia]

I'll wait until I see the upgrade before I start singing praise to Moto. The have a lot of ill will to over come as far as I'm concerned.

[Ned]

It also appears that Moto has just pulled the plug on the MPx.

Mike, am I reading this right? I read that "A Motorola spokesperson today confirmed that the company has canceled production of the MPx Windows Mobile Pocket PC device."

To me, that means that Moto has at least temporarily (you never know with Moto) has cancelled plans for their version of a Pocket PC PDA/Phone.

Their other announcements today about the MPX220, its upgrade and exchange program, and the hints to the industry that they're moving toward its replacement MPX230, along with their flat out denial that they cancelling the MPX220 itself, seem to indicate they are keeping the cell phone MPx line. From what I've been led to believe they are manufacturing the new MPX220 units in their old Mexico plant they sold to Foxconn in 2003.

While I really like my MPX220, even though it clearly has some problems, although on mine, volume is not a problem at all, I intend to exchange it when the new ones are available. It might be better than just upgrading the existing unit with the ROM upgrade.

[cortez]

another one (MPx) bites the dust...first the MPx100, now the MPx and with MPx220's disappearing from Cingular's website and a few corporate stores and other websites (e.g., www.tigerdirect.com) it could be next.

by the way, i signed up for updates at the "promo" website about 2 weeks ago but i haven't heard a word since...

[Mike Temporale]

It also appears that Moto has just pulled the plug on the MPx.

Mike, am I reading this right?

Yup, looks like you are. Check out the link I added to our sister site - Pocket PC Thoughts - for all the details on that. :wink:

[cortez]

... Their other announcements today about the MPX220, its upgrade and exchange program...

Ned - where did you read about an exchange program? i want to be first in line for that one! :lol:

[rbrome]

As reported, I can confirm that the MPx220 software upgrade is designed to correct the audio issues many have complained about.

It will be available online for you to apply yourself using your PC, or if you are uncomfortable doing that, you can send it in to have the update applied for you.

Pending successful testing, it should be available in May.

If you're just pissed off and don't want your MPx220 anymore, they will replace it with a V551 for free, but of course that's really a downgrade, so I don't imagine many people will take that option.

[Ned]

Here's the info about the MPX220 exchange program.

Go to the Moto promo mpx220 page at:
http://promo.motorola.com/mpx220/index.html

Click on "Go" under the "Already own a Motorola MPx220 phone?"

That will take you to the registration page. Sign up to be notified when the new ROM is available for download and when the exchange program starts.

On the registration page of the promo it states, "...you will be able to either upgrade your device with new software using Motorola’s online upgrade tool or contact Cingular to replace your unit through their Exchange by Mail Program..."

I've signed up. I talked to a friend who thought the ROM and exchange program will probably be available by mid May, though Moto deadlines are often pushed back and are later than anyone ever anticipates.

[Jerry Raia]

I can't wait to see how this flies. 8)

[cortez]

i need to read more carefully...all i was interested in was being notified of a new ROM.

so i can replace my $500 multi-featured device for a $260 simple cell phone??? dang, i thought i could exchange it for a different MPx220 with new hardware (e.g., better speaker) and an updated ROM. looks like i'll be holding on to my MPx220.

rbrome - can you provide some general insight on how a ROM update can improve the volume? i keep thinking this is a hardware (speaker) related issue, too.

thanks!

[Jerry Raia]

I think you can exchange for another MPx220 if you aren't comfortable flashing the phone yourself. Apparently another option is to DOWNGRADE to the v551 if you are sick of the MPx220. Great deal eh? What ever happened to that other fine phone from Moto? The v600?? That would make a great downgrade! :roll:

:rotfl:

[Ned]

Cortez, Jerry's correct. You'll be able to exchange your current MPX220 for another MPX220, or if you don't want your MPX220 anymore you can downgrade to a V551 instead.

I'm exchanging for another MPX220 when available.

[cortez]

ok, so my joke/sarcastic statement imploded!!! :drinking:

at this point, i'm not inclined to exchange my MPx220 (hardware) for another MPx220 with the same hardware and a different ROM. i did that six times within the first 2 months of the phone's relase date!!! under these circumstances, i'd pass on the V551 and just apply the new ROM to my current phone. now if i can exchange my MPx220 for an MPx220 with improved hardware AND a new ROM, that's a different story.

[Omega2008]

I don't think they will be updating the hardware. I would be great if they did make some improvments but I don't think they will. I just hope they release it soon.

[badbob001]

With the pace they are going, they might as well give us an upgrade to Windows Mobile 2005. End the MPx line on a high-note.

[gapfilmvideo]

this is the second forum I have seen where people say they have heard that Cingular will replace with a V551 but have not seen it in writing......Surely they are offering a refund/credit with that !!!......yes , no , maybe.....

[PPCMD]

Well I hope the volume issue will be finally fixed. I just got a replacement via XBM since my MPx220 keesp rebooting randomly and I have to power on/off to get the radio to work randomly as well.

During the call they reminded me that my replacement continues on the balance of the original warranty (what the) and that my six month window of advance replacement as well (double what the).

So I don't get it. I get more choice and a lower cost carrier with about the same coverage as Vzw, but I don't get: Insurance on my phone, 24x7 CS and phone support, stores that actually have the product (# of phones on display limit policy) and my warranty is running out due to poor build quality.

Right now I want to see either an MPx230 or Razrberry get out the door.

[gapfilmvideo]

ppcmd:
just to confirm... you got another mpx220, correct????.....or did you get the v551????...if yes to the v551..did you get any kind of refund????

[rbrome]

...can you provide some general insight on how a ROM update can improve the volume? i keep thinking this is a hardware (speaker) related issue, too. ...

That would make sense, but this kind of update is surprisingly common with phones.

My guess is that these things usually are hardware-related, but what they do is find a way to compensate for the issue in firmware.

So for example if the problem is that the speaker unit/housing resonates on a certain frequency, they might tweak the sound driver to block or reduce volume just at that specific frequency. So it would be like tweaking an equalizer to eliminate feedback, if anyone is familiar with that kind of thing. Just speculation, though...

[TimeHunter]

. . . the MPx200. I still want a legitimate upgrade to 2003SE for mine. Wah!!!!!!! :cry:

Too bad Cingular doesn't have any decent smartphones on deck. I'd love a Razr, but all I read says that it has major trouble syncing phone books with Outlook. :crazyeyes:

The biggest thing that keeps me from the MPx220, aside from the oft mentioned hardware/ROM troubles, is that dumb proprietary connector Moto decided to put on there. How about a standard USB cable, geniuses? I have enough to carry in my bag of tricks without another frikken cable I can only use for one thing. :?

And the Treo 650. Come on. Can anyone say get a bloody hi-rez screen? :idea: I loved my Clie, but shelved it for convergence' sake. At least give me a screen that I can stand to look at.

Okay. I'm done ranting now. :D

[ale_ers]

Does anyone know where you can get the 1.3 ROM update?

I went to the site that was linked in an earlier article and it has said that it is not available.

[cortez]

Does anyone know where you can get the 1.3 ROM update?

I went to the site that was linked in an earlier article and it has said that it is not available.

search howardforums here (http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?s=&amp;threadid=611163) and here (http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?s=&amp;threadid=610652) for more info on the 1.03 (a.k.a. 1.30) ROM.