Updating Andorid Without USB

[Jim978]

I have a T-Mobile Vibrant (Samsung T959) with a damaged USB connector (which is why the previous owner gave it to me for free).

I am able to use the phone with no problem. I have three batteries and a standalone charger, and connect the phone to my PC through my home wireless network to add and remove content. I want to upgrade from Android 2.1 to 2.2, and have downloaded the Kies software to my PC. However, the Kies software keeps asking me to connect the phone ... even though I can see the phone on my PC using Windows Explorer. Is there a way to get the Kies software to recognize the phone without USB?

Thanks

[greenman]

Kies Air did an update recently and may now offer downloading firmware, but haven't checked.
Otherwise you need a USB connection with Kies.
Have you tried the 'on phone' firmware update in Settings > About phone.

[Jim978]

Greenman,

Thanks for the suggestion. I downloaded Kies Air, but no matter what I tried (and I tried everything I could think of), it doesn't recognize my phone. (I did find one or two internet posts that suggest one needs to insert/remove the USB cable one or more time before Kies Air finds the device.)

If it did recognize my phone, I might still be out of luck. The software advises the user that it may not allow firmware updates. My software experience is that "may nots" usually mean no way will this ever happen.

Thanks again for the suggestion.

[greenman]

Kies requires a USB connection, but Kies Air does not as the connection is via your wifi.
That said, when having problems sith Kies, removing and re inserting the USB can sometimes kick it into action.
But thought your USB connection was damaged. May be worth getting it repaired or doing it yourself.
Don't forget the OTA method. Check in Settings > my phone for an update.

[Jim978]

Greenman,

Thanks again for your response.

Updating OTA would be great ... but it's not available. I'm with T-Mobile, and they don't support OTA with the Vibrant. I could have the USB port repaired, but I'm not sure it's worth the money. I have a Blackberry that is perfectly competent when I want to talk to someone. I can use the Galaxy for apps, music and videos ... no SIM required.

Ideally I would like to be able to take advantage of Galaxy's GPS feature as well, but the existing firmware has "bugs" that make it nearly unusable (lots of angry internet chatter on that subject).

Since I don't need T-Mobile (or any carrier, for that matter) to use the Vibrant for non-phone purposes, maybe there is a way to install some other firmware (non TM) on the device. The key is doing it OTA, I guess, since the USB port isn't self-healing.

Thanks again!

[Jim978]

I've found a solution to the remaining issue ... resolving the GPS shortcomings of the Android 2.1 firmware. It didn't involve updating the firmware. I got Kies Air working, but it doesn't allow updates to the operating system. Instead, I found a hardware solution.

I purchased a "keychain" GPS receiver through ebay. It was $24.90 delivered from Taiwan. I also downloaded Bluetooth GPS (an adroid app) and installed it on my Samsung Vibrant. Bluetooth GPS feeds the GPS data to Google Maps. Everything works great.

I'm sure there may be times in the future when it would be nice to have a functional USB port, but it's clearly possible to get along just fine without it.

Thanks again!