Samsung Galaxy S2 Removes Carrier IQ in Sprint Version Software Update
Sprint recently issued a software update to the Samsung Galaxy S2, known as the Epic 4G Touch on the carrier, that removes the Carrier IQ software.
Carrier IQ is a controversial feature that reportedly allows the carrier to track the subscriber. XDA-Developer member Trevor Eckhart exposed the software recently and allegedly received legal threats from the company behind the software afterwards.
Similar updates were offered for other smartphones on the carrier that also provide various bug fixes and enhancements for the devices.
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This OTA update for the Epic 4G Touch started on Wednesday and is expected to completely roll out in the next ten days, according to 9to5 Google. With the update, the Samsung device will remove Carrier IQ and incorporate multiple calendar alert dismissals and Commercial Alert System Activation.
The update can be accessed through the Samsung Epic 4G Touch Software Update blog that provides users with complete install instructions.
The device also received another update last week that included a speaker feedback fix and QIK and Asphault 5 applications no longer preinstalled. When the application is opened through its icon, Android users will be redirected to the Android market to download and install the full application.
Another device receiving a significant upgrade is the HTC Evo 4G that began on Jan. 24. Some of the changes made including Carrier IQ removal will also be applied to the HTC EVO 4G.
Instructions for the update on this device can be found on the HTC EVO 4G Software Update blog.
Both of these smartphones are expected to upgrade to Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich by the end of the first quarter. These software updates could be preparing these two popular smartphones to receive the latest Google operating system.
