Samsung A900 FAQ

[etiger13]

I have made this new FAQ and submitted it as an official one. I have divided it into categories to make reading it easier. Some questions may be repeated.

[etiger13]

Exterior/Speakerphone

Question: Is the phone really thin?
Yes it is. It is about half an inch thick. It fits nicely in a shirt pocket and you can barely tell its there. There are pictures below.

Question: What are the dimensions of the phone?
Size 3.9" x 2.0" x 0.6" - I just confirmed this

Question: does the Bladed fit into a Razr case?
I can't verify this for sure yet but based on the specs this is what I think:
Motorola RAZR V3 - Maybe as this phone is just slightly smaller (by a few hairs). If it does, it will be a tight fit.
Motorola RAZR V3c - Yes the dimensions are almost exactly alike, with the Razr being .1" thicker. However, this info is for the leather cases. The plastic ones that "snap" on I don't think so as the grooves will most likely be different.

Question: How do you take off the key lock with the phone closed?
Press the volume and camera key together, no holding necessary.

Question: What does holding the play button do with the flip closed?
It launches Sprint Music Store

Question: Is the speaker phone full duplex or half?
I don't know. I really can't tell. I've tried the normal ways to find out if it is and I still can’t tell. I need someone else to test it with. Based on my testing I am going to say its half full duplex. It seems like sometimes it is but since there’s only one of me I can't tell if when the sound is coming through from the A900 if my voice is coming back out.

Question: Does the speakphone work while the phone is close on the A900?
Yes but again, you have to start it after you start a call then once its in Speakphone mode you can close the flip. (To switch to Speakerphone, access the Options menu while in a call. It will be the first option.)

Question: Do video ringers work on the A900? Can I set a video that I recorded on the a900 as a ringer? Do these work while the phone is close?
Yes Yes Yes

http://www.unknown1st.com/900/900.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/9.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/10.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/11.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/3.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/4.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/5.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/8.jpg

[etiger13]

Interior

Question: What are the dimensions of the internal screen?
Size 1.4" x 1.8" which equals 2.28" diagonally (the way TVs and monitors are measured) - I just confirmed this. Compare this to the specs on the 9000 (I don't have it so I don't know) which is 1.28" x 1.7" or 2.12" diagonally. A bit bigger. Screen resolution is 240x320.

Question: How are the keys?
Well if you nails are a little long it'll be a little hard but still nice. The only problem I have now is with the center circle thing around the OK button. It’s hard to get to that because it’s recessed and a little thin. I keep hitting ok. The keys have a nice feel when press them and it’s not that hard to find the keys as some have said, if you use the grooves.

Question: What preset background images are there for the main screen?
See following images (sorry they aren’t too clear, but they look nice)
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/bg/2.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/bg/3.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/bg/4.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/bg/5.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/bg/6.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/bg/7.jpg

Question: Do the key tones make music or sounds?
Yes, you can choose the normal "beep", or there’s an option for rain drop effects (default) and even one for a voice prompt which says what you pressed (can get very annoying if left I think, don’t want to find out). You can also turn the volume off so they don’t make any noises.

http://www.unknown1st.com/900/6.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/14.jpg

[etiger13]

Bluetooth

Question: What version of Bluetooth does it use?
It uses 1.2

Question: How can you transfer your phone book info with the USB cable?
At this time I don't think you can until bitpim or something else is updated. Bluetooth can transfer them though.

Question: What is the range on the Bluetooth?
So far it seems pretty good when connected to a laptop. There are varying reports when connected with a headset but if it’s on your body anywhere it should be fine.

Question: Can I sync my calendar with my A900?
Unfortunately, no.

Question: How can I use Bluetooth to send songs to the phone?
If you want to be able to send music back and forth using Bluetooth, set your media folder as your ftp folder. Go to Settings->Bluetooth->Set Exchange Folder->select the media (not music!) folder and press Set.

Question: Can I use Stereo Bluetooth Headphones with the phone?
No, the A900 does not have the required Bluetooth profile to provide audio to Stereo Bluetooth Headphones. Also, you cannot listen to music through a regular Bluetooth headset.

Question: I am trying to pair my A900 with XXXXX and it is asking me for a pass code. What is the pass code?
Whichever device asked for the pass code first usually means to set the pass code. So if you are trying to link it, just make the pass code whatever you want, then when the second device asks, give it the same pass code.

Question: Do I need to share a directory on my computer so that my phone can access it?
No, you don't need to share anything. You should be able to select the File Transfer profile and it will open up a window on your computer with the directory from question 32. Just copy files there or manage the files there. Your phone may ask you if you want to receive a file every time you make a change, including deleting files. Just say yes.

Question: Can I receive and send files to my computer?
Yes you can do both. To send a file to your phone just follow question 35. To get a file from your computer, your Bluetooth profile on the computer has to have a Bluetooth directory set. On my computer this is the sequence: My Bluetooth Places->View or Modify Configuration->Local Services->File Transfer->Properties->Bluetooth Exchange Folder location. Once that is set, on your phone go to Menu->Tools->Bluetooth->Select your device->Options->Get files. Something on your computer should pop up asking you if you want to allow your phone to have access to your computer (unless you set it to always trust it). Say yes and then you can browse that folder on your phone.

Question: I just transferred files via Bluetooth to my A900, but when I look on the phone, the files aren't there; where did they go?

The Computer/other device that you used to transfer the file to the A900 sent the file via OPP (Object PUSH Profile); however, the A900 can ONLY recieve contacts via that profile. When the A900 receives anything other than a vCard (contact), via OPP, it gets "stuck" in the vCard folder (located in the Bluetooth folder, in Mass Storage). This folder is a HIDDEN folder; when viewing the mass storage via the USB cable, be sure to SHOW HIDDEN FOLDERS. Your files will be in there. MAC users may have trouble. Note: When sending files via Bluetooth, try to make sure that the computer is sending via Bluetooth FTP (File Transfer Profile); files that are sent with any other profile, will not be usable on the phone.

[etiger13]

Camera/Camcorder

Question: What kind of camera does this use?
The camera is a 1.3mp. It can swivel from front to back and be used with the flip open or closed.

Question: Help! When using the camera, the image is upside down! What is wrong?
Nothing is wrong! All you have to do is: Press the volume rocker button, and the image will change orientation.

Question: Does the A900 have flash?
YES IT DOES! OMFG that thing just blinded me. I wasn't expecting it to be that bright. I still can't see and it was a good minute ago!

Question: How long of a video can I record?
If you are planning on sending it to someone or uploading it, you are limited to 30sec. If you transfer it with Bluetooth or the data cable it can go longer, not sure how long though.

Question: Can I use my USB cable to transfer pictures/videos taken with my 900 to my computer?
Connect your phone with the included cable. Go to Tools->Mass Storage->Connect to PC. On your computer, browse to your phone from My Computer and go to the DCIM folder. In there is a SS100MED folder. That is where your pictures/videos are stored.

[etiger13]

Media/Memory

Question: Can it function as a USB Mass Storage Device with the included cable?
Yes it can!!! However, once you plug it in, you have to go to Tools then Mass Storage then Connect to PC. But you can transfer files! I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to get MP3s onto this but you can do it that way.

Question: Where do I put my media (music, pictures, movies, etc.)?
Once you've hooked up your phone to your computer via USB, go to Menu/Tools/Mass Storage/Connect to PC. Once it says you are connected, your phone should show up under My Computer as a removable mass storage device. If you're placing music or video files on your phone, put them in the MEDIA directory. Pictures will go under DCIM. You will notice a 100SSMED folder in here; this is where your camera phone pictures are stored. You can create another folder(s) under DCIM and name it something like Wallpapers or Caller ID to organize your photos.

Question: How much memory is available for media?
About 47 MB... The 47 mb for media is for music, videos, misc files, Bluetooth content, pics and videos taken from the phone. It shares the same space. Downloaded files like ringers, screen savers, game, and apps have there own separate storage space.

Question: How much memory is available for downloaded content?
Downloaded files like ringers, screen savers, game, and apps have there own separate storage space from media you put on the phone. It has 11Mb total for downloaded content. About 2.4Mb is taken up straight from the factory but I'm sure you can free most of this up.

Question: How many songs can the A900 hold since there is not an expansion slot?
There is a total of 47mb for music, pictures and videos so whatever you can fit on there. You should be able to get at least 1 minute of music for every mb.

Question: Do video ringers work on the A900? Can I set a video that I recorded on the a900 as a ringer? Do these work while the phone is close?
Yes Yes Yes

Question: I hooked my phone up to the laptop via included USB cable. I downloaded the driver from Samsung and installed them. Now What.... How do I see the phone, there appears to be no apps installed on my pc and nothing shows up in my computer....
If you hook it up and your phone says it is connected you can tether (use your phone as a modem) by installing a new network connection that dials #777. Or see USB Mass Storage above.

Question: What does holding the play button do with the flip closed?
It launches Sprint Music Store

Question: How do I assign my pictures and mp3s that I copied from my computer via the USB cable as screensavers and ringers?
As of right now, you cannot assign ringers transferred from the computer. For screensavers, just copy the media to the DCIM/100SSMED folder and assign them as normal.

Question: Does streaming audio work from Orb?
First time I tried, it said invalid handler, click to get the needed one and it took me to my home page. Second time, it powered off the phone. And the third time, well based on the last two attempts, what do you think happened? Well you're wrong! It did work. Streamed fine, quality was a little bad, about radio quality but ok for what it is. Plays great after the initial load and hasn't had to buffer yet. This might be enough to overcome the lack of removable memory for me.

Question: Does streaming video work from Orb?
Don’t have any video on me to stream. If someone wants to give me one to try I will.

Question: What ringers are supported on the A900?
Every one that is supported on the multimedia phones: M4A AAC, also MP3, QCP, and MIDI. Note that some people have reported problems with MP3 ringtones NOT PLAYING when the call comes in; the ringtone will preview okay, but you just get silence when it's assigned to a contact who calls you.

Question: Can you watch TV, (media player channels) or listen to Sirius on the outside screen while the phone is close on the A900?
Yes you can, but you have to start it with the flip open then you can close it.

Question: Is there a way to listen to your Music Store-purchased songs in the Media Player?
Legally, no. Your music is available for PC download from http://musicstore.sprint.com. The songs come in WAV format and are digitally protected with DRM (Digital Rights Management).

Question: How do I play music?
Answer: Copy your mp3s, mp4s, m4as, aacs, or wav files to the Media folder on your phone. Do not put them in the db folder. You can put them in their own folder within the Media folder but they will be treated as seperate playlists, meaning if you play a song from the Media folder and select shuffle, it will not play songs from the Media/Album folder. Use Media Player -> Mass Storage to play the music. The front controls will work only after you have launched Media Player

Question: How do I get more music onto the phone?
Answer: Search the forums for compressing songs to AAC (or go here for a brief overview: http://www.sprintusers.com/forum/sh...light=aac+songs )
__________________

[etiger13]

Menu/Options

Question: What menu styles are there?
It has list, grid, 2 different Themes (Silver and Warp), and you can change the background.

Question: What preset background images are there for the main screen?
See following images (sorry they aren’t too clear, but they look nice)
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/bg/2.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/bg/3.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/bg/4.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/bg/5.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/bg/6.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/bg/7.jpg

Question: Can the A900 use animated screen savers?
It can; they need to be in GIF format. However, most phones (A900 included) do not handle homemade animated screen savers very well. They can cause your phone to crash, freeze, etc. If you're set on using one, try to keep it under 10 frames total and space out the frames a bit.

Question: What about video ringtones?
Yes. These need to be in 3G2 format and placed in the DCIM/100SMED directory under Mass Storage.

Question: Do the key tones make music or sounds?
Yes, you can choose the normal "beep", or there’s an option for rain drop effects (default) and even one for a voice prompt which says what you pressed (can get very annoying if left I think, don’t want to find out). You can also turn the volume off so they don’t make any noises.

Question: How do I update my phone's firmware?
On the phone, press: Menu, #, 8, 8.

Question: What’s the current firmware?
ZB12 (current as of Feb. 19, 2006)

Question: Does the A900 have the "motion fun" stuff?
Being so thing, they could not fit this in, so no.



http://www.unknown1st.com/900/7.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/16.jpg

[etiger13]

Vision

Question: Does #777 work on Power Vision exactly the same as with regular Vision? (I.e. you will not be charged per KB by using #777) Or does that extra monthly charge occur when you use #777 with Power Vision?
That’s still up in the air. I think if you don't use it that much you might not get hit with the $25 tethering fee, but DON"T quote me for that and I take no responsibility for that statement.

Question: Does streaming audio work from Orb?
First time I tried, it said invalid handler, click to get the needed one and it took me to my home page. Second time, it powered off the phone. And the third time, well based on the last two attempts, what do you think happened? Well you're wrong! It did work. Streamed fine, quality was a little bad, about radio quality but ok for what it is. Plays great after the initial load and hasn't had to buffer yet. This might be enough to overcome the lack of removable memory for me.

Question: Does streaming video work from Orb?
Don’t have any video on me to stream. If someone wants to give me one to try I will.

[etiger13]

Battery/Charger/Data Cable

Question: What kind of charger does it use?
It uses a plug that goes in the data port. The charger can be used with the Samsung A840 and possibly other newer, Samsung models.

Question: Does the included USB cable charge the phone also?
Sadly, no it doesn't. So no charging while tethered via cable.

Question: Does it use existing Samsung USB drivers?
Yes. It uses the same driver as the N400, A500, and A840.

Question: Can it function as a USB Mass Storage Device with the included cable?
Yes it can!!! However, once you plug it in, you have to go to Tools then Mass Storage then Connect to PC. But you can transfer files! I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to get MP3s onto this but you can do it that way.

Question: I hooked my phone up to the laptop via included USB cable. I downloaded the driver from Samsung and installed them. Now What.... How do I see the phone, there appears to be no apps installed on my pc and nothing shows up in my computer....
If you hook it up and your phone says it is connected you can tether (use your phone as a modem) by installing a new network connection that dials #777. Or see USB Mass Storage above.

Question: How's the battery life?
Seems to be rather short but I haven’t tried draining it. I don’t think it will get a full day with heavy use. From the specs, it gets half the life of the RAZR V3 and V3i.

Question: Does #777 work on Power Vision exactly the same as with regular Vision? (I.e. you will not be charged per KB by using #777) Or does that extra monthly charge occur when you use #777 with Power Vision?
That’s still up in the air. I think if you don't use it that much you might not get hit with the $25 tethering fee, but DON"T quote me for that and I take no responsibility for that statement.

http://www.unknown1st.com/900/2.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/15.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/12.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/13.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/17.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/18.jpg
http://www.unknown1st.com/900/19.jpg

[laursifer]

Software Update History



Feb 17, 2006: ZB12, Major Bluetooth fixes, including phantom ringing issues.
Jan 20, 2006: ZA06, Several Bluetooth Fixes. Picturemail issues of data communication errors, online albums viewing and shares stuck in pending queue resolved.
Dec 29, 2005: YL10, This was a Picture Mail update.
Dec 05, 2005: YL02, Several Picturemail and browser enhancements and other housekeeping fixes. This update was pulled not too long after it came out due to producing even more Bluetooth problems
Phones Originally Shipped With: YK14