Samsung Mesmerize On US Cellular Updated

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US Cellular likes to pride themselves as treating their customers just a little bit better than the other carriers, and they have a treat for those using the Samsung Mesmerize on their network – an update to Android 2.2. The Samsung Mesmerize is US Cellular’s variant of the Samsung Galaxy S phone, and it’s easily the best Android phone that they currently offer.

Updating is a bit weird, though. US Cellular won’t be sending out the update over the air (OTA). Instead, you have to go their Android software page (uscellular.com/android/software.html), download the update, then sideload it onto the phone via a USB cable. Note that they make use the “Kies Mini” application from Samsung that doesn’t have Mac OS X support at the moment (Mac OS X users will have to run it in a Windows installation on their Mac or run it in a virtual machine.) Not exactly what other carriers do – but it’s comparable to what Apple does with iTunes and it’s still better than no updates.

As many of our readers will know, updates have been slow for the Galaxy S phones. Some blame Samsung. Some blame the carriers. Regardless, it’s great to see Samsung and US Cell being able to bring the Android 2.2 update to their customers. US Cellular has “The Belief Program“, a customer loyalty program that sees customers awarded points for things and they can put those points towards phones, accessories and other things.

That update is available now. Three of US Cellular’s other Android phones – the LG Optimus U, Samsung Acclaim and HTC Desire – are shipping with or have updates to Android 2.2 out there. One phone – the LG Apex – looks to be stuck with Android 2.1.