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Verizon Treo 700wx to get Windows Mobile 6 Upgrade “This Spring or Summer”


Verizon Treo 700wx Windows Mobile 6 Update

Sister-site TreoCentral uncovered some training slides for Palm CS reps that reveals an unexpected boon: the Treo 700wx on Verizon will be getting a free update to Windows Mobile 6 in the coming months. Nice.

Now for the “weird stuff.”

  1. There's no mention of a Sprint update (probably because they'll be wanting you to buy a Treo 800w instead, eh?)
  2. Windows Mobile 6.1 updates have started coming out and Palm is just now getting to Windows Mobile 6? What?
  3. It won't work on the Treo 700w (actually, that's not so weird, given the 700w's anemic memory problems)

Still and all, it's nice to see the old dog learn a few new tricks. We don't have any clearer release date than the one you see there in the title, but we're going to go out on a limb and say this means that Verizon lovers are going to have to wait for a period of exclusivity to end before they get their hands on the 800w. Meanwhile, you have some quality updates to the Treo to stick around for.

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Comments (41)

Verizon (NOT Sprint) Getting WM6 update

http://www.treocentral.com/content/Stories/1777-1.htm

Not 6.1, 6. Not Sprint. Weird. "Spring or summer"

Also, won't work on the 700w

Posted by Dieter Bohn | June 15, 2008 3:11 PM

Still, though, WM6 is NOYCE.

Posted by Dieter Bohn | June 15, 2008 3:16 PM

This is pretty good news, I just bought myself another Verizon 700wx (after giving it away) in anticipation, though I'll tinker with custom roms before it gets released. My hopes:

[LIST]
[*]Fixes the longstanding out of memory error when popping in the wifi card. With WM6 we can finally use wmwifirouter. The slides specifically mention 'internet sharing' will not come with the device, but xda has a solution for that here.
[*]Fixes the call answer / actually hang up bug
[*]Comes with threaded SMS in ROM
[/LIST]

Posted by g-funkster | June 15, 2008 4:54 PM

1. There's no mention of a Sprint update (probably because they'll be wanting you to buy a Treo 800w instead, eh?)


Actually, this was just what I was waiting for. :D

Watch the custom ROM thread for the next few days. I hope/expect to have something out this week. Hopefully I won't get lynched for sitting on it. :eek:

Posted by Ebag333 | June 15, 2008 5:33 PM

Can not wait. I have VZW 1.20 and wonder if I can get an update.

Posted by ajlee7 | June 15, 2008 7:19 PM

Can not wait. I have VZW 1.20 and wonder if I can get an update.


:eek:

No?

Posted by Ebag333 | June 15, 2008 8:02 PM

Sweet - nice scoop guys!

Posted by cmajewsk | June 15, 2008 9:11 PM

The WM6 ROM was already released here.

I think this is the same as the "final one"

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=397134&page=5

Posted by kocoman | June 15, 2008 9:33 PM

No way that's the final ROM, because that clearly states it's windows mobile 6.1. This is an official 6.0 update. That 6.1 ROM was almost certainly put together by that user

Posted by LLC23 | June 15, 2008 10:15 PM

Actually, this was just what I was waiting for. :D

Watch the custom ROM thread for the next few days. I hope/expect to have something out this week. Hopefully I won't get lynched for sitting on it. :eek:


Prob not at all... I am not sure how happy a Palm WM6 device is without the PALM customization.

Vanilla WM6 is just a... Mogul.

Posted by Darth Pooh | June 15, 2008 10:49 PM

Great news!

Posted by ebedoun | June 16, 2008 12:34 AM

[COLOR=black]Might actually be 6.1?, unless they are over stating a few of those bullets. SharePoint support but the real give away is “powerful security” and here it comes folks "IT Policies" 6.1 allows domain membership and network policies. Hmmm ;) Also I thought I heard some mention ages ago about WM6 upgrade for 700wx's Sprint & VerizTell(on) slated for the same time as the launch of the Treo 800w. Who knows. Both carriers are getting 800w so would seem that if one offers it both might. Which is a stronger argument for WM6 upgrade not 6.1 but they might just have some wordy explanation for why they chose that wording for the bullets.[/COLOR]

Posted by erickbryce | June 16, 2008 4:50 AM

This seals the deal with me and Sprint . . . hello iPhone, goodbye Sprint.
(good riddance)

Posted by ouzome | June 16, 2008 9:58 AM

This seals the deal with me and Sprint . . . hello iPhone, goodbye Sprint.
(good riddance)


Not sure I understand why? The 700wx has been out on Sprint for 2.5 years now. They are about to release an upgraded model (not sure if you've seen posts about the 800w). So why would they pay MS and Palm to cook up a newer OS (that probably won't be the best device to run WM6 due to memory issues) when they are dumping money into a newer phone?

I understand why Verizon is doing it... they JUST got the WX less than a year ago.

Posted by Darth Pooh | June 16, 2008 10:31 AM

So why would they pay MS and Palm to cook up a newer OS (that probably won't be the best device to run WM6 due to memory issues)


I'm not convinced Palm is involved here. I..umm..."tested"....a "pre-release" version of the Verizon ROM, and it didn't seem to have all the Palm tweaks in it. I only used it for a short while, so perhaps I'm mistaken (or the ROM wasn't far enough along in testing).

Additionally the 700wx can run WM6 just fine. It's significantly slower than WM5, but far superior to, say, the Mogul.

Posted by Ebag333 | June 16, 2008 12:12 PM

I'm not convinced Palm is involved here. I..umm..."tested"....a "pre-release" version of the Verizon ROM, and it didn't seem to have all the Palm tweaks in it. I only used it for a short while, so perhaps I'm mistaken (or the ROM wasn't far enough along in testing).

Additionally the 700wx can run WM6 just fine. It's significantly slower than WM5, but far superior to, say, the Mogul.


Oh trust me E, from the convo's we've had I know it can handle it... I am just saying let's weigh-in with WHY would Sprint upgrade? It would still cost them $$$ to upgrade (whether Palm is in it or not, MS is def getting cash for it) an aging device they are "replacing" within a month.

My comments were more towards, why someone would leave for the 3g Iphone over this, which tells me they didn't need much "convincing" to switch sides in the first place.

Posted by Darth Pooh | June 16, 2008 12:19 PM

"Quite honestly, I am suprised Palm even bothered with this update, with new devices coming out soon (we HOPE), and the wx being a relatively older device. I am perfectly happy with the wx as it is, and after reading a lot of flashing threads and the update thread/article posted here, I don't see anything that interests me. I will look into doing the update and may even do it to keep current on things, but if I do, it will not make any difference on my decision to upgrade devices when the time comes (800w being released IS the time LOL). I will most definetly NOT do it right away though, I will wait until some more experienced people (AKA...people who can flash back if they need to) to attempt this and post back their findings (restore with backup made from wm5, device speed, stability, 'improvements' working......).

P.S. I thought BT voice dialing was a hardware issue, and could't be 'tweaked' or upgraded like that?"

I posted this over in PPCGeeks, and it seems to fit this discussion as well. One piece of information I did glean from this thread that worries me is the idea that (and yes, I know VZW is famous for not getting a lot of new devices nearly as fast as other carriers) the wait for an 800w with VZW may be a LOT longer than us loyal VZW customers think. I may look into writing a letter, or starting a petition to get them on the 800 band-wagon if it seems to go on forever. Most VZW CS/tecs I speak with say they don't even know about the 800, and that tells me either they are not allowed to discuss it, or it will be a LONG TIME coming!!!!

Posted by syrguy1969 | June 16, 2008 1:05 PM

Quite honestly, I am suprised Palm even bothered with this update


It's not Palm. It's the carrier(s).



One piece of information I did glean from this thread that worries me is the idea that (and yes, I know VZW is famous for not getting a lot of new devices nearly as fast as other carriers) the wait for an 800w with VZW may be a LOT longer than us loyal VZW customers think. I may look into writing a letter, or starting a petition to get them on the 800 band-wagon if it seems to go on forever. Most VZW CS/tecs I speak with say they don't even know about the 800, and that tells me either they are not allowed to discuss it, or it will be a LONG TIME coming!!!!


I wondered this too, especially since Verizon is just getting the Centro. With an update that's scheduled around (after???) the 800w is released, this does not bode well for Verizon.

I have trouble believing that Verizon is planning on spending tons of $$$ for what will (soon) be an obsolete device.

They may be planning on that upgrade in order to (sorta) fill the gap in the short term until they release the 800w, but that'd still seem odd to me.

Then again Verizon in their vast wisdom still sells people the 700w. So what do I know. :rolleyes:



Here's something for the rumor mill. Sprint seems to regularly be getting Palm devices well ahead of Verizon. Possible merger? :D

Posted by Ebag333 | June 16, 2008 4:13 PM

It's not Palm. It's the carrier(s).

My bad, I was actually under the impression it was a combined effort, but I worded it incorrectly, and I see your point, if VZW didn't pay Palm, it most likely wouldn't happen!!



I wondered this too, especially since Verizon is just getting the Centro. With an update that's scheduled around (after???) the 800w is released, this does not bode well for Verizon.

I have trouble believing that Verizon is planning on spending tons of $$$ for what will (soon) be an obsolete device.

They may be planning on that upgrade in order to (sorta) fill the gap in the short term until they release the 800w, but that'd still seem odd to me.

Then again Verizon in their vast wisdom still sells people the 700w. So what do I know. :rolleyes:


Actually, I haven't even seen the Centro with VZW yet (I have heard it though), and that is what I think will happen with the 800....wasn't the Centro released with Sprint in October? That could mean a wait of over 1/2 year for the 800w!!!!!! Awwwwww mannnnnnnn :hmm:



Here's something for the rumor mill. Sprint seems to regularly be getting Palm devices well ahead of Verizon. Possible merger? :D


Although I don't see that happening anytime soon LOL, that would be nice for VZW customers (release-wise), but kinda suck for Sprint customers (I believe their data plans are a LOT cheaper than VZW)!!!!

Thanks for the thoughts to ponder though, sheds a bit more light on this whole 800 release thing!!!!

Posted by syrguy1969 | June 16, 2008 4:29 PM

Will this new rom have any improvements to the radio for reception and for the Blutooth?

Posted by Palm_forlackofchoice | June 17, 2008 11:11 AM

Will this new rom have any improvements to the radio for reception and for the Blutooth?


Verizon might never release this rom. (Since its still a rumor) no one can say for sure.
The closest rom to WM6 is the one from nigntraven at xda-developers

Posted by kocoman | June 17, 2008 1:39 PM

Verizon might never release this rom. (Since its still a rumor) no one can say for sure.
The closest rom to WM6 is the one from nigntraven at xda-developers


I would actually prefer it not be released, and VZW concentrate their resources on releasing the 800w as early as Sprint, or ASAP after (yeah....I know, I am dreaming)!!!!

P.S. As far as the rumor idea goes, I can't get any hint of this out of Palm or VZW, and the originally posted URL does not work, so I am thinking it very well may be a rumor....we'll see!!

Posted by syrguy1969 | June 17, 2008 1:50 PM

Actually, this was just what I was waiting for. :D

Watch the custom ROM thread for the next few days. I hope/expect to have something out this week. Hopefully I won't get lynched for sitting on it. :eek:



Any new news on Ebag's stuff or the official VZW update?

Posted by hotrod | June 19, 2008 10:15 AM

Any new news on Ebag's stuff or the official VZW update?


Hope to see a 6.0 WM6 trimmed ROM either today or tommorrow.

If it doesn't show up by tommorrow, don't expect one until Monday (at the earliest) as I'm busy all weekend.

Posted by Ebag333 | June 19, 2008 2:13 PM

Cool. Thanks.

Posted by hotrod | June 19, 2008 5:11 PM

I hate crossposting...but.....


[COLOR="DarkRed">[SIZE="5">WM6 release![/SIZE][/COLOR]


Take a peak at the second post or download here.

I've provided a stripped/UPX'd WM6 ROM that has tons of room in it. Mmmm...comfy!

My full WM6 ROM is still forthcoming, but I anticipate all of the previously added programs that you saw in WM5 (sans Sprite Backup) and then a few. Oh, and you'll have about 2 megs extra space to install whatever little bits you so desire.

The stripped ROM is running ~8 megs free space. I need to update my kitchen to handle the WM6 ROM file size numbers (as the 1.15 Sprint WM5 ROM has a bug in one of the files that makes the file size seem weird).

Posted by Ebag333 | June 19, 2008 9:08 PM

I hate crossposting...but.....


Hey....if you have something to be proud of, post as much as you can, I am sure a lot of people will appreciate it!!!! Way to go!!!!

Posted by syrguy1969 | June 19, 2008 9:35 PM

So what exactly must someone who has a 700wx (WM 5) VZW do to get WM6?

The full version. . .not too skilled at flashing roms on phones and such, and really want to minimize any damage that could possibly done.

Is the software available through Verizon?

Posted by surreal1221 | July 9, 2008 6:28 PM

So what exactly must someone who has a 700wx (WM 5) VZW do to get WM6?

The full version. . .not too skilled at flashing roms on phones and such, and really want to minimize any damage that could possibly done.

Is the software available through Verizon?


Not officially availible through Verizon.

No more danger in flashing it with the ROM's posted here than with useing Verizon's upgrade. It does the same thing. And it's no more difficult, either.

Posted by Ebag333 | July 9, 2008 9:58 PM

In theory if Verizon actually puts out this upgrade would it be easy to carry over to Sprint? I know there is ebag's rom but aren't there added "Palm tweaks" in the Palm phone OS upgrades?

Posted by pdawg17 | July 10, 2008 12:21 AM

Not officially availible through Verizon.

No more danger in flashing it with the ROM's posted here than with useing Verizon's upgrade. It does the same thing. And it's no more difficult, either.


Gotcha, well. . .I'll just stick with WM5 for now then. Really not in a position to go messing with the ROM on my phone unless someone else is going to do it and if they do it and it screws up I can easily have it replaced.

Posted by surreal1221 | July 10, 2008 8:13 PM

Take a peak at the second post or download here.

I've provided a stripped/UPX'd WM6 ROM that has tons of room in it. Mmmm...comfy!


is this for Verizon's 700wx? or another?

if it is, what are the steps to flash the rom?

Posted by micgrideon | August 18, 2008 6:00 PM

http://discussion.treocentral.com/showthread.php?t=164457

Follow the instructions in the first few posts. This works fine with a VZW 700wx. A big improvement in my book.

Posted by mixman | August 18, 2008 6:57 PM

I believe they are coming out with their verison of windows mobile 6 or 6.1 to cut into sprints profits and get people to leave sprint. As you can see their policy works one person on this forum is already leaving because of it. Sprint does not want to come out with windows mobile 6 so it can maximize its profits. I believe when verizon comes out with their verison of windows mobile 6.1 the rom cookers will hook us people up at sprint with windows mobile 6.1.

Posted by jamice4u | August 18, 2008 7:31 PM

great! thank you! do you have any idea how soon verison is going to to release there update for wm 6? if you think it may be soon i may wait on this one. if not im fine with flashing it.

you have no idea how many forums and chat rooms i have looked over and been in to just try and find this hack. i knew it was out there.

thanks again guys!

Posted by micgrideon | August 18, 2008 9:18 PM

I can cofirm that Verizon DOES have a WM6 upgrade that will be released, they brought it by and upgraded (1) of the 10 700wx's that we have to see if it would fix an issue. They indicated if it got technical OK - it would be out as early as the end of this week or next week.

Kansas City Area

Posted by kcdspike | August 27, 2008 4:29 PM

I can cofirm that Verizon DOES have a WM6 upgrade that will be released, they brought it by and upgraded (1) of the 10 700wx's that we have to see if it would fix an issue. They indicated if it got technical OK - it would be out as early as the end of this week or next week.

Kansas City Area


I'll believe it when I see it, especially since they took the 700w/wx off their website.

Posted by Ebag333 | August 27, 2008 8:45 PM

I'll believe it when I see it, especially since they took the 700w/wx off their website.


I'm with you in believing it when I see it, but the 700wx is still listed on the VZW site I am looking at. Maybe your location is out? I am in Central NY state area.

Posted by syrguy1969 | August 27, 2008 8:51 PM

[quote=kcdspike;1489996]I can cofirm that Verizon DOES have a WM6 upgrade that will be released, they brought it by and upgraded (1) of the 10 700wx's that we have to see if it would fix an issue. They indicated if it got technical OK - it would be out as early as the end of this week or next week.

Kansas City Area

Did they happen to leave the updater file on a machine or did they use their own laptop? hehehe

Posted by ebedoun | August 27, 2008 9:19 PM

[quote=syrguy1969;1490135]I'm with you in believing it when I see it, but the 700wx is still listed on the VZW site I am looking at. Maybe your location is out? I am in Central NY state area.

wx still on the site for Detroit area as well.

Posted by ebedoun | August 27, 2008 9:40 PM

Hmm....I could have sworn when I looked last it was gone. That was shortly after the 800w was released. Now that I'm looking again, sure enough it's there.

Posted by Ebag333 | August 28, 2008 1:37 PM

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