Thanks to DJ_Steve's HoneyStreak custom ROM (formerly known as StreakDroid7 HD), the Dell Streak 7 has had Honeycomb unofficially available to it for the past few months. And now thanks to a trusted anonymous tipster, we can share word that an official Honeycomb update is expected to make an over-the-air debut on the 7-inch tablet next month.
While exact details on what's included in the update are unknown, we do know that the tablet-optimized OS is expected to greatly improve battery life. Evidently, the current Froyo build causes the device to constantly ping the server (I don't know which one), which is obviously a big drain on the battery. Honeycomb is said to fix this issue.
But wait. Before the unrooted masses start celebrating, you need to know one thing. The update is only for the WiFi version of the Streak 7.
The 3G/4G T-Mobile version of the tablet, the one that was just discontinued a few weeks ago, will apparently not be updated. And based on the information I have, we're not talking about the device not being updated in September with its WiFi-only sibling; we're talking about it not being updated ever.
We won't know for sure how all of this will pan out until next month, but if history has taught us anything, then it's probably unwise for 4G Streak 7 owners to expect Honeycomb from anyone other than DJ_Steve.
Thanks, anonymous tipster!
well as an unrooted, wifi only streak 7 owner, im stoked!!! thanks for the update Jenn.
Me too this is half the reason I bought the streak 7!!
This is bull so what this means is that since I pay a monthly bill im not entitled an update. If this is true im extremely pissed cuz wen I purchased my ds7 it stated hc upgradable way b4 the wifi version released.
Well Any news whether Dell Streak 5 is also coming up with any updates of this sought??
Good news
I do have some important news to share about the Streak 5, but I’m waiting for additional info before I run the story.
Looking forward to it
Looking forward to that Streak 7 update. I hope they also do the 120 resolution as in Dj Steve’s build. I actually didnt care much for his lates build, to many bugs and it knocked out my ability to use netflix. But that 120 resolution fix is AWESOME. Dj Steve rocks.
hmm, now I may consider the Dell Streak…is this a new Dell Streak or an update to a current one?
Lee… You hill rising our eagerness & expectations !
Tmobile sux. I’ll never buy another product from them again.
Assuming you are correct and can get a copy of a Dell advertisement or official documentation stating the device would be updated, you have grounds for a class-action lawsuit for Misrepresentation by possibly both Dell and T-Mobile, who induced you into purchasing the Streak7 and entering or extending a service contract with TMo. (see Wiki article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contract#Implied_terms).
This is the same stunt Samsung tried to pull with with the Galaxy S/Vibrant/Captivate. Dell probably didn’t sell enough 4G 7′s, so they don’t want to pay for carrier testing and certification. A typical poor long-term business decision made to improve short-term gains.
How accurate is this information? I purchased the Wifi only version of the Dell Streak 7 and am in the process of returning it because it’s meh… I own a dell streak 5 as well, so I’m very curious if this is reliable information or if it’s simply “rumor-mill”…
I would absolutely keep the Streak 7 if this is true…
Here’s the news I alluded to yesterday. Brace yourself, folks, because it’s not good: http://www.streaksmart.com/2011/08/goodbye-dell-streak-our-pocket-tablet-gets-eold.html
It’s reliable. I received it with the info about the Streak 5 being EOL’d, which was just made official today.
So the update doesn’t work if I have a rooted DS7?
Im with you. I will never buy another device on the premise that it will be updated. ive been burned every time I do. I hope this “news” is unfounded.
Excellent points. Companies shouldn’t be able to leave you high and dry like this article suggests. I really hope to see honeycomb on my 4g streak 7. I mean, logically isn’t the 4g model supposed to be considered the superior device? What the heck is the point in upgrading only the crappy wifi version. God this is frustrating the crap out of me.
I think it has something to do with T-Mobile. Considering that they discontinued the Streak 7 a few weeks ago, it makes (unfortunate) sense to me that they would stop supporting it with OTA updates. That would be my best guess, anyway.
I’m glad the Dell streak 7 will see an update to honeycomb. The battery life issue was the main reason I wanted to get rid of my streak 7; now I’ll think I’ll keep it and see what happens. Its such a great tablet and it’s about to get even better!
The 4g will see a version of honeycomb ill port it from wifi version myself. Any word on if its 3.1 or 3.2 jenn
Word I knew that would be the case
yes yes yes!! please best dell’s firmware release (like you always do) and port it to both verisons. i just got a dell streak 7 from all the great stuff im reading from you and others. anyways, if i knew dell and tmobile wont give out update with the simcard version i would have paid less for the wifi only version.
Awesome! There was no version listed in the info I saw; it just said Honeycomb. 3.2 was tested on the Streak 10, so that would be my guess.
Boo… Dell, boo! When I first bought my DS7, Dell had on its website that DS7 was upgradeable. WTF? No official 3.1 from Dell? That’s the olny reason I bought the DS7 instead of the G-Slate. Sad… just sad…
Steve should the new StreakDroid work on a 4G 7 with no SIM card? I never activated service and have not card. The Honeycomb ROM I loaded is requiring a SIM and I can do nothing!!
I just ordered a Dell Streak 7 on the 12th and it’s not scheduled to ship until 9/1, hoping this includes the update to 3.2. From my chat with Dell salesperson:
08/11/2011 11:41:10AM Scott : “I was interested in the dell streak 7 and wondered if it would be updated to the latest android version (honeycomb)”
08/11/2011 11:41:43AM Agent (Merari_Gabelan): “Glad you chatted in today! I’ll be happy to assist you.”
08/11/2011 11:43:28AM Agent (Merari_Gabelan): “This device is capable of upgrade for the OS anytime Scott”
08/11/2011 11:46:42AM Scott : “so it’s upgradeable now to android 3.1?”
08/11/2011 11:48:03AM Agent (Merari_Gabelan): “Pardon me for asking, but are we still connected
Yes it is Scott”
Just spoke to Dell tech support rep and told that Honeycomb update is released now over the air. It will take couple of days for devices to receive it. For 4G model, like one that I have unfortunately, will have to wait until t-mobile release the update for them. According the tech support rep, Dell has released to T-mobile now. Now it is upto T-mobile to release update. Let’s hope T-mobile to release the update for 4G model. It is also only reason why I choose DS7 over G-slate, Honeycomb update.
Every1 should really push for a response from dell, take 3 minutes and pop a post here:
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/mobile-devices/f/3824/p/19391686/19920826.aspx
Same here ,was trying to get some info about the upgrade, yes, it has been released, it’s just a matter of time, the tech told me that it will show up in the notification bar when ever ready to do the OTA upgrade.
I also tried to squiz out some details on the upgrade, battery life and such ,but didn’t get anything. It’s the waiting game now,’ til we see the notification appear on our tablets and it’ll be like x-mas morning, patience, patience my friends.
Doubt it’s out now. I learned not to trust Dell reps. On the bright side, if we do get it, DJ_Steve will have a Honeycomb kernel. I’m willing to bet his next step will be a custom kernel, available for Honeystreak and stock Honeycomb
The Staples ads and the automated support on Dells website both state that there will be Honeycomb. It’s not exactly an advertisement, but since it is Dell saying that there will be Honeycomb, it should hold the same validity in court.
I was promised an update!!! Before I made the purchase. Then I wanted a g slate. Had to get a repair, talked to a dishonest worker in india, to send my streak to zoppan mexico to fix. I just want anything but an oversized phone that I cant talk on. No more dell hell , ps an 3.0 update might help. Might. Peace
@ “just frustrated”…
because we know all india’s workers are dishonest and those effin’ mexicans can’t fix it right…how about an oversized phone to shove up your arse you racist mor.
Quit taking your tablet in the crapper & it won’t break. Or simply Move along and you won’t have anything to worry about– better yet, go scrounge your aluminum can money and buy an HP WebOS tab so you can REALLY have something to complain about. Jerk.
Ordered my Dell Streak 7 from dell.com on August 12th, delivery date was set at 9/1 with 2 day shipping. I chatted with dell mobility support today to see what the holdup was and they said it was for “engineering changes” to make sure dell customers got a better device. He said they are scheduled to start shipping out on 8/29. Not sure if this is the honeycomb update or if there are more changes in store, the rep wouldn’t say more.
Yes, like Christmas morning but you have no bloody idea when Christmas is.
Well, it’s now the second half of October, and my wi-fi-only Streak 7 has yet to get any update as claimed in this article. It’s still on 2.2.2 and tapping “System Updates” goes to a page that states there are no software updates available at this time.
Did ANYONE with a Streak 7 get an update from Dell?
Well, Dell finally has something to say about it.
http://en.community.dell.com/dell-blogs/direct2dell/b/direct2dell/archive/2011/10/07/android-3-2-honeycomb-update-to-dell-streak-7.aspx
Updates for existing Streaks coming soon; they are shipping ones now with 3.2
Hey guys that have one of those pesky 1A1 models (bought from staples, anyone?) that show that you have no updates available. I have one of those, too. And if you go and look at what is using your battery, the big percentage is cell standby. I really do think that they were meant to be T-Mobile network devices. Anyway, I just downloaded the update from their regular wifi only link posted above in this thread (here was the thread – http://www.streaksmart.com/2011/10/us-honeycomb-update-starts-rolling-out-to-dell-streak-7-wifi.html#tp – it is in there, I promise), installed it, and it worked wonderfully. Now I have a much sleeker UI, and the other benefit is now my battery is not being forever drained by cell standby. I am thrilled on both counts. If you aren’t trying to figure out how to make one of these babies accept your (other network) sim card, then I would give it a try.