Updating the Acer Iconia A500

If you haven't received the latest OTA Update for the Acer Iconia A500 tablet, you may want to force the device to check the server for you.  If you are still seeing the 'Your device is up to date' box after force checking; keep in mind that Acer apparently rolls out the OTA Updates via serial number.  So it may be that your devices number hasn't been "called" yet.  So, how do we accomplish force checking for updates?

Simply tap the 'Apps' icon in the upper left hand corner of the screen and locate and tap the 'Settings' icon.

Next, tap the very bottom menu option 'About Tablet' option and hit the 'System Update' tab.

In the pop up that appears on the check, take the option to force the check for the update.  If you're device hasn't updated yet, it should pull down an update.

One quick note, if you happen to take the option to 'Download Later', good freakin' luck trying to get your update.  If you haven't kept up with my previous experience getting the Honeycomb 3.1 download, be sure to go back and read those posts (7-11-2011-Acer Tech Support post) and see the the chat transcript between myself and a representative at Acer's Support Site.

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So what is the Honeycomb 3.2 Update for the Acer Iconia a500 good for?

So, as mentioned in a previous post; I received the Honeycomb 3.2 OTA Update last night on my stock Acer Iconia a500.  It weighed in a little over 350MB's, and took four attempts to download before completing successfully.

One of the big questions with every Honeycomb Update is: 'What does it do/change/fix?'

Apparently, there isn't too much significant included in the update.  It improves SD and USB notifications when attaching these devices, smoother scrolling, and proper stretching/zooming for apps designed for smaller screens (the a500 sports a 10.1 inch screen).  So far, that seems to be about it.

I have one recommendation for Google or Acer concerning Honeycomb Updates: How about including a change notice with the Update Dialog when the device gets prompted for the new OTA Updates?  Theoretically, it should be fairly easy, it could be handled the same way permissions are displayed prior to installing a new app or .apk file.  Right now we just get to see the name of the update and what the download size is.  A little more info would be nice, just a thought.

For those who root or run ROM'd versions of the Acer Iconia a500; you better hold off on updating (as of this writing) since there currently isn't a way to root Honeycomb 3.2 on the Iconia yet.  And you will loose your custom ROM should you apply the OTA 3.2 upgrade.

And it appears that Netflix still isn't supported on the Iconia a500 (as we guessed).

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Acer Iconia a500 OTA Honeycomb 3.2 Update rolls out!

Tonight my Acer Iconia a500 tablet pulled down the latest Over The Air update contains Honeycomb 3. It is rather large at a little over 350MB's in download size.  I did bump into a little issue when I downloaded about 250MB worth of the download and it would either mysteriously end the download or it would restart by itself.

After four attempts I am finally running Honeycomb 3.2.  I'll do some digging around and see what has changed or been added and will update tomorrow or so.

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No Netflix love for the Acer Iconia a500 yet...

I have approached the topic of how much I love my Acer Iconia a500 tablet on this site before.  As well as how much I loath Acer's update process for the device.  In my opinion, it is a great tablet and has handled everything I have thrown at it since I purchased it.  And believe me, it gets a work out.  As a matter of fact, I'm using it right now to author this post.

My only real complaint is that Netflix has yet to rollout an app compatible with the Iconia a500 for streaming video.  And I know it isn't Acer's fault; the issues lie with Netflix themselves.  Their streaming app works on select devices.  But not my Acer tablet.  I had read on a blog about a month ago that with the Honeycomb 3.2 OTA Update, there may be a chance of getting Netflix to work.  Initially, that news was exciting.  After all, my iPod Touch can stream from Netflix, but my tablet cannot.  It just doesn't seem right.

But after trolling around some forums tonight, the general understanding seems to be that the 3.2 Update will not usher in Netflix to us.  Time will tell when the update finally hits (it has been delayed several times now); however, I'm not getting my hopes up.  As of right now, you can get it Netflix to run.  But only on a rooted and possibly cutom ROM'd Iconia a500.  And I'm not sure if I am ready to go quite that far yet.

But if Netflix doesn't get on the ball, then I may be heading down the road to rooting.  Rest assured, if rooting becomes an option for me;  I will document my experience here for future reference.  I would hope it doesn't come to this though.

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Honeycomb 3.2 Update for the Acer Iconia a500, Delayed

This wasn't much of a surprise, but the Honeycomb 3.2 update never rolled out for the Iconia a500.  Now word is Acer had some issues with GPS and 3.2, and the new street date is (drum roll please)...

September 10th...Time will tell, and as far as Acer's previous update history goes I wouldn't exactly hold my breath.

Happy Surfing!

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Netflix on the ASUS Transformer Tablet

Many owner's of the ASUS Transformer Tablet were expecting to get Netflix streaming support with their OTA update of Honeycomb 3.2 the other week.  Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out that way.  However, on Tuesday ASUS started rolling out an OTA Update that will bring the tablet up to release version 8.6.5.9 and includes Netflix support.  Way to go ASUS!

Now, please give Acer some notes on how to handle their customers.  If the Acer Honeycomb 3.2 OTA Update includes Netflix support I will apologize.  Otherwise, enjoy your movie streaming Transformer fans!

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