The latest Indian Firmware: Gingerbread 2.3.6 DDKQ8 [Review with Screenshots & Download link]

Posted on March 20, 2012 by galaxyace152

Finally, firmware with Android 2.3.6 has been launched in India with version number DDKQ8

There are quite a lot changes introduced by Samsung in this version (some mainly because of Apple’s patent fight with Samsung on Slide to unlock lock screen and Overscroll bounce…! Damn you Apple!)

So before we move to the review of this ROM, here is how to get it on your phone:

Method 1: Update using Samsung Kies
Method 2: For flashing with Odin. here is the link to the firmware: Hotfile.com: One click file hosting: S5830DDKQ8_S5830ODDKQ7_INU.zip (Pass (if any): sampro.pl)
Then just follow the flashing with ODIN tutorial.

Note: Clear Cache Partition from recovery menu after update! Otherwise, you might have problems!

How to go to recovery menu?
Turn off your phone. Then, Power On it by holding Power+Home button at the same time. You will reach the recovery menu. Navigate with the Volume Rocker and Select using Home button.

1. Lock Screen

The Unlock method has changed. When you keep your finger on the screen, a lock like symbol will appear! You have to slide your finger over the screen to unlock!

A big advantage is that the lock screen also displays your unread text message count and you can directly access the messages by sliding on top of the red circle which has a message symbol on top! It even supports missed call count and you can access your missed calls directly! Cool, huh?

Unfortunately, you don’t have the old slide to unlock method but you can use an app like widgetlocker to go back to old slider type lockscreen.

2) Touchwiz

Not much has changed…! The call button icon and Memo icon has changed somewhat. And the home screen is loopable now. In the app drawer, you can navigate to any page by simply tapping at its screen number on the top, and it will go to that page. Continue reading →

Gingerbread 2.3.4 DDKQ6 (Kies Update India) & Differences

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Praky G

Yes!! The latest firmware for India region is now DDKQ6 Android 2.3.4.

Method 1: Update using Samsung Kies
Method 2: For flashing with Odin. here is the link to the firmware: DDKQ6 (Pass: sampro.pl)
Then just follow the ODIN tutorial.
We were unable to spot any differences from KQ5 so far. Did you?

Update: One of our reader Ramit has informed that the process of taking screenshots has changed. (by pressing back and home key simultaneously)
Simply press & keep holding the Home key. Task manager will pop up. Press back. Now press lock key to take a screenshot.
This way you can even navigate in the menu (still holding the home key) or some app and take multiple screenshots at a time conveniently.

How to upgrade Samsung Galaxy Ace through Samsung Kies?

Posted on September 24, 2011 by Praky G

NOTE: The lastest version of this article has moved here. Please bookmark the new site.

The latest firmware for Indian region is now Android Gingerbread 2.3.4 KQ5. Ace originally shipped with Froyo 2.2.1 KC1.
Here is a comprehensive tutorial to upgrade your phone via Kies.Agreed that Kies 2.x isn’t the best & most reliable Piece of software around, but frankly if you have seen Kies 1.x, you will relieved to be using 2.x.

So you might run into trouble while upgrade, but I have provided fix for that.

Without further ado… Here you go…

Install Samsung Kies from the CD provided with the handset. If you don’t have the CD, you can download Kies from Samsung’s website here. You need a latest version of Kies otherwise you will not get the latest version of Android. If you installed Kies from CD then check for any Kies updates.
Note- If you installed Kies after downloading from website then install USB drivers manually by going to Tools->Install Driver in kies.
When the installation is complete. open Kies and connect your phone using data cable.
As soon as you connect your phone to your PC, you will get a notification that a new firmware version is available and it will ask you to upgrade. Choose Update button to update it now.
Click on Start upgrade. (Note- A full battery is not necessarily required)
When the update process starts, it will start downloading firmware upgrade components. You can take a backup of your contacts and bookmarks when prompted. The upgrade won’t result in losing your data, sms, contacts or Apps. But it is still a good idea to have in case something might go wrong.
Now the firmware download will start and it will take around 5 minutes to download the necessary files (I was on a fast connection, it might take you more time). Don’t disconnect your phone while upgrade is under process. After the download, the dialog will say “upgrading firmware” & your phone will boot into recovery. But it has a bad habit of getting stuck at 0%. So if you are stuck, do this-
- Disconnect cable (though the dialog explicitly says not to do this)
- Restart phone.
- Close kies (or force close if it goes unresponsive.)
- Try to reconnect. If Kies doesn’t detect your phone now, then don’t worry, reinstall kies and usb drivers.
When the update process will finish, a window will pop up saying Firmware upgrade complete.
Your phone will reboot & voila!!