After a massive delay, the Essential PH-1 made its way to consumers. While it doesn't appear to be too popular of an option, the team behind the product is determined to keep things a bit more open in regards to the update process and has promised to hold AMAs on Reddit every couple of weeks.
In the most recent AMA, the firm gave details about some of the issues that are plaguing the handset and when they might get fixed, along with the availability of new features and colors of the device.
First and foremost, the handset suffers from input lag and jittery scrolling. The team is aware of this problem and is currently working on a patch that is being tested. While there is still more testing that needs to be done, the team states that the fix is a tremendous improvement and should arrive over-the-air (OTA) in the next few weeks. The team also plans to implement fingerprint gestures in the OTA update but is not currently working on a double-tap-to-wake feature, or a way to change the intensity of the handset's vibrations.
As for the update to Android 8.0 Oreo, it is being tested, with plans to roll out a beta in the next few weeks; if all goes well, a global rollout to the general public can be expected soon after. It was also confirmed in the AMA that the update will include the Night Light feature introduced in Android N; the Essential team states that the delay was caused by lack of support for it by the chipset's firmware. It seems to be a good update for those craving a blue light filter.
Meanwhile, for anyone who has been holding out for the white variant of the PH-1, the team has indicated there will be an announcement next week, but that the green model is not currently slated to arrive anytime soon.
Lastly, the modular camera accessory will be getting an upgrade in the form of support for live streaming through Facebook and Periscope. The feature is being tested and is scheduled to arrive in an OTA update slated for fall. You can now order the phone directly from Essential's website for $699 with it also being available from Sprint and Telus.
Source Reddit va Android Authority | Image via Essential
1 Comment - Add comment