TreoFaq: Introduction to the Treo 600 Firmware
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Introduction to the Treo 600 Firmware


This page provides some background information and all the essential knowledge about the Treo 600 firmware. General information with be provided initially, and then device and carrier specific info will be detailed below.

Understading ROMs and which one is for you


Let's have some background on ROM and picking the right ROM for you.

First off, there is software and firmware. Software is the stuff that you add later, you know all the fun programs and stuff that you add later. Firmware is the specal kind of software that comes loaded on the Treo from the beginning. Firmware is the stuff that you cannot delete because it is in the Read-Only-Memory (ROM). The Firmware is what comes in a ROM update. Firmware and ROM mean essentially the same thing for this discussion, though I will generally try to stick with ROM

What is firmware?


Firmware is the software loaded in the ROM (Read Only Memory) of your Treo smartphone. It includes basic software applications and the code that controls the wireless and camera hardware in your phone.

To be more precise, a firmware update consists of two parts: Firmware for controlling the wireless hardware, and a software ROM image for your Palm PDA. When you perform an upgrade, the ROMs on your phone are flashed with new firmware and new software. Your Treo will tell you, independently, which versions of FW and SW you have.

Where do ROM's come from?


All ROM's originate from PalmOne. As PalmOne finds bugs and makes improvements, they update the ROM to make the Treo's work better. As with all software, it goes through various stages of testing. There are official releases that are available for downloading from the PalmOne website, and then there are the ones that get leaked pre-release and that fanatics like us enjoy getting ahold of. Custom ROM's, which will be discussed later, have the same beginnings.

Most ROM's are downloaded from the internet. In the case of official releases from PalmOne, they are available from the support site for downloading. In the case of pre-release ROM updates, they are available at sites on the internet where people have generously hosted them. Also, service centers also have updates, and sometimes, they are on SD card.

Why should I update my firmware?


Firmware updates can fix bugs in the phone, optimize the software and open up new capabilities. We strongly recommend that all GSM Treo 600 users update their firmware to version 3.05 or higher. CDMA users should check with their carrier for the most recent version of their firmware.

Why shouldn't I update my firmware?


I can't think of any reason why you wouldn't want to update to the latest firmware. There is only a very small risk involved with updating the Treo firmware. Customs ROM's are a different story and is risky.

How do I check the current firmware version?


With wireless mode on, go to the Phone Application, Menu->Options->Phone Info. You will see your firmware and software version numbers listed.

At the time of writing, most Treos seem to be shipping with the latest firmware, although many phones bought through the internet may still have older firmware versions. It is important to note the different firmware and software (SW) version numbers. See what is firmware above.

Knowing the difference between GSM and CDMA


Treo's come in two basic versions: GSM and CDMA. If your Treo needs a SIM card to work, it's GSM. If not, it's CDMA. (It's a good bet that if you don't know what a SIM card is, you've got a CDMA Treo.) Firmware meant for one type of phone cannot be used with the other, so be careful.

Maybe the easist way to know what kind of handset you have is to look at the top of the phone by the SD card slot. If you have a place where a little tray slides in and out behind the SD card slot, then you have a GSM model. If the nothing at all behind the SD card slot, then you have a CDMA model. This is a really important distinction to make, so if people want to add comments or different strategies for differentiaing between GSM and CDMA, please add them.

What firmware versions are available?


The latest versions of Treo 600 firmware for GSM that are currently available:


Old GSM firmware versions that are no longer supported at this site or by palmOne:



The latest versions of Treo 650 firmware for GSM that are currently available:

There are also numerous unofficial GSM Treo 650 ROM's available on the internet

CDMA users should always check with their carrier for the most recent version of their firmware.

Where can I download them?


You will find all the latest GSM firmwares in the downloads section here at mytreo.net Treo Extensions (Select 600 or 650 Firmware Category). CDMA users should check with their carrier for the most recent version of their firmware.

Which version should I get?


Your choice depends upon the type of phone you have - CDMA or GSM. For GSM phones v3.05/3.06 is highly recommended as it enables voice recording, provides many fixes and gives speed improvements in a lot of areas. This latest firmware can now be succesfully unlocked too.

As GSM users can, generally, choose which version of the firmware they wish to use, one consideration is issues related to branding. Most users choose the firmware brand matching their wireless carrier because these often include small carrier-specific enhancements. The ROW firmware is also popular since it doesn't include the slightly unneccessary carrier branding.

What do the various versions of GSM firmware do?


Version 3.05/3.06:
The 3.05 firmware opens the microphone API in a way that makes voice recording possible. It will change your startup screens. You might also notice some of the following changes:

* Improved data connectivity to browse the web, send and retrieve email and other applications.
* Improved rendering of web pages and graphics in the web browser.
* Ability to select a privacy mode for incoming SMS to hide the message content and sender information.
* Enhanced audio-quality reliability, and reduced audio distortion. i.e. less buzzing
* Ability to enable car kit echo cancellation for better audio performance.
* Updated carrier settings for roaming to international networks.
* Software now reflects the new palmOne company branding.
* Makes you more attractive to the opposite sex

2.08 and 2.09
These are basically bug fixes that don't enhance the device significantly.

Where can I get more help?


This document should answer all your questions! (How's that for optimism?) If you have any difficulties then please ask in the forums, there are always people willing to help out and some even know a bit. Good luck!


CategoryFirmware
CategoryTreo600


Last edited by WikiChris
Sun, 21 May 2006 19:09 BST [diff]

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