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Techgoondu > Blog > Mobile > Cellphones > Update your Singapore Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 to Ice Cream Sandwich
CellphonesMobileTablets

Update your Singapore Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 to Ice Cream Sandwich

Alfred Siew
Last updated: July 27, 2014 at 1:51 AM
Alfred Siew Published July 13, 2012
7 Min Read
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When it turned up in Singapore early this year, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 was one of the best tablets – still is, actually – with a bright Super AMOLED screen and a really sharp resolution. So when the rest of the Samsung pack, from the Galaxy S II to Galaxy Note, recently got their official Ice Cream Sandwich updates, it seemed somewhat left out.

I’m not waiting for Samsung Singapore to release their firmware, of course. Earlier this week, when an official ROM update (for Europe) turned up online, I updated my Galaxy Tab 7.7. It is now like a new tablet, zippy and really responsive.

Here’s a quick guide to get the ROM (from a stock Samsung device). As usual, to go with it, a standard disclaimer that we are not responsible for any loss resulting from following these instructions. You might also potentially void your warranty.

1. Download Odin to your PC.

2. Download the “Austrian” version of the official Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 Ice Cream Sandwich ROM (first download link, not those listed for the GT-I9001 and other models below)

3. Fire up Odin on your PC, select the ROM under “PDA”. Do not change anything else.

4.  Boot your phone into download mode (guide here) and connect your device via USB to your PC.

5. Wait till Odin has fully recognised your phone. Then hit the start button and wait till the flash process is finished

6. Your phone will restart and after installing some apps, it should be loaded with the new OS.

[UPDATE: the official update for Singapore is out. You can simply update with Kies if you are on a stock ROM. Or you can update manually by downloading the ROM (search for it here) and installing it with Odin.

Though Samsung’s Touchwiz interface is still there, the crazy amounts of animation in the previous Honeycomb (Android 3.0) operating system seem to have been pared down. The result: a really smooth interface.

You also get face unlock and other Android 4.0 goodies. But the main improvement is still the zippiness in switching between apps. The Galaxy Tab 7.7 was already a joy to use previously. With Ice Cream Sandwich, it is one great tablet.

Generally, this update should be straightforward since it is from Samsung – just that it’s not for Singapore. However, there have been some complaints from users who found their eBook app and Maps not working well after the update.

I can say that Maps works fine for me but the eBook app only responds with a “service will be available soon” message when you try firing it up. Fortunately, that’s not an issue for me as I use the bundled Kobo e-book app and Zinio magazine app for reading on the tablet.

Strangely though, Google’s Chrome browser seems a little slower than the default browser that comes with the Ice Cream Sandwich OS. I tried surfing to heavy-to-load sites such as the Guardian newspaper and the default browser seems to be doing a better job than the usually zippier Chrome browser that has stripped off support for Flash, for example.

 

For folks new to Ice Cream Sandwich, there are a few cool features, including face unlock, which uses face recognition to unlock the phone after it goes to sleep. It’s nice, but I ended up going back to the standard unlock that relies on me drawing a pre-set pattern. It’s just faster.

Other changes: the default picture gallery now features the flat ICS style, instead of the 3D-motion gallery common on many earlier Android devices. It’s a matter of personal preference here, and you can always download the 3D gallery yourself from the Play Store if you want it back.

There’s even a Music Hub app, by 7Digital, which sells songs in Singapore dollars (99 cents for an Adele track). I didn’t try buying anything but it appears that you can once you register with the service. You wonder why Samsung hasn’t included this in the original Tab!

As expected, Google apps such as Gmail and YouTube are first class on the Tab, but we already know that with the original Honeycomb release. Samsung’s S Planner calender app, which syncs with Google Calendar, is another favourite of mine. It’s easy to use and takes advantage of the bigger screen by laying out all the information of an appointment.

Like many users who updated their device, I’m looking almost at a brand new tablet. Well, the experience certainly is much improved.

For those who are waiting for a “pure” Android experience, the good news is that Samsung has released the source code for their software and you bet some enterprising developers are working on a modded OS that will do away with the dreaded Touchwiz. Surprisingly, I’m already quite happy with the current ICS ROM from Samsung, even with Touchwiz built in!

To be sure, the Galaxy Tab 7.7 has excellent hardware. Now the software is souped up as well. If not for Google spoiling the party with a US$199 Nexus 7 tablet with a quad-core CPU and similar high-res screen, I’d be tempted to tell everyone to go buy a Galaxy Tab 7.7 now and upgrade it to Ice Cream Sandwich.

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TAGGED: diy, Galaxy Tab 7.7, Ice Cream Sandwich, Odin, ROM, samsung, Singapore, update

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Alfred Siew July 13, 2012
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By Alfred Siew
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Alfred is a writer, speaker and media instructor who has covered the telecom, media and technology scene for more than 20 years. Previously the technology correspondent for The Straits Times, he now edits the Techgoondu.com blog and runs his own technology and media consultancy.
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60 Comments
  • p.m. says:
    May 16, 2013 at 4:30 pm

    has some encountered problems with the new firmware upgrade to Jellybean on your Tab 7.7?

    Reply
    • Alfred Siew says:
      May 17, 2013 at 2:15 pm

      Hi p.m. unfortunately, I “retired” my Tab 7.7 after I accidentally broke the glass recently. I can still try out the JB update since I have the hardware still. Lemme do so and see if there’s any slowdown. 🙂

      Reply
      • p.m. says:
        May 18, 2013 at 1:26 pm

        The rotate lock doesn’t seems to be working, and the digital clock is not working either. Weird keyboard, overall doesn’t feel any faster or smoother…. oh man…. I can’t revert bsck to ics, can I?

        Reply
        • Alfred Siew says:
          May 18, 2013 at 6:52 pm

          Oh dear, that’s an official update from Samsung? I’m not sure you can unless you install your own ROM. Alternatively, if the tablet is still under warranty, you can get support still From Samsung.

          Reply
  • Tan Swee Hong says:
    April 3, 2013 at 9:45 pm

    Just read on Sammobile forum that JB is delayed for Tab 7.7 till about May/ June.

    http://www.sammobile.com/2013/03/20/samsung-to-delay-galaxy-tab-7-7s-jelly-bean-update/

    Reply
  • edz says:
    November 22, 2012 at 10:31 am

    Hi…how can i back the gingerbread settings in my 7.7 tab? Coz i cant wacth a video on my fb and theres no flashplayer for icecreamsandwich…pls help me

    Reply
    • Alfred Siew says:
      November 22, 2012 at 5:35 pm

      Hi edz, I think PCWorld did a story sometime back on this, But I’m not sure if it works because I haven’t tried this myself. http://www.pcworld.com/article/260901/android_flash_player_rip_how_to_get_it_now_that_its_gone.html

      Reply
  • azrul says:
    November 7, 2012 at 4:17 pm

    My galaxy tab 7.7 dont have adobe flash player….why?

    Reply
    • Alfred Siew says:
      November 8, 2012 at 11:59 am

      Hi Azrul, I think it’s possible Google decided to do without Flash and Samsung also followed suit in its update/new devices. But there’s a way still, of course. http://www.pcworld.com/article/260901/android_flash_player_rip_how_to_get_it_now_that_its_gone.html

      Reply
  • Philip Ng says:
    October 31, 2012 at 8:58 pm

    The Galaxy Tab 7.7 is now selling for S$598 loaded with ICS, a free Samsung Book Case, bluetooth headset and without contract! Is that a steal or what?!

    Reply
    • Alfred Siew says:
      October 31, 2012 at 11:05 pm

      That’s great news. Unfortunately Samsung doesn’t seem so keen on bringing Jelly Bean to it.

      Reply
      • Philip Ng says:
        November 2, 2012 at 9:38 pm

        The S2 is getting JB so why not the Tab 7.7?

        Reply
  • wes says:
    October 25, 2012 at 9:00 am

    Hi

    Please help email not working after update to iCs

    Reply
  • Sifou says:
    October 21, 2012 at 11:41 am

    the wifi problem is caused by updating to ICS with different CSC than the original honeycomb inside, for example, updating a Hong Kong tab TGY to ATO ICS causes wifi bug.
    to get ride of the wifi bug, here is what you need to do :

    1- On current firmware, boot into recovery and wipe data factory reset

    2- Flash the Hong Kong HC version using odin

    3- After flashing finishes and system starts, reboot into recovery and
    make sure csc is TGY not multi csc (if not flash firmware again. In my
    case i had to flash again)

    After this step you have 2 options:

    either update to ICS using kies which will show that you have a firmware upgrade

    or

    4- Flash the Hong Kong ICS version using odin

    5- After flashing finishes and system starts, reboot into recovery again and make sure csc is TGY (which it should be)

    6- Reboot system and enjoy

    all the credit for this solution goes for qaliza

    Reply
  • Contemplating says:
    October 20, 2012 at 12:02 am

    Did anyone observe the burn-in effects on the screen? Like residual marks leaving traces after you scrolled to the next page.

    Reply
  • xpd777 says:
    October 3, 2012 at 7:57 pm

    I have my 7.7 updated over the air. Everything’s great except that it has no adobe flash player.

    Reply
  • M.Sani says:
    September 17, 2012 at 12:51 am

    After ota upgrade im unable to watch movie. Does it got to do with flash player. Help pls

    Reply
  • Tan Swee Hong says:
    September 14, 2012 at 7:02 am

    Just received official OTA to ICS last night 13 Sept. Took a while with numerous re-tries but finally done. Enjoying the new GUI new. It’s great!

    Reply
    • techgoondu says:
      September 17, 2012 at 1:43 am

      Hi Swee Hong, this is the official ICS from Samsung Singapore? Hope you are enjoying the faster interface. 🙂

      Reply
      • P.m. says:
        November 21, 2012 at 10:19 pm

        So is the official ICS upgrade for Singapore out? How can I know if it is out?

        Reply
        • Alfred Siew says:
          November 22, 2012 at 9:11 am

          It’s out already. If you are running on the official Samsung ROM, install the Samsung Kies software on your PC (downloaded from the Samsung Singapore website) and then connect your tablet. It should prompt you to update the OS on the device.

          Reply
          • P.m. says:
            November 22, 2012 at 11:59 am

            Thanks! I got it upgraded finally…….

  • bjovi says:
    August 21, 2012 at 5:47 pm

    I heard someone installed the hong kong ics update, but ended up that there’s no Google Play Store with it!!??

    Reply
  • bjovi says:
    August 21, 2012 at 5:44 pm

    Which is better? The hong kong or austrian ics update? I am a Singapore p6800 user. Does the hong kong ics come with chinese input keyboard?

    Reply
    • Alfred Siew says:
      August 24, 2012 at 9:12 pm

      The HK version seems closer to what we have in SG in terms of apps (no music apps for example). Download Google Pinyin and you can enter Chinese characters.

      Reply
  • genohh says:
    August 16, 2012 at 12:22 pm

    does anyone know if there are any differences between the austrian and hk version of the ics update? i sent my tab to samsung cust svc for repair (i dropped it like a hot potato) and so they had to restore it to default. just wanted to know if there’s a difference.

    Reply
    • techgoondu says:
      August 16, 2012 at 4:12 pm

      Hi, I’ve used the Austrian and the HK versions. Not that much different for me except some Europe-based apps like the music app is gone on the HK version. However, Samsung’s eBook app still doesn’t work – no issue with me as I use Kobo. Maps work okay.

      Reply
      • genohh says:
        August 24, 2012 at 12:49 pm

        thanks for that! most likely i’ll stick with the Austrian version.

        Reply
  • Prestigion says:
    July 28, 2012 at 9:58 pm

    Hi Alf, does the ICS upgrade “fix” the small font problem in Galaxy Tab 7.7? The font size is just way too tiny currently.

    Reply
    • Alfred Siew says:
      July 29, 2012 at 10:39 am

      It’s the same size still, I think! Unfortunately…

      Reply
  • Tab 7.7 says:
    July 27, 2012 at 2:26 am

    ICS Tab 7.7 ….. Hong Kong and China version available at

    http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1797962

    Hello everyone,

    Please find attached the torrent for Official ICS for Tab 7.7 GT-P6800

    GT-P6800 – Hong Kong

    PDA: P6800ZSLP7

    CSC: P6800OZSLP7

    Version: 4.0.4

    Date: 2012-07-19

    Regions: China, Hong Kong

    Reply
    • Alfred Siew says:
      July 27, 2012 at 10:04 am

      Thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
  • STILLNEEDICS says:
    July 24, 2012 at 4:26 am

    How can I get my Galaxy Tab 7.7 WiFi p6810 to ICS?

    Reply
  • DS says:
    July 21, 2012 at 11:14 pm

    After I update my tab 7.7 to ICS, I’m have battery drain issue. Left overnight approx 8 hours and the battery drain by 20% which I didn’t have this issue in Honeycomb.
    Same setting with HC, wi-fi sleep when not in used, 3G off, no sync
    any solve ?

    Reply
    • Redstop says:
      October 27, 2012 at 10:09 pm

      I have the same problem. Read through the form and couldn’t find an answer. Did you get any help?

      Reply
  • Anune Bengkong says:
    July 21, 2012 at 9:04 pm

    does anybody know, when will be the official ICS update for Singapore version?

    Reply
  • P.m says:
    July 19, 2012 at 3:00 am

    Will there ever be an official upgrade to ics for 7.7?

    Reply
    • Alfred Siew says:
      July 19, 2012 at 10:55 am

      Yes I think it’s in the works. This one is an official upgrade by the way, just that it’s meant for Europe and not Singapore.

      Reply
      • p.m. says:
        July 20, 2012 at 12:16 am

        Thanks for the reply. I want to upgrade my tab too… not sure how confident i am to take the “risk” to do it through the suggestion above… i’m just not a very ‘techie’ person 🙁

        Reply
        • Alfred Siew says:
          July 20, 2012 at 1:06 am

          No worries heh. Best to wait for Samsung Singapore to offer it then. Don’t want you to end up with a Tab that doesn’t work! 🙂

          Reply
          • Anune Bengkong says:
            July 31, 2012 at 10:13 pm

            still no sign of the official update?

          • techgoondu says:
            July 31, 2012 at 11:32 pm

            I haven’t seen it myself but anyone here has it please update as well?

          • Anune Bengkong says:
            August 6, 2012 at 11:09 am

            feels like waiting for Godot.. 🙁

          • techgoondu says:
            August 6, 2012 at 10:58 pm

            Haha that’s an interesting way of putting it. I just checked at Samsung Singapore’s FB page. Looks like it’s not out yet.

  • who238 says:
    July 18, 2012 at 11:22 am

    Thanks…the instructions are so simple to follow…upgraded to ics on tab 7.7 last night…initial impressions…very zippy…

    Reply
  • orz says:
    July 17, 2012 at 11:04 pm

    Just updated my 7.7 to ICS so far so good, ebook doesn’t work but polaris office still reads my .pdf ebooks. 3rd party ebook reader should be available in app store i guess.
    I’m satisfied with the update, my tab looks new ^^

    Reply
    • Alfred Siew says:
      July 18, 2012 at 2:01 am

      Cool… thanks. This ROM is still a standard ROM from Samsung, just that it’s probably not customised to our region. I’m pretty happy with my “new” Tab so far!

      Reply
  • mohsin8561 says:
    July 15, 2012 at 4:53 pm

    after update the ics and connect to kies its say Your device does not support software upgrading via Kies .then in future how can update my tab .any answer please.appreciated

    Reply
    • Alfred Siew says:
      July 18, 2012 at 2:00 am

      Hi Moshin, you can still download the original ROM and flash it back. Here’s a SG/SEA ROM http://www.sammobile.com/firmware/?page=8&view=3450 Alternatively, search for PT6800 at the Sammobile site and it will bring up various ROMs from different places. Disclaimer as usual: we haven’t tested any of these other ROMs and can’t be responsible for any loss or damage resulting from their use.

      Reply
  • kellypalmer85 says:
    July 14, 2012 at 8:27 pm

    I recently bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 after reading some reviews http://search4reviews.net/ and I am very happy with my purchase, the 7inch model was just the right size for me. Would recommend getting one.

    Reply
  • johnlloyd says:
    July 14, 2012 at 10:42 am

    I only have a mac. How can I update to ICS?

    Reply
    • Alfred Siew says:
      July 18, 2012 at 2:10 am

      Some folks use the open source software Heimdall (Google it) to update Android devices on their Macs. I haven’t tried it myself though I’ve known that it may not be work as well as Odin on the PC. Unfortunately, I can’t help much here as I’m not a Mac user. The thread here might help if you got the time and patience to trawl through it
      http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1749854&page=10

      Reply
  • Tab 7.7 says:
    July 13, 2012 at 10:20 pm

    Torrent of the ROM is available at

    http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1749373

    Looks like this link has a WiFi fix

    *******
    So I started googling “AEBS and android wifi problem” and came cross this post

    http://androidforums.com/droid-how-t…t-express.html

    It recommeded an app called wifi fixer. It works!

    Doesn’t correcr the stem of the issue, but it reconnects wifi for you
    automatically and quickly. It’s the best and only solution I can find,
    other than reverting back to honeycomb.

    *****

    Reply
    • Tab 7.7 says:
      July 13, 2012 at 10:26 pm

      some more links…

      Google Play direct

      https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.wahtod.wififixer&hl=en

      and more information….

      http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1754937&page=6
      http://androidforums.com/droid-how-tips/258840-solved-droid-wifi-problem-apple-airport-express.html

      Reply
    • Tab 7.7 says:
      July 13, 2012 at 10:30 pm

      here is the direct link in Google Play

      https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.wahtod.wififixer&hl=en

      Reply
      • Alfred Siew says:
        July 14, 2012 at 9:46 am

        Thanks for sharing. I’ve read about the dropping Wi-Fi signals and folks having to reboot their devices. Maybe I’m lucky so far to have Wi-Fi work for me…

        Reply
    • Dytakeshi says:
      October 21, 2012 at 3:50 pm

      Thanks buddy. You saved my life. The Wifi Fixer app is the only solution that works! Was one step away from smashing this new galaxy tab 7.7 i just bought yesterday 🙁

      Reply
  • Michal M says:
    July 13, 2012 at 8:41 pm

    Be aware ics update has major wifi issues. Almost everyone noted that

    Reply
  • Will says:
    July 13, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    Hi, when you upgrade the OS through ODIN, does it wipe out all your apps/data?

    Reply
    • chaitanya says:
      July 13, 2012 at 8:51 pm

      no it doesn’t ur previously installed APPS/DATA wud be dere if u flash it thru ODIN

      Reply

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