A major update with 13 major changes hits the Eee Pad Transformer and Slider today
A major update (release 8.6.5.18 for anyone that’s keeping track) for the Eee Pad Transformer and Eee Pad Slider is hitting the airwaves today with a total of 13 updates for ASUS’ Android based tablets.
Chief among what’s new is the addition of Netflix for US users and a new application called “App Backup”. But these are just two of the major updates that are part of ASUS’ commitment to supporting Transformer users. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect from this release.
The eagerly anticipated Netflix for Android App now available on the Transformer and Slider
New App: Netflix
First and foremost we have Netflix – probably the most eagerly anticipated App since the Transformer was announced – it’s finally here! You get everything you’ve come to expect from the TV & movie streaming service including access to Netflix’ huge library of programming, pause and resume functions, and unlimited content.
The best part is, you don’t need a second subscription since the Tablet App works with your current Netflix Unlimited membership. If you’re not already a member, check out their free trial. Hit the Netflix App shortcut on your Transformer to get started.
Back up your Apps and their information (like saved games) easily with App Backup
New App: “App Backup”
The next major update for this release is the addition of “App Backup”. This App is basically what it sounds like – a way to store all of the Apps that you’ve downloaded or purchased on removable storage like a mini-SD card. It always pays to be safe – make sure you back up all your Apps (and your game progress!) in case you lose or damage your Transformer.
Select which programs and data you want to backup and send it to a removable device
If that’s all that was in this latest release then it’d be pretty huge… but alas, there’s more. Have you tried the MyCloud App yet? It came loaded on the Transformer from the factory but few people know that it actually allows you to control your Windows 7 PC (and basically run Windows) on your Transformer!
Whereas previously the PC you were controlling had to be in the same network (i.e. probably in the same room or building as you), this update now allows you to control a PC from any network. That means you could use Windows 7 on your Eee Pad Transformer in class to take notes using Microsoft Office or Excel while the desktop or laptop you’re linking to is at home on your desk.
Performance Fixes: Keyboard Dock Battery Consumption
There are also quite a few performance fixes for the Transformer. The biggest one being something that all keyboard dock owners will appreciate. With an aim towards improving usability the keyboard dock previously remained in an “always-ready” state so that it would sync immediately when you hooked it up to your Transformer.
The downside of this increased usability was that it caused the dock’s battery to drain slowly even when it was not in use. With the most recent release the keyboard dock’s battery management has been adjusted so that your keyboard dock will now hold a charge for much longer – ensuring that it’s charged and ready to go when you need it.
Additional Updates
There are quite a few additional updates that add additional functionality and improve performance in a number of areas. Here’s a full breakdown:
- Improved WiFi connectivity
- Google Update: Books, Maps (location accuracy for transit navigation), Market (new tablet-friendly UI)
- ASUS Sync (option to turn Sync on or off)
- .Zip support for Email
- MyNet for improved device search
- Improved browser compatibility
- Italian input method added
- Supernote performance improvement
- Polaris Office improved compatibility and large file loading
If you haven’t already received the update notification to your ASUS Tablet then you can look for it over the next couple days. Happy updating!
Updated to new version however home screen starts flickering when i try to select any icons from the status bar on the home screen.. anyone having same issue?
ACER Y U NO update a500 like this ??
love asus forever
App Backup doesn’t work for me either. They should test it out before it is released to the users!
Even while it may not please everyone in every way, I think everyone can say it’s very nice that Asus does in fact update their devices. It’s very awesome to have the support of the manufacturer in the Android world, well done Asus.
Still fc for YouTube uploads from non tablet source …
You guys still have not fixed YouTube app for uploading .. Fc ever time ..if your uploading anything that is not taken from the tablets camera
I always check out this website before buying any products in the best android tablet – http://www.thebest-androidtablet.com. My personal favorite is ASUS Eee Pad Transformer because it better than any other tab.”
i’d be delighted f someone would explain to me what “rooting” means, and how to do it. i have several “programs” as i would call them to get rid of, some factory installed, and some i added but don’t need.
Rooting simply means gaining “root” permissions. It’s like logging in as the Administrator, which enables you to run any system command.
By default Android uses a lower level account, which is a good thing for security purposes.
However, if you want to say, remove an application that needs root permissions as the regular user you cannot do this because you simply aren’t allowed.
I root mine…very easily BTW and easy to unroot to get the update… and there is no way that a back-up program thats already reported NOT working is going to beat Titanium backup, Asus just doesn’t want you to have an excuse to not upgrade to the new TF2 coming out soon. Also with 16gb min I don’t think anyones going to be worried about too many Asus loaded applications except the ones above with misinformtion. Now if they could just fix the browsers and the major typing lag in them things would be better.
Great updates! I’m outside US hence, no Netflix. Which is good because I don’t need it. I tried the backup app earlier and I’m wondering why is backup space limited to only 600mb? There’s an option to select backup data only or data with the applications itself. I chose Data & Application and selected all my apps (Select all) to back up which totaled to 1.37GB. It WON’T back up. So I had no choice but comply with the 600MB cap — selecting to back up only the data of my apps.
Nonetheless, it’s good compared to not having it at all. This will be useful come ICS upgrade. *yum*
UPDATE: Backup process just finished. FAILED. Tried again. FAILED. Tried again, for the last time. FAILED.
Ok, back to nothing.
UPDATE:
Tried cold reboot. Back up attempt FAILED.
Selected different directories to save back up in (MicroSD and SD). Back up attempt FAILED.
Deleted failed back up files from directories (apparently it saves a .abu file in /sdcard/asus/App_Backup even if back up is failed) and tried back up AGAIN… FAILED.
Hopeless.
So now Netflix is going to be installed on my tablet even though I don’t want it, and I won’t be able to remove it? Yeah, great update. I adore those un-uninstallable apps they force on to my device and I never use.
With the ability to increase the storage capacity in your Transformer, your pathetic attempt to troll will be ignored.
No, this is a valid concern.
Many of these applications run as cached system processes. They degrade performance and they can’t be removed. If it was as simple as a storage space issue, you honestly wouldn’t hear about it because a fraction of the people would care at that point.
I love having Netflix on my tablet, however, what if I didn’t have a Netflix account and didn’t want to pay a monthly fee for it? I can’t get rid of that app that will never get used.
The Transformer has been getting more and more of these kind of applications. I personally have no use for the Amazon Kindle app, but I can’t get rid of it without rooting my device. Same goes for a lot of those other apps: @vibe, MyWater, WebStorage, MEar, MovieStudio, MyCloud, MyDictionary, MyLibrary, MyNet, MyZine, pixWe, PolarisOffice, PressReader, SoundRecorder, SplashtopRemote, SuperNote, TegraZone Games, Videos, YouTube, Zinio. There probably are more, and there will probably be more the rate these updates are going.
I’m not saying some of these apps are great/useful/fun whatever, but if I have no use for them, why can’t I get rid of them?
Asus is probably getting a deal bundling these apps, that’s all well and fine, but it’s beginning to impact the experience for the device itself. At the expense of the user.
Personally, I’ve been thinking of rooting since the last update just to get rid of some of these apps I don’t use. Looks like I’m going to be doing that sooner rather than later.
It’s not automatically installed. The update adds a link to download it from the app market.
Interesting comment. After the update the backup app is installed for me, not a link.
I already had Netflix so I can’t comment there.
I love you guys
Wasn’t netflix able to be downloaded from the market already?
Yes it was.
Yes that is so true, but I guess not everyone knew about it.