Wi-Fi calling comes to T-Mobile HTC Amaze 4G, Galaxy S II

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Wireless / WiFi

On Monday, T-Mobile quietly rolled out a software update for its HTC Amaze 4G that, most notably, introduced the ability to make Wi-Fi calls. An official update today also added that feature and more to the carrier's Samsung Galaxy S II smartphone.

Wi-Fi calling sets T-Mobile apart from other carriers, but until now, it was only available on select phones. In fact, it was one of the five best features we discussed when an AT&T/T-Mobile merger seemed imminent. Given T-Mobile’s admittedly limited cellular network, the Wi-Fi calling option makes for a great fall back when signal is hard to come by. T-Mobile customers using phones like the myTouch 4G have already been enjoying this feature, and T-Mobile seems determined to bring it to as many phones as it can.

The added capability comes in the form of a device upgrade to Android 2.3.5, which T-Mobile claims will also improve the performance of the Samsung Galaxy S II. The update addresses a number of issues, including a "Force close" problem that dropped calls when split in a conference call. Also rolled into the update are improvements to Caller ID and battery notifications. T-Mobile notes that customers must have a GBA SIM card to access the added Wi-Fi calling capability, but most phones should already be equipped with the right card.

The new software update will bring greater functionality to already great phones. PCMag gave the Samsung Galaxy S II and the HTC Amaze 4G high marks, with the former garnering our Editors' Choice for T-Mobile smartphones. Both boast solid HSPA+ 42 speeds and beautiful displays, making them excellent choices for T-Mobile customers. Though coverage may be limited, T-Mobile did score second fastest in our mobile network test earlier this year.

The update will be available through an over-the-air download and through Kies Mini, beginning Dec. 14.

This article, written by Eugene Kim, originally appeared on PCMag.com and is republished on Gear Live with the permission of Ziff Davis, Inc.