Verizon To Update Firmware Wirelessly

If you’re a Verizon Wireless customer, make sure you pay attention to your incoming text messages over the next month or two – one of them is likely to provide a firmware update for your cell phone.

Verizon announced its new program – Firmware Over-the-Air – today, a wireless solution designed to make it easier for users to update and upgrade the software that helps your phone run smoothly. Firmware, if you’re unfamiliar with the term, in this context essentially describes the operating system your cell phone utilizes. Every once and a while, carriers release an update – similar to the Windows Updates often distributed by Microsoft – intended to optimize performance and call quality.

With this new delivery system, Verizon Wireless is sidestepping the laborious portion of the software-upgrade process; customers will now be able to download updates directly over the Verizon network, rather than trekking to their closest brick-and-mortar Verizon store.

Firmware Over-the-Air will notify users via text message when a firmware update is available. Then, says Verizon, it’s a matter of following a few on-screen prompts. Within minutes, your cell phone will be up to date with the latest system software.

The carrier expects to debut Firmware Over-the-Air later this year.