Dell Venue Pro WiFi Issues Real, Can Access The Matrix
Windows Phone 7 is still new to the United States, so users are still in the process of discovering new things. We've already found out that the Samsung Omnia 7 and Focus are actually able to tether via USB, and now it looks like the Dell Venue Pro has a secret of its own, too. Furthermore, Dell has come forward and acknowledged that the device does indeed have some issues with its WiFi.
Dell has come forward and said that some Venue Pro units, part of the company's first shipment, are indeed experiencing issues with the integrated WiFi. As we reported earlier in the week, some Venue Pros are unable to connect to secured WiFi networks. It all boils down, according to Dell, to a software glitch that popped up during the manufacturing process. The problem is only affecting some devices that are part of the initial shipment, and that it is not an issue with Windows Phone 7, or a hardware defect.
They point out that if you purchased your device on Monday or Tuesday (November 8th or 9th), you can go ahead and return it to your local Microsoft Store for an exchange, but you'll have to wait until the beginning of next week to do it. They also point out that the new units, which you will replace your broken one with, will not have the same WiFi issues. You can check out the full statement from Dell below.
On a little side note, though, one owner of the Venue Pro has found something very interesting. Using the universal dialer code (##634##), which allows Samsung manufactured Windows Phone 7 owners to access USB tethering, on the Dell Venue Pro, actually prompts something unique: a Matrix screen. It works, and you can watch as the green numbers and letters fall from the top of the screen to the bottom. A nice Easter egg, to say the least, but perhaps not as great as USB tethering.
[via PhoneScoop; via WMPowerUser]
Official Statement
"We have confirmed that the Wi-Fi connectivity issue...resulted from a software glitch during Dell's manufacturing process. The issue affected some of our initial phone shipments and was not a hardware issue or a Windows Phone 7 one. Customers who purchased Venue Pro smartphones on Monday or Tuesday (November 8 or 9) at a Microsoft Store and who are experiencing the protected Wi-Fi network connectivity issue also have the option of bringing your phone back to the Microsoft Store for an exchange, beginning at the end of next week."