We’re pleased to say that this isn’t an alpha build of Ice Cream Sandwich running on the Ice Cream Sandwich, it’s the real deal. You may be surprised to hear that it runs very nicely on the Samsung Fascinate, and we’ve found a video to show you which gives you an exact idea of the type of performance the Fascinate can handle when running the unofficial build.

Also pleasing is the fact that all the main functions of the phone appear to work with no problems. By this we’re talking about 3G data, WiFi, making calls, browsing the internet, sending text messages, taking pictures and so on – everything works great.

This ROM has been created by JT1134 and if you own a Fascinate and are interested in trying this out yourself, you’ll find the download links as well as steps to install over at RootzWiki here. Make sure you download the latest version of the ROM as the creator has already updated the build enabling even more functions of the phone. As always, you should only install this if you have previous experience running unofficial software on your handset, and you’ll need to have a rooted Fascinate first of course to try this out.

Once again, this proves that older handsets such as the Samsung Galaxy S can run Ice Cream Sandwich with no major problems. We doubt Samsung will release an official Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Fascinate since they’ll want customers to purchase the Galaxy S II or Galaxy Nexus. For those of you who have a Nexus One and are still unhappy about the fact that you won’t get an official update, seeing ICS 4.0 run perfectly fine on the Fascinate should give you plenty of hope that a build will come your way soon.

If you plan to install this, let us know how you get on. On a side note, are you a little concerned that older handsets clearly can run Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 but only a few Android handsets have been given information regarding an official update?

Firstly to use this tool you need a Mac running OS X 10.5 higher, if so you must then download the rooting application from here, if this mirror fails try this link, once downloaded extract the files.

Now you have the application you must connect your phone in the USB debug mode, to do this using your handset go to Menu, Settings, Applications, Development and then ensure USB debugging is checked, then connect the handset yo your Mac via the USB cable and then run the Samsung Galaxy S One-Click Root for All Models tool and click “Root Me” (see below).

After a while your phone will reboot, once rebooted into recovery use your volume keys and home button to select “apply sdcard:update.zip” and then choose “Reinstall Packages”, for US models press the power button on the top right to start the process, soon after this your device will be rooted.

Hopefully this has helped you to root your Samsung Galaxy S / Captivate / Vibrant, if not check out the XDA Developers forums for help and advice, if you want to unroot your device check out IntoMobile.

Did this guide work for you?

The handset has been on the market since the summer 2010 and came with Android 2.1. A huge number of Google Android handsets have now been upgraded to 2.2, and some will soon get 2.3 Gingerbread – much to the annoyance of Fascinate owners.

As with all updates there are bound to be a few problems, have you experienced any? If you have then please could you describe this in detail below, maybe one of our readers could help you. However, the best thing to do is visit our main problems section, which is where our readers really get involved and do their best to help you with your problem. There was a number of problems from the moment that handset was first released, but this was to be expected.

Those who have never updated before will notice an OTA screen appear, it will be far easier for you to read the Samsung FAQ page, which talks you through the update process. Just do not get too carried away, as you will not notice any performance increase or improved battery life until you get Froyo.

For news on a potential Froyo release for the Fascinate, click here, but this update is a different matter for Verizon users. The update will be version i500.DI01 and will come with a few enhancements and new features.

According to Android Central, the update will provide instant notifications for Visual Voice Mail, the ability to search the phone while on a call, notifications when switching to airplane mode, better syncing between phone and email accounts and a few more.

You can get the full list over at Android Central. They seem to think that this update will be available this coming Thursday, although it hasn’t been confirmed yet.

Let us know your thoughts on this.

As reported from BGR, Samsung Mobile posted a message on their Spanish Facebook account, revealing that Froyo will be available on the Samsung Galaxy S sometime in ‘late October’.

It seems highly unlikely that the update is going to be locked down for just users in Spain, so you can presume that this update in late October will be available to everyone else as well.

No mentions about the contract versions of the Samsung Galaxy S though, by that we’re talking about the Captivate (AT&T), Fascinate (Verizon), Vibrant (T-Mobile) and Epic 4G (Sprint). BGR points out that owners of these handsets are likely to receive it after the stock Galaxy S gets it.

Let us know your thoughts on this. Are you waiting for the update on your Galaxy S?

A tutorial guide for this handy trick comes to us courtesy of Android Central, who have provided some easy to follow steps over on their website.

Firstly, you’ll need to download the Enhanced Google Search provider apk which you can find here. Once you’ve done that, put the file on your SD card and then proceed to install it via a file manager. The last step is to acquire a third-party launcher such as ADW or Launcher Pro and then move the Google widget back onto the home screen.

If you have followed these steps correctly, it should be working fine for you, don’t forget to download Google Maps from the Android Market if you haven’t already.

If you want to get the voice feature of Google Search working too, you’ll need to have a rooted handset, you can find details on that over at Android Central.

Did it work for you? Have fun running Google Search on your Fascinate before everyone else! Any of you actually prepared to stay with Bing?

As reported from BGR, none of these issues can be identified as major, while the problems that have been mentioned are likely to get fixed up in the forthcoming Android 2.2 Froyo update.

Problems listed include a syncing issue with exchange email and yahoo email, latency with Google and Bing Maps, a blank screen on Caller ID, feeds and widgets not updating and many more.

If you have experienced any of these issues, you can find temporary solutions over at BGR, as well as a full list of all known problems with the Fascinate.

If you have noticed any other problems with the handset after release, leave us a comment below.

As reported from BGR, a Verizon spokesman has now issued a statement clarifying the matter, and confirmed that Google Search will be coming soon.

However, the key thing here is that Google Search will not replacement Bing Search as a default option, so when you still press the search button on the Fascinate, it will bring up a Bing search. So while you’ll be able to get a Google Search running on Android 2.2 Froyo, you will need to open up the application everytime to do so.

As for the update itself, we still dont have a confirmed period for when it will be dropping live for users. More details over at BGR. Are you disappointed about Bing being a default search option?

An unboxing video of the Fascinate can be seen here.

The video comes to us courtesy of Phandroid, who have also given us a quick look at the hardware and software featured on the device.

Since the handset is a Samsung Galaxy S phone, most of you will already know the core package that you’ll get, but you should be aware that the Fascinate also comes with Verizon bloatware as well as Bing Search as a default option.

I love the slick look of the phone, but I have to say I’m not too impressed with the way Samsung’s TouchWiz 3.0 interface looks on the Fascinate – do you agree?

Either way, this is a great preview for those of you who are considering a purchase. Take a look at let us know what you think.

As reported from Engadget, if you order a new handset from Verizon’s online store, you’ll see that they are giving you the option of picking up a second handset for free.

While both handsets will still require a 2 year-service agreement with Verizon, the second handset will cost nothing. If you’re interested in this deal, you’ll have to pay $400 initially, but you can get money back with two separate $100 mail-in rebates.

It certainly looks like a good deal if you want to get a second handset for the girlfriend or a family member. You can read more details on Verizon’s Fascinate page here.