Many folk are using various "clouds" to park the information on so if the device bombs out, sinks to the ocean floor they don't lose a thing. It happens. I've accepted updates and most of the time, it's OK. One unit (not this one) did a complete amnesia thing. Go figure but remember that it can only be attributable to human error.

2. On my phone I have to tap one more thing/icon for it to dial. I've yet to see an Android do a cheek dial.

3. You may want to look around the Android App stores for more camera apps.
Bob