Rant: ROGERS to Release Android 2.1 for the HTC Magic+?
Update: I was just educated on the fact that it’s actually HTC’s fault rather than Rogers’ as per the comments below – so I am upset with them equally now for the sake of this entry full of complaint.
I read the below blog post/article today during my hunt to find the new update, just in case it was released without my knowing. I was upset to find out that it still hasn’t been released when it was promised to us back at the end of June. The fact that I’m still on version 1.5 of Android and the 2.2 version is about to be released is quite infuriating. And now I have to wait until the end of August? This is so lame.
This week, the Rogers Social Media team sent out a series of tweets indicating that the Android OS 2.1 update is coming for the HTC Magic…
…The first tweet sent out indicated that Rogers has received a draft of OS 2.1:
“Okay Magic fans, I have an update for you! Rogers has received a draft OS 2.1 Magic upgrade from HTC”.
The tweet immediately following hinted at an upcoming release date for the OS 2.1 update:
“We’re in process of testing. No solid release date as that depends on Google’s approval as well. We anticipate end of Aug but plz stay tuned”
So it seems like Rogers HTC Magic owners may be receiving the Android 2.1 OS update this August 2010. The only unfortunate aspect is that the Android 2.2 update is already coming up, but at least the Magic will be somewhat almost up to date.
(Above article from: http://www.androidincanada.ca/news/android-2-1-update-coming-august-2010-for-rogers-htc-magic/)
As much as I love being a Rogers customer (because I severely despite Telus – FU Telus), I am really annoyed by Roger’s inability to stay on top of things. Even the tweets themselves are kind of flakey. I love my Android phone and I don’t seem to have too many problems with it other than the occasional glitch here and there (but as mentioned before, my phone was one of the first devices to run Android in Canada so it was a bit buggy). I can definitely wait until the end of August. It’s just a pain in the ass. When I can afford it, I’m pretty sure I’m going to order a Nexus One. It’s similar to the HTC Magic+ in style but far more beautiful, and I quite stoked about that. Lookit how pretty:
Unfortunately most of us misplace the blame on Rogers. I learned a while back that we had to hold off on 2.1 for a long time because we had to wait for HTC to compile it first. I think even those in the US who have the equivalent myTouch 3G are also slightly behind in updates because ultimately we have to wait on HTC so that they can add their Sense UI to it.
If you do get the Nexus One though, that problem would be nonexistent because you get the updates straight from the source (Google) rather than having to wait on a manufacturer (like HTC) to modify it to their liking and then have the carrier (Rogers) test it for a month to make sure everything checks out.
I wish I was on top of all of this as you were. Thanks for the info. I suppose you’re right, it’s not really Rogers’ fault. So for now I will be upset with Rogers and HTC equally for the next five minutes. Afterwards, I’ll probably forget about it until the end of August. :)
I guess my commenting is on the fritz, but Sam – I was e-mailed a response to your comment. See below:
From: Sined
@Sam I think the past week has show how wrong your statement is.
Exhibit A: EVO 4G
http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/evo-4gs-android-2-2-update-starts-trickling-out-tomorrow-loads/
Exhibit B: NON-CARRIER Branded HTC Desire
http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/30/official-htc-rolling-out-android-2-2-and-720p-video-capture-to/
It was so easy to take pot shot at HTC and Sense UI for how long it took them to port Sense UI from 1.5 to 2.1 but what a massive turnaround to be able to push out 2.2 + Sense UI a mere 2-3 week after Froyo hit the beloved Nexus One.
Both pieces of evidence shows that HTC is now on the ball with updates and that carriers are truly to blame for updates taking so farking slow.
Sprint made the update process quick and painless. Who benefits? Everyone. People get their Update. Sprint can gloat about being the first to offer Froyo. HTC get Gets the update monkey off it’s back.
Non-Carrier bound Desires get the same 2.2 + Sense UI update because of it’s very non-carrier branded nature.
Where does this leave our HTC Magic updates? Sadly in the hands of Rogers, who after every passing day grow more and more incompetent in my mind and fails to grasp what Android is truly about.
I mean instead of getting our updates in a timely manner they go an release 2 more run of the mill no one gives a shit about Android devices.
http://mobilesyrup.com/2010/07/31/rogers-to-release-android-powered-lg-gt540-lg-neon-2-dummy-phones-arrive/
http://mobilesyrup.com/2010/07/30/motorola-flipout-destined-for-rogers-launching-next-week/
/counter-rant
I was actually going to mention precisely what Sam said.
On that note, I’m loving Android 2.2 on my Nexus One, not to rub it in or anything. ;)
THANKS BRENDAN. THANKS FOR THAT. :D Haha.
I received my update a while back. 2.1 is much better than the version I was using, but I do wish I could be on the 2.2 bandwagon. Le sigh.