Quote:
Originally Posted by RogersMary
Hi Everyone - Sorry I haven't re-engaged sooner but I've been working with our team and HTC to try and find some answers for you.
I can see some of you have already quoted replies I've made to other blogs 
From what I've read, most of it can be captured in a comment I made on I Want My One Point Six - Demanding Android 1.6 for our Rogers HTC Magic & Dream, and LG Eve Phones but I'll copy it below as well.
I'm sure you'll have additional questions/comments and I'll get back as often as I can.
Here's what I posted earlier:
Hi Michael – I’m posting here first because you have some direct questions that I can answer. I met with HTC and here’s what they tell me.
1. HTC must customize the operating system. This is because it needs to fully integrate with all aspects of Rogers platforms and services in order for the software to be approved by Rogers. The customization is in the hands of HTC because if they don’t do it some features/capabilities of the device may not work properly on the Rogers network, resulting in a poor user experience.
2. I don’t know at this time if we would have to pay them for modified updates. At this point, it hasn’t even been discussed because HTC has said they had not planned to provide an OS upgrade for the Rogers Dream or Magic.
3. In the US, the update was pushed out by Google.
4. In terms of what the update will have, I just don’t know at this point. Regardless, it wouldn’t be something I could discuss before it’s ready for release.
I also asked them why they made the decision to not provide an OS 1.6 upgrade, aside from it being stable and reliable. What they said is that it isn’t that they don’t want to deliver a 1.6 upgrade but that want to find the best way to continue to innovative mobile solutions to Canadian consumers such as Exchange, which is not in 1.6. That’s what they said. We continue to work with them on that front.
To anticipate your next question, yes I did ask them if they are willing to customize the 1.6 for Rogers. They committed to getting back to us with options. As you know, they had asked that I collect feedback as to why customers want a 1.6 upgrade, which I have done and provided directly to them. If you have additional feedback, please visit http://www.htc.com/www/about_htc_bymail.aspx
I hope I was able to answer some of your questions to your satisfaction. I’ve promised all along that I would listen and take your concerns back to the business, try to find answers. I’ve been doing that and will continue to do that. Now, there are a lot of questions floating around so please continue sending them to me as you have been and I’ll continue to do my best.
Rogers is an early adopter in this space, in Canada. We were the first to introduce Android with these two devices. Part of being an industry leader – though I totally understand the challenges you face because we’re facing them to – is that we are dealing with situations that are unprecedented. I will continue to listen to your feedback, share it with our team, and update you as appropriate.
Take care,
Mary
@RogersMary |
Although I really appreciate your time to reply to us RogerMary, with all due respect, some of what you wrote just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Could you please provide clarification?
I don't have much time since I am in transit now, but I am especially puzzled by:
> 1. HTC must customize the operating system. This is because it needs
> fully integrate with all aspects of Rogers platforms and services in order
>for the software to be approved by Rogers. The customization is in the
>hands of HTC because if they don’t do it some features/capabilities of
>the device may not work properly on the Rogers network, resulting
>in a poor user experience.
I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry at that statement. What modifications does Rogers require?
There is the:
Home icon - big deal, it is simple a URL link and it is useless. I doubt anyone uses it and the link is not even mobile friendly; in fact a five year old with some HTML experience might have done a better job.
My Account icon - up until a few weeks ago, this was a broken link. Now it simply announces an Android app in the future. Useless!
Ringbacks and Ringtones icons - Again, useless URL link icons which go to mobile unfriendly web pages (actually both icons go to the same URL).
Shop icon - Another useless URL link icon. Again, not mobile friendly. Also, there is currently a link for "
Holiday Hotties - Unwrap These Beautiful ladies"
I am not a prude, but I don't think this is FAMILY FRIENDLY! It seems rather tacky on a Rogers store page!
Is this the extent of your special customizations?
Why not just push them out to your customers?