Going Android 2.2 without a carrier upgrade

[ivanzorkic]

Hello,

I just arrived to the Android world as the Desire is my first Android device. I would be grateful if someone could answer my question. I *did* search the forum for the answer before posting, but being completely new to Android, I couldn't find the one that would satisfy me - so if it is out there, please forgive me for asking it here.

Anyway, coming from the N900 I was used to OTA OS updates without restrictions. Now, I'm looking forward to the 2.2 version of the Android (mostly for Flash 10.1 and apps installable on the SD card). However, I got the impression (hopefully a wrong one) that in order to install 2.2 on your Desire (unlocked), it must be pushed by your phone service provider/carrier (as opposed to the N900 where you could just download it and flash your device with it or upgrade over-the-air). This is a problem for me, since the carriers in my country don't seem to be interested in sending any OS upgrades (to any device) and the upgrade must be done manually. As I mentioned, the device is not locked to any carrier (if by that it means that you can put any SIM card in it and it works).

Now, I know you could root your Desire and do it, but I'm wondering if there will be a way to upgrade to 2.2 (or just replace by flashing) without rooting?

Also, if rooting is my only option - how dangerous is it? The N900 came rooted out-of-the-box (you just download the app to gain superuser privileges) so I have no idea what are the possible risks of doing it on your Desire. Can it permanently damage the phone?

Any assistance on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

 

[brykins]

There are guides floating around here with instructions to "de-brand" your Desire and put the generic HTC firmware on. In theory this firmware will get it's OTA upgrade direct from HTC and NOT from your carrier. Probably invalidates your warranty though.

I de-branded my T-Mobile UK Desire a couple of days ago and it was a painless process.

 

[wuthton]

If your phone unlocked and unbranded i.e. when you boot it you only get the HTC (quietly brilliant) screen and not some carrier's logo then there are two options for you to update when/if it comes.
Either:

OTA, menu >settings >about phone >system software updates. Note that this will be taken out of your data allowance if you are not on WiFi.

Online, download from the HTC support website for Desire, put it on your SD card and follow the instructions.

 

[wuthton]

There are guides floating around here with instructions to "de-brand" your Desire and put the generic HTC firmware on. In theory this firmware will get it's OTA upgrade direct from HTC and NOT from your carrier. Probably invalidates your warranty though.

I de-branded my T-Mobile UK Desire a couple of days ago and it was a painless process.

It does not sound like it is branded.

 

[ivanzorkic]

Yea, it's unbranded then - the "quietly brilliant" HTC boot screen shows up when started. Great, thanks a lot for your quick replies!

 

[runamonk]

Don't get too excited Ivan, HTC is almost as bad as most mobile providers at pushing out OS upgrades.

 

[ivanzorkic]

Hah, well, as long as we get it eventually! Besides, an update for Desire is planned (Xvid support), maybe they do it in one package Here's hoping....

 

[wuthton]

Don't get too excited Ivan, HTC is almost as bad as most mobile providers at pushing out OS upgrades.

I think it is safe to say HTC is the worst of a bad bunch. I believe they have only sent out one Sense enabled update (Eris) which is full of bugs.

Would I swap 2.1 Sense for vanilla 2.2, errrr nope.

 

[Saint_Viper]

If your phone unlocked and unbranded i.e. when you boot it you only get the HTC (quietly brilliant) screen and not some carrier's logo then there are two options for you to update when/if it comes.

I dont think that is quite true, i have the HTC boot screen, but i have a Vodafone scene as a option. Also the software version is coded to Vodafone as well.

 

[mr_nice!]

As a newbie to the whole android thing.

The phone up is made up of certain parts: HTC phone, google operating system branded orange (I had htc with WM last time and had to wait for orange to produce a rom, i couldn't upgrade directly from the HTC website).

Am I correct in thinking is that google has done an upgrade to its operating system (2.2) and there are rumours which are saying they will make it available to recent HTC phones (such as the desire which I have) on the 23rd June. Does google update the phone or do you need to wait for HTC to do something, or even worse in my case wait for HTC then wait for Orange?

 

[ivanzorkic]

As a newbie to the whole android thing.
google update the phone or do you need to wait for HTC to do something, or even worse in my case wait for HTC then wait for Orange?

The way I see it - the last one. Google updates stock Android, Nexus One gets it first, then HTC should add Sense to it and release it, those with unbranded phones get to install it at that point, and for those with branded phones, they need to wait for the carrier to release it (in your case, Orange).

 

[Saint_Viper]

The way I see it - the last one. Google updates stock Android, Nexus One gets it first, then HTC should add Sense to it and release it, those with unbranded phones get to install it at that point, and for those with branded phones, they need to wait for the carrier to release it (in your case, Orange).

That sounds correct.

 

[knoxy5000]

That sounds correct.

Well i hope orange pull their finger out and get it released. I want 2.2 for the sheer fact of installing apps on sd card

 

[jay_kay]

Coming from Nokia through Vodafone I can tell you that HTC are amazing compared to them.

Releasing phones that are completely unusable thinking that we are their guinea pigs to get them working.

Thats why I changed to HTC and Android and must say they have been great.

It will happen when it happens people, just relax and enjoy what you've got cos trust me compared to other manufacturers we have a hell of a lot

 

[jay_kay]

Coming from Nokia through Vodafone I can tell you that HTC are amazing compared to them.

Releasing phones that are completely unusable thinking that we are their guinea pigs to get them working.

Thats why I changed to HTC and Android and must say they have been great.

It will happen when it happens people, just relax and enjoy what you've got cos trust me compared to other manufacturers we have a hell of a lot

 

[seanxwong]

Ivan's concern is teh same as mine. I am using the Desire which is unlocked & unbranded in my country ( no branded phones in this country, can I say this is a good thing for us changing SIM card at any time?). Currently what i am concerned the most is if I can get to directly do an update by following the steps in "Settings" on the phone cuz I've never experienced the situation to do an update in this way before. Rooting is certainly far beyond my consideration as I'd never take this risk.