Gingerbread Upgrade Timeline

[g_patrick15]

First things first: I miss Android. Switched over to iOS on an iPhone 4 in September from a Nexus One. Everything was all good until I got my Nexus repaired and started playing around with it. iOS is great, don't get me wrong. I just sorta miss the customization of Android and, besides that, the iOS look is getting kinda...stale?

I've owned 2 stock android phones. I always tended to shy away from anything that didn't have stock android, specifically because of the delay in upgrades. When can we reasonably expect gingerbread to be ushered onto the Inspire 4G? I plan on selling my iPhone 4 and getting one, but want to make sure it's updated to the newest Android in a timely manner. Anyone hear any rumors as to when we can expect gingerbread?

 

[Chew]

Considering ATT still doesn't even have Froyo on any currently* available Android devices, I don't think anybody can make a good guess about Gingerbread.

*The Inspire will be the first.

 

[gtalum]

I've heard it said, and I think this is good advice, that you should never buy a phone on the assumption that it will get an os upgrade.

 

[g_patrick15]

Considering ATT still doesn't even have Froyo on any currently* available Android devices, I don't think anybody can make a good guess about Gingerbread.

*The Inspire will be the first.

Thanks for the quick response. Haven't really been following Android as much since I've been using the iPhone, but after CES I had no choice but to read up on it. Good things are happening on Android, and I want back in.

 

[AndreaCristiano]

im gonna say by may the latest, gingerbread is already being worked on by HTC now for almost 3 months at launch date, so 3 more and they should def have it out also HTC is the fastest with OS upgrades

 

[g_patrick15]

It's a pretty safe assupmtion, though, that a phone with such specs will get updated at least a few times. This isn't the Samsung Galaxy or the Motorola Cliq.

 

[Blanco720]

ATT doesn't have a great track record in this department. In fact, I think they are probably the worst lol.

But consider this: ATT doesnt have a great track record with Android devices, only have i think 7 until this year. They are looking to drop 12, high quality, Android devices this year. One could logically assume that this is a clear sign of a new commitment to Android devices. By extension, you might also assume that they will be willing to evolve and push system updates in a more reasonable time frame as well.

I was toying with leaving ATT for big red for a bit, but I have confidence that ATT, after having shed itself of the burdensome iphone, will renew its commitment to bringing quality phones on a quality network. Maybe its just wishful thinking, but who knows....

 

[g_patrick15]

The Verizon iPhone will force AT&T to be innovative in the hardware department-something it hasn't had to do since the iPhone dropped. That's why they are getting in on the Android onslaught. I only came to AT&T to get the iPhone, otherwise I would have stayed on t-mobile

 

[AndreaCristiano]

ATT doesn't have a great track record in this department. In fact, I think they are probably the worst lol.

But consider this: ATT doesnt have a great track record with Android devices, only have i think 7 until this year. They are looking to drop 12, high quality, Android devices this year. One could logically assume that this is a clear sign of a new commitment to Android devices. By extension, you might also assume that they will be willing to evolve and push system updates in a more reasonable time frame as well.

I was toying with leaving ATT for big red for a bit, but I have confidence that ATT, after having shed itself of the burdensome iphone, will renew its commitment to bringing quality phones on a quality network. Maybe its just wishful thinking, but who knows....

You hit the nail on the head with the amount of Android phones and the rhetoric from top AT&T executives theres gonna be a huge push in android support and service/sales. Android is AT&T's future

 

[Loiselle]

HTC has been great with getting their high-end devices the newest update quickly. I think it was Gizmodo recently that had a chart recently that showed that HTC has the highest average of it's phones updated to 2.2 (at that time.)

 

[AndreaCristiano]

HTC has been great with getting their high-end devices the newest update quickly. I think it was Gizmodo recently that had a chart recently that showed that HTC has the highest average of it's phones updated to 2.2 (at that time.)

It wont be any different with the future releases I mean they have a long and strong relationship with android and they are the most put together company outside of apple in the mobile phone business.

 

[HustlinDaily]

Yeah since the DHD has been out for several months, I think HTC has probably been working on it since the release of Gingerbread. It just is difficult for HTC since Gingerbread is optimized for the Hummingbird processor and Nexus S hardware (meaning a lot of changes to the source code, especially to add Sense in there. Keep in mind, the Nexus One hasn't even gotten Gingerbread yet and that device is stock Android).

On the bright side, there already is a Cyanogenmod 7 Port for the DHD which has all hardware working. So even if HTC/AT&T doesn't upgrade to Gingerbread in a timely manner, worst case scenario is, you can put it onto the phone yourself (honestly, this is is probably the biggest reason as to why I feel this phone is superior to the Atrix. The power of an unencrypted bootloader to allow true customization).

Also with or without Gingerbread, FroYo is a very good OS. It is fast, stable, packed with many features (FLASH). And all apps (excluding apps which require an NFC chip, which would net work for this phone) can run smoothly. Even if HTC doesn't upgrade it for a 2-4 months, it would not be the worst thing in the world.

 

[HustlinDaily]

It wont be any different with the future releases I mean they have a long and strong relationship with android and they are the most put together company outside of apple in the mobile phone business.

In this respect tho, I am more wore worried about AT&T than I am about HTC (well, I am not worried at all, I mean if I didn't root/flash ROMs, I would be).

The Aria in Asia AND Europe has had FroYo for months but still stuck on Eclair on AT&T.



HTC has a great reputation in terms of updates. Here is a list of every HTC phone with a Snapdragon processors AFAIK:
-Nexus One (received FroYo first)
-Desire (got FroYo very fast. Only one not yet has FroYo is US Cellular CDMA version which will be getting it this week)
-Incredible (FroYo very fast)
-Evo (FroYo very fast)
-myTouch 4G, Desire HD, G2 Desire Z (all launched with FroYo)

Hell, here is a list of EVERY OTHER HTC ANDROID PHONE:
-HTC Legend (got FroYo in December. CDMA version for Virgin Canada coming soon)
-HTC Wildfire (got FoYo in December)
-HTC Aria (Asian version AND European version got FroYo in November)
-myTouch 3G/HTC Magic (got Froyo in December I think. IN FACT, this phone went from 1.5 to 1.6 to 2.1 to 2.2. HTC really loved this phone for some weird reason)

-myTouch Slide (leak of FroYo build out, fairly stable, expected to be coming soon)

-HTC Tattoo (went from 1.6 to 2.1)
-HTC G1/Dream (went from 1.0 to 1.5 to 1.6)
-HTC Droid Eris (went from 1.5 to 2.1)
-HTC Hero GSM/CDMA (went from 1.5 to 2.1)



As previously stated, it is AT&T I would worry about NOT HTC. We are guaranteed AT LEAST one update and with a phone like this, maybe even two.

 

[AndreaCristiano]

yea having used gingerbread there really isnt that much differences beside the colors in the UI

 

[AndreaCristiano]

In this respect tho, I am more wore worried about AT&T than I am about HTC (well, I am not worried at all, I mean if I didn't root/flash ROMs, I would be).

The Aria in Asia AND Europe has had FroYo for months but still stuck on Eclair on AT&T.



HTC has a great reputation in terms of updates. Here is a list of every HTC phone with a Snapdragon processors AFAIK:
-Nexus One (received FroYo first)
-Desire (got FroYo very fast. Only one not yet has FroYo is US Cellular CDMA version which will be getting it this week)
-Incredible (FroYo very fast)
-Evo (FroYo very fast)
-myTouch 4G, Desire HD, G2 Desire Z (all launched with FroYo)

Hell, here is a list of EVERY OTHER HTC ANDROID PHONE:
-HTC Legend (got FroYo in December. CDMA version for Virgin Canada coming soon)
-HTC Wildfire (got FoYo in December)
-HTC Aria (Asian version AND European version got FroYo in November)
-myTouch 3G (got Froyo in December I think)

-myTouch Slide (leak of FroYo build out, fairly stable, expected to be coming soon)

-HTC Tattoo (went from 1.6 to 2.1)
-HTC G1/Dream (went from 1.0 to 1.5 to 1.6)
-HTC Droid Eris (went from 1.5 to 2.1)
-HTC Hero GSM/CDMA (went from 1.5 to 2.1)



As previously stated, it is AT&T I would worry about NOT HTC. We are guaranteed AT LEAST one update and with a phone like this, maybe even two.

as I stated above with all the android units coming out and all the pro android talk coming out of the execs thats wont be an issue anymore

 

[HustlinDaily]

as I stated above with all the android units coming out and all the pro android talk coming out of the execs thats wont be an issue anymore

Good point.

We will see. I was just bored and decided to make a list to actually see how good HTC is with updates (kind of a snow day, I guess more of an ice day. Regardless, no school, no work).

As you stated, Gingerbread isn't that big of a deal. And as I stated, there are stable Gingerbread builds already available for the DHD.

In terms of updates/dev'n community, this is where the unencrypted bootloader (coupled with how HTC releases source codes in a timely manner, unlike Acer who is completely violating open source licenses. Sorry for the ot) of the Inspire should really shine.

It is worth a 2-year contract because it should be relevant for the entire contract (or at the very least, until an early upgrade period)

 

[AndreaCristiano]

Good point.

We will see. I was just bored and decided to make a list to actually see how good HTC is with updates (kind of a snow day, I guess more of an ice day. Regardless, no school, no work).

As you stated, Gingerbread isn't that big of a deal. And as I stated, there are stable Gingerbread builds already available for the DHD.

In terms of updates/dev'n community, this is where the unencrypted bootloader (coupled with how HTC releases source codes in a timely manner, unlike Acer who is completely violating open source licenses. Sorry for the ot) of the Inspire should really shine.

It is worth a 2-year contract because it should be relevant for the entire contract (or at the very least, until an early upgrade period)

This phobe will be relevent for a ling time there are people who still have blackberries lol

 

[Blanco720]

there are people who still have blackberries lol

CURSE YOU!

 

[AndreaCristiano]

CURSE YOU!

No offense brother. I was just saying that those people still use those phones and they are still relevant. I mean my friend just got his first smartphone and he got a BB torch. So my point is if these are still being purchased for.sure.the inspire will be more than relevant

 

[mattbe213]

ATT doesn't have a great track record in this department. In fact, I think they are probably the worst lol.

But consider this: ATT doesnt have a great track record with Android devices, only have i think 7 until this year. They are looking to drop 12, high quality, Android devices this year. One could logically assume that this is a clear sign of a new commitment to Android devices. By extension, you might also assume that they will be willing to evolve and push system updates in a more reasonable time frame as well.

I was toying with leaving ATT for big red for a bit, but I have confidence that ATT, after having shed itself of the burdensome iphone, will renew its commitment to bringing quality phones on a quality network. Maybe its just wishful thinking, but who knows....

The thing with at&t not having a good record with updates is because they have a few low-end devices and a couple of mid-range devices, and one high-end device, which is the Samsung Captivate. No manufacturers will update their low and mid-range devices, and Samsung hasn't updated ANY of their Galaxy S devices, so it is hard to tell whether at&t will be any good with updating a device that will actually be able to get one.

Matt

 

[HustlinDaily]

The thing with at&t not having a good record with updates is because they have a few low-end devices and a couple of mid-range devices, and one high-end device, which is the Samsung Captivate. No manufacturers will update their low and mid-range devices, and Samsung hasn't updated ANY of their Galaxy S devices, so it is hard to tell whether at&t will be any good with updating a device that will actually be able to get one.

Matt

Welllll.

Dell Streak has 2.2 in Europe/Asia, AT&T, not yet.
HTC Aria has 2.2 in Europe/Asia, AT&T, not yet.
Samsung Captivate (same phone, same 3G bands, same everything, even released later) has 2.2 in Canada (Rogers), AT&T, not yet

There is no sugarcoating it. AT&T DOES have a bad reputation with updates.


Rest of the devices are crap tho.

 

[Blanco720]

This is true cross-platform as well. I have owned Blackberrys mainly (9700, 9000, 8320, Perl) all with AT&T and they hardly update anything. You could easily find builds 1-5 versions ahead of what AT&T has all around the world (these are RIM official, as well as leaks). It's an AT&T thing and I don't see it changing over night. However, one can hope that they realize the negative impact it has had on their user base.