Now this is a little bizarre. Vodafone has today told users on its forum that Google has “never” supported a release of Android 2.1 for the Euro-spec HTC Magic – but that news regarding a development of Android 2.2 for the Magic is… “confidential”.
Read this, posted by a Vodafone team member today. It’s a bit odd to say the least.
“The HTC Magic is not, and should not be considered to be the same model of handset as the HTC Sapphire or any other equivalents, so please try not to draw comparisons. This handset is viewed differently by both HTC and Google so it cannot be assumed that what applies to one applies to the other.
“I can confirm that Google have never supported 2.1 on this device, so that’s not going to be available. With regards to 2.2 on the other hand… I’m afraid I can’t confirm that because the information is classed as confidential at present. As soon as we’re allowed to say anything we will do, but I think some of you may already be able to draw a conclusion from the mere fact that it’s confidential ;)
Now, are we supposed to read anything into a winking smiley face offered by an online support person? Because it looks very much like he’s trying to say that the Vodafone HTC Magic is going to get Android 2.2 this year. Doesn’t it?
Here’s a very happy HTC Magic user:
You may remember that an early build of Android 2.2 has already been spotted allegedly running on an HTC Magic, so this latest information leads us to believe that Vodafone and Google are indeed planning an Android 2.2 release for our variant of the Magic.
After all, Vodafone has told us several times before that the Magic WILL get an OS update of some sort this year. And to be fair, it’s never specifically stated that it would be Android 2.1.
Motorola’s latest flagship dual-core Android monster is a massive, original powerhouse, that’s a big improvement on previous MOTOBLUR mobiles – but still isn’t a total winner.
A slim and glamorous phone from Sony Ericsson, with the sharpest display around. It’s no powerhouse and the screen’s not the biggest out there, but we don’t mind. Because it’s cute.
LG’s first glasses-free 3D phone is a heavy, fat monster, with a clever 3D effect that works rather well. As a smartphone, though, it’s heavy and underwhelming.
A very shiny thing from Sony Ericsson, with a 3.7″ screen and Android 2.3.3 inside. But is it exciting enough to win fans in today’s spec-obsessed market? Can man live on one core alone?
INQ’s Android phone is an interesting “boutique” piece of hardware, packed with unique interface customisations that go far beyond the headline Facebook integration. We like it a lot.
Rambo
/ June 13, 2010The UK Vodafone HTC Magic could probably not handle 2.1 but the 2.2 update has been designed to use less memory and processing power so there is no reason why it couldn’t be ported to this phone – this has already been done unofficially – fingers crossed!!
Gary C
/ June 13, 2010I might have a heart attack from the excitement if it does. I’m already planning to “live blog” the upgrade process :(
Tim
/ June 13, 2010Rambo,
I’m running 2.1 on a Vodafone magic right now!
fazeel
/ May 2, 2011can you help me to upgrade 2.1 on my phone . my email address is fazeeltahir@ymail.com
Gary C
/ June 13, 2010When 2.2 arrives I’ll be glad I couldn’t work out how to root mine…
tmlclone
/ June 14, 2010its just B.S.
HTC holding up software updates so that ppl would buy new hardwares.
Thats bad marketing strategy. Trust no HTC. Trust no smokey and tricky.
smartlife
/ June 14, 2010I heard that, the hardware of HTC Magic may not suitable for the high version of Android,like 2.1 and later.
Harry
/ June 14, 2010@rambo
i have cyanogen 5 on
which is 2.1 and it runs smoother than the stock 1.6…
Neil
/ June 18, 2010How can you guys have 2.1 if it’s not released yet!!??
AyJay
/ July 7, 2010If Android 2.2 would improve responsiveness of the HTC Magic (A1.6), I would consider the update. Otherwise, I will switch to a Non-Android phone as I am pretty disappointed with the phone and Android 1.6.
Being an iPod touch user, the iPhone4 seems interesting, but is too expensive and provider-locked (forever!) in the country I live. Japanese providers suck…
Tiago Souza
/ March 6, 2011Friends,
I am Brazilian, I bought an HTC Magic in England by Vodafone last year. My phone is running Android v. 1.5. I live in Brazil and use the device here, but when trying to update the version of Android for the HTC website in Brazil, I could not update.
What is the best (and safest) to update my version of Android?
Which version is recommended to upgrade?
Thanks everyone!