Android 2.2 (FROYO) and Telstra’s HTC Desire: OTA now available
Filed under: Android, Froyo, gadgets and gizmos, HTC, innovation, lifestyle, mobile internet, mobile phone, smart phone
HTC Desire has become that little bit more desirable with the release this week of new software that introduces the latest Google Android™ operating system to the popular smartphone.
The new operating system, called Android 2.2, unleashes some great new features including:
- A portable Wi-Fi hotspot mode where you can share HTC Desire’s mobile broadband connection with Wi-Fi enabled devices in close proximity.
- 720p resolution video recording (up from WVGA quality)
- New widgets: Calculator Widget, FM Radio Widget, Market Widget
- The ability to store apps on external memory
- New setting options including being able to independently change ringtone, media and alarm volume.
We know many of you have been hanging out for this update for some time and we appreciate everyone’s patience while we worked with HTC and Google to test and release it. The release means HTC Desire on the Next G™ network remains one of the most advanced Android smartphones available in Australia – and one of the only phones to feature the latest OS from Google.
Why did it take so long?
Each major Android software release is almost as much work as releasing a new device, requiring HTC, Telstra and Google’s approval. Unfortunately in this instance we were also held back by some unforeseen delays in HTC’s testing schedule.
Some people have speculated that Telstra’s own apps and links pushed the release timeframes out. To set the record straight, the testing of Telstra’s integrated apps and services added zero additional time to the release schedule. The bulk of our testing relates to making sure the phone with its upgraded software performs at its best on the Next G™ network — including ensuring customers get the best possible coverage performance and data speeds.
These are the things we know you care about and we’re pleased we’ve finally been able to make the fully-tested update available.
How to upgrade
Over the air
- This is the easiest way to upgrade HTC Desire to Android 2.2 software. The over the air update also allows you to upgrade without wiping your current data.
- Because it is a large update (92.75MB), we strongly recommend using a home Wi-Fi connection. Mobile Data charges will apply if the software package is downloaded via the Next G™ mobile network. If you download via a mobile connection while you are on international roaming then international data charges will apply and this is not recommended.
- Prior to requesting the update, make sure you have 25MB free on your phone’s internal memory to accommodate the update. To check this, go to Settings>SD & Phone storage, this will show the amount of internal storage available.
- To request the OTA update, on your phone press the Menu hard key and go to: Settings>About Phone>System software updates>Check now.
ROM update
- Customers can download a compete replacement software package for their Desire from HTC’s website.
- Customers will need HTC Sync 3.0 installed on their PC before commencing the upgrade.
- This software download contains the complete updated software package for the device (also known as a ROM). The package is over 100MB and should be downloaded to a PC before being installed onto the HTC Desire via the bundled USB cable using HTC Synch software.
- Customers are advised to follow HTC’s step by step instructions closely and backup, on an external device or memory card, their data which will be wiped in the upgrade process.
i dont know if you would know anything about this but my phone doesnt have the ota on it… i have the htc desire, i got it less than 6 mo ago… do you have an explination for this…?
Does this mean that if I buy a new HTC Desire from Telstra now it will come with Android 2.2 already loaded?
I have my replacement HTC Desire… still running the old Android. how do I update to Froyo without going the Pc route. Would like to upgrade the same as my previous Desire via simple Telstra download direct to phone… thank-you.
I bought an android but i can only send 1 txt at a time, before having to restart the phone to send the next txt. i was told to get the update so anyone know exactly were i can find he updates for a smart phone?
Sorry to hear about that experience Kevin, feel free to check out smartphones page and click on the “Software Updates” tab to see the latest updates. Which Android do you have? If you have further issues, our best advice is to drop into a store and organise for it to be repaired.
Hello, can you confirm if the current HTC Desire will be getting the Android 2.3 Gingerbread Update and if so when would this be expected?
Regards,
Shane.
Same question as Shane above. Is this something that someone at Telstra is working on?
I see you are busy testing gingerbread for the HTC desire. telstra.com.au/mobile/phones/smartphones.html
It is due to be released this month, thanks
So when will Android 2.3 Gingerbread be available to HTC Desire customers ? Any one from Telstra Exchange please answer to hopefull telstra customers waiting for Gingerbread update for ages. Cheers
Hello Haider. You can find out about Telstra’s smartphone software updates right here. Looks like the udate will be this month. Brendan
It now says due in August – “Due to the increased memory requirements of the ‘Gingerbread’ update, new software that does not include HTC’s Sense UI is being prepared.”
The only reason people aren’t rooting their phone to get gingerbread is to get HTC sense. I guess everyone will now be rooting…
My HTC Desire is currently running Android 2.1, but when I check for updates I’m told that none are available and that my phone is up to date…? Strange because I have a co-worker who has successfully updated to 2.2.
This is stopping me from using my phone as a wifi hotspot and channelling my laptop internet connectivity via my Telstra phone account.
I’ve the same issue. Contacted Telstra, but was left a voice message that was not relevant to my request for information as to why my Desire did not have an update to 2.2 available.
Bloody frustrating!!
Boy, this looks complicated and dangerous! Not sure I will attempt it but to clear away one basic item: what is HTC and what is Desire? Are they a kind of phone or software? I actually have a Motorola Defy but nobody is talking about Defy here although Telstra say 2.2 is available for Defy. Is it the same software? Can I use it?
Jeremy,
HTC is a phone manufacturer like Motorola and Desire is one of the android phones made by HTC like your Defy made by motorolla. And there is no harm doing the 2.2 Froyo update for your phone as the update has a lot of features in it which are not present in 2.1. Please follow the link but make sure you back-up ur data before you do the update as the update will wipe everything from your phone.
http://direct.motorola.com/ENA/SoftwareUpdateSummary.asp?country=AUS&language=ENA&web_page_name=SUPPORT&strCarrierId=&strPhone=MOTODEFY&strCable=Micro USB Data Cable&strURL=No URL
Let us know how you go.
Cheers
Hi Jeremy
Haider’s description is right, but you can do the Froyo update on the Motorala Defy ‘over the air’ (or OTA) using either your NextG data service, or over WiFi. This is a lot easier, and has the added benefit of not wiping your phone content back to factory settings! Under Settings, About Phone, System Software Updates, there’s a “scheduled check” option and a “check now” button. I did this on my wife’s phone just yesterday, and no problems so far.
Sadly, Telstra decided not to offer the same update for the HTC Desire over-the-air (actually, they did briefly, but then withdrew it), so we’re stuck with the manual hard update. It’ll be interesting to see if the next version (2.3) is offered OTA – it’s due in August now apparently.
And why none of the phone manufacturers seem to be able to do a full operating system update over a USB cable without wiping all the data is beyond me…
Cheers,
Markus
Why is this false advice even up at Telstra’s website still?
Trlstra’s HTC Desire is not OTA upgradedable – WHY ARE YOU CONTINUING TO DECIEVE YOUR CUSTOMERS?
Hello Tim, Please note, the OTA update is no longer available. However, customers can download a compete replacement software package (a ROM) for their Desire from HTC’s website.
when is telstra going to get its act together. i have a10″ and a7″ tablet.(both generic) both with 2.2 on them. yet your dongels turbo and elite dont wont to work on them. only on windows or mac 10.1. there would be thousands of these tablets in country now. the telco that comes up with the program to run mobile broadband on these 2.2 tablets is going to reap huge rewards.
Regards mj
Hi Brendan, seems HTC have withdrawn the 2.2 update from their website at the moment. My online chat via same confirms this fact with no idea of when it is to be available again.
Could you follow up and advise please?
Many Thanks,
Drew
I’ve been handed an old HTC Desire which is running Android 2.1-update1. Lo and behold, as said above, Telstra have taken down the OTA update
However, fortunately, the HTC update is online at http://www.htc.com/au/help/htc-desire/#download