Rogers Wireless confirms Android software updates for select phones

This morning we reported that Rogers Wireless would be the exclusive North American partner for the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, but we questioned if the Canadian carrier had learned from their upgrade issues.

It appears Rogers Wireless is on the ball because they actually reached out to us to clarify future updates for Android phones.

We know there has been a lot of interest from both you and your readers on the current status of the HTC Dream and HTC Magic with Rogers, and we wanted to reach out to you directly to let you know what users of these devices can expect.

While there has been a lot of confusion regarding software updates for these devices – we want to make sure that everyone knows that Rogers has been pushing hard to ensure the best possible outcome for all customers who have purchased an HTC Dream and Magic. Although we previously announced that we did not plan an upgrade to either device, we have reevaluated based on Rogers request and agreed to move forward.

First, we will be implementing an update for the 1.5 OS to both the HTC Dream and HTC Magic in the upcoming weeks. These will offer a number of benefits for these devices, including bringing the HTC Sense experience to the HTC Magic, although the OS version will remain 1.5.

By mid-year, HTC will issue an upgrade to Android 2.1, including the highly acclaimed HTC Sense experience for the HTC Magic.

However, due to certain limitations on the HTC Dream, the software path for the HTC Dream will not be developed beyond the next Android 1.5 update. While we regret not being able to offer the same updates to both devices, by bringing this upgrade to the HTC Magic, we are delivering the best solution possible given the situation at hand.

We also want to emphasize that the situation with HTC Dream and HTC Magic devices is true across markets, and is not limited to Canada.

While “Google Experience” devices built on the same platform (like the T-Mobile G1) do have different upgrade paths – this is due to the use of a stock Android build, rather than a custom build used on the HTC Dream and HTC Magic.Rogers Wireless

Sony Ericsson has announced that the Xperia X10 will “evolve” to Android 2.x, so hopefully this is good news for their customers.

Note that Rogers says the HTC Dream will not be getting the Android 2.1 update, but other devices like the T-Mobile G1 have “different upgrade paths”.

The latest T-Mobile rumors suggest the carrier is working on Android 2.x updates for the HTC Dream and Magic, but we have yet to receive any official confirmation. I have already stated my doubts that the G1 will ever get upgraded to Android 2.x, but maybe T-Mobile will find a way to surprise us all.

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