T-Mobile G1 software update to be pushed out tomorrow
By Donald Melanson 
posted Oct 22nd 2008 2:21PM
posted Oct 22nd 2008 2:21PM
Well, it looks like G1 owners (or some, at least) will be getting a bit of an unexpected surprise when they turn on their brand new device tomorrow, as T-Mobile is apparently already set to start pushing out the very first OTA software update for the phone. Nothing too major, it seems, but the update will include a fix for a bug that has prevented folks from listening to songs on Amazon, as well as a number of other unspecified "enhancements." As with all OTA updates, however, it's likely everyone won't get their fix at once, and T-Mobile helpfully recommends that you simply just "wait," or "wait a little longer" to make sure you get yours, or check your software version to see if you may have gotten the update without noticing (the new release is version RC28).[Via TmoNews]
Will this make the phone less ugly? :)
Release Candidate means a build that is being considered for release. This most definitely does NOT mean it's a beta. It means that it's a build which could be released assuming no problems worthy of blocking shipment are found.
Does anybody know a site where I can look for updates about Android? Specifically getting it to run on new hardware?
I am trying to hold off on a new device purchase until there is a good, solid android-capable device to try out.
wow you are a boring, predictable troll. congrats!
RC28? That wouldn't stand for Release Candidate now would it? If so, that's pretty lame that T-Mobile's and Google's customers are basically beta testers.
It's Google, everything is a Beta
It's Google, everything is a beta
It honestly looks _A LOT_ better in person.
Above comment is meant for the post above this one.
2 comment system fails in 1 reply!
2 comment system fails in 1 reply!
You act as if I and millions of others didn't act as beta testers with the iPhone 3G's 2.0.1 and 2.0.2 firmware.
*rolls eyes*
@Justin....
I had completely dismissed the though of getting a G1 due to the ugly stick factor, but I did actually take your (and others) word for it and at LEAST go see it in person...
It's scheduled for overnight delivery... (Goodbye iPwn 3G)
but damn a firmware already? i barely ordered my phone today was gonna wait for the white color but damn i just couldnt they said it will be coming like around thanksgiving and i cant wait dat long since i sold my dash and have this really cheap phone rite now
first in a list of gayness!
Most of the gay guys I know have great fashion sense...I guess that means this is one fancy-lookin' phone after all.
first to fail.
Man that is one butt ugly phone, HTC HD here I come
I thought the HD was only for the Euro nation...
There's a Euro nation?
i am putting my G1 up for sale... FTW!!!!
anyone interested? lol
Man, if you can unlock that shit I'd be tempted. I don't think we'll be seeing these things legitimately in Canada for a good while yet.
How much?
How much are you selling it for?
It's amazing that the Gphone gets a software upgrade within a few weeks of release and I've been putzing along for five years with a lousy Palm OS. I'm ready to jump ship...just can't decide which ship to jump to. A better phone released on Sprint for this OS and some contacts and calendar syncing sure would be nice to have. I'm impressed with the updates but I guess that's the difference between open source and the cavemen that run Palm.
the update, is technically on the 2nd day of national retail release. i love how t-mobile and or google and or htc have and are handling any bug fixes or updated that need to be released. oh and there is calender and contact syncing for free in the market.
Android reminds me a lot of the older (3.0-4.5) Palm OS revs. It's pretty minimal to start with, but the opportunity for OS enhancements from 3rd-party developers is awesome. Mind you, if I could get this OS onto Touch HD hardware but in the formfactor of my dear, departed Zodiac II I would probably sell a kidney to do so.
Have any of you seen the actual device? or just the pictures....
I have one in my hand right now. It looks fantastic. period.
For some reason, this thing is incredibly unphotogenic, and I agree...it looks like ass in photos. But take a look at it in person. It's incredibly small, and a nice blend of professionalism and sex appeal. You wouldn't know if from the photos online...
I really really really really hope you are right sir
I thought the same thing until I opened mine yesterday. Looks much, much better in hand. It's still not the sexiest handset on the market, but def underrated in pics and videos.
I'm holding mine in my hands. He really really is. I think Brown is the ugliest in photos, but I ended up taking home that one. I really really really don't want to compare it to the iPhone in a negative way, but it feels better in my hands than the iPhone.
and ShopSavy is the Effing bomb.
I completely agree. I pre-ordered one and was all worried as more and more press came out but now that it's arrived I'm much happier with the device than I expected to be.
I think all of these devices look huge in photos. The iPhone looked totally unwieldy too, which is why I refused to jump on the "G1 is ugly" train until I can see one in person. Maybe it's the blown up size of the pictures, or they use models with freakishly small hands or something.. who knows.
I agree with everything except the size statement. I don't think it's incredibly small. It's narrower than my Dash, but considerably longer and thicker, and feels quite a bit heavier. That said, I'm still getting one because of the awesomeness of the software.
Ditto. I was a bit concerned by the pictures, but it does look a lot better in person. It's also a lot faster than I thought it would be.
Agreed the phone is physically ugly however the software could make up for it
hd is only for the euro nation i think we r gonna have to wait until next year so forget dat
HTC said it will never hit the US.
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones? I had no problems listening to music from Amazon. But I guess I get no say since it will be pushed out tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how the firmware upgrade will be pushed though.
Please die in a car fire.
Well, yes, this is the first software update for the G1.
the phone is really beautiful in person. its like if the iphone and sidekick had a baby. thats right this device is a baby, and imo, much better on day 1 than the iphone was. its actually skinnier than my old sidekick slide and a lot more hand friendly than my dash. im just waiting on a video app, some new gps apps, and a camera/video app ( i want to be able to change capture settings). im sure all of this will come soon enough, as have plenty of fun and useful apps. score about 5 for the G1 and none for the iphone, wow even the name is sexier, iphone sounds so robotic. i am not anit-apple, just anti ipod, itunes, and anything else "i" oriented.
That phone is so ugly, I think it turned someone in my office to stone. Either that, or there was always a full-size marble statue in the office, but I don't remember seeing it there before.
@ ryker321
That was an undeniably lame joke.
Lame jokes are my specialty.
I think G1 users should embrace its unattractiveness -- some already have.
Maybe Google and T-Mobile should launch an ad campaign based on the concept.
Like this one from the '80s:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROUc70GaU9Y
So, do you think this update will disable fetch for future updates?
Just checked this out at the TMobile Store.
First off, I have to disagree with most peoples perspectives here: this phone is not aesthetic in person at all. Seriously, i took out my curve and compared it to this device and wanted to stick to my curve.
When i compare my curve to the iPhone...i mean give me a break!
If this wasn't the google phone, no one would even be talking about it.
I seriously can not believe how badly they messed up here.
iphone is much easier to navigate, better looking, and uses itunes to complete sync
I don't know what your talking about. But I personally find from what I've seen so far that the Android Software is nicer and easier. And iTunes?! Seriously?! One of the most overrated, bloated piece of crap software. My Zune 3.0 Software runs 10x faster then iTunes 8. Oh well whatever. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion.
OK, the last line just undid any credibility you had, especially the iTunes remark.
I got mine last Friday (the 17th) and it looks and feels WAY better than I had expected. All the comments speculating that it is "Ugly" or "Resembles a Fisher-Price Toy" can only be from folks who have yet to hold one for themselves. I remember everyone saying the HTC Dash was ugly, and then when I first held one in person I knew everyone who'd said it was "Ugly compared to a Motorola Q" was wrong- and had never seen one in person or notice how it sat comfortably in your hand compared to the harsh edges of the other phones in its segment.
The G1 doesn't look like a sidekick in person. When you hold it, the "chin" as it is called makes the phone cradle in your right hand comfortably and provides a surface for your thumb to hold the device securely while you use your left hand on the touch screen. Additionally, it is much thinner than what you'd expect from the images. The screen is VERY vivid/bright and the audio quality for apps, media and calls is clear- and can be VERY loud if you wish it to be.
As for the firmware update- it makes sense that it would roll out sooner than later. I don't know why anyone would be *spooked* by the notion that Google, T-Mobile and HTC wouldn't want to make the device run more solidly as quickly as possible! Just give me a pop-up window telling me it's available, and I'll press "OK" and be all the merrier. I don't need a 'Key Note" speech and a press conference scheduled a week or two out before a company rolls out updates for my product as soon as they are available- do you???
What version did you get on the phone to start with?
Yes the G1 is ugly compare to iphone, HTC HD, Blackberry Strom, LG Dare and most other phone.
omg, please don't bring up those abominations that LG has the nerve to call functional, let alone phones.
I would love to see Sprint and Motorola bring a Xohm Android phone to market. The ultimate underdogs uniting to form a superphone. It would be like merging Gundams into a giant Voltron killing machine straight out of a Japanese anime.
Hmm. I might be mixing my anime there, but you get the idea hopefully.
The thing I like about updates for the G1 is that you don't have to reload everything (except for huge system updates). This phone does look ugly in pictures, but in real life, while not really really sexy, it looks pretty good. Like a lot of people said, it's nice because it looks somewhat professional.
"SuperQ @ Oct 22nd 2008 4:56PM
What version did you get on the phone to start with?"
It ends in RC-19 (the same one mentioned in the article) after checking it myself just now.
Will it add a headphone jack?
iPhone has a headphone jack. No cut and paste but more win and less fail though.
and no keyboard or storage expansion or trackball.
(shrug)
can we please move past "win/fail" now?
I hope for T-Mobile and Google's sake that this update fixes the battery life somehow, or they are going to have a PR nightmare as these things get returned in droves. I really like the handheld, and REALLY want to keep it, but it is hard to rationalize keeping a device that only gets around 6 hours of total runtime, only half of that actually being used. I am anready in love with the OS, and happy with the hardware, but the battery life right now is a joke.
Judging from the abysmal battery life of my HTC Dash, I'm not surprised...
Since it's what, a 2 year old design, it's not surprising. Early adopters share in the excitement but also in the detriments.
Maybe you have a hardware issue. I took mine off the charger yesterday morning at around 9:00 am and I am now still at 54%
A couple things.
1: It obviously isn't a "2-year-old hardware design" since the CPU in it didn't even exist 2 years ago, nor did the graphics processor. The design of the case might be a couple years old, but the guts of it are quite modern, and better than most of HTCs current Windows Mobile devices.
2: I don't know what you are, or more to the point aren't, doing with your device, but having talked to T-mobile employees at two different stores, their support people, and the posters over at the T-Mobile forums, it would seem that the battery life I am getting is exactly what you should expect with this device under the kind of usage I am putting it through. It is either just not properly optimized at the software stack yet, or they just plain gave it too small a battery. Sure, it lasts a little longer than an iPhone in heavy use, but that is an unacceptable battery life compared to Windows Mobile or BlackBerry devices.
I hope this fixes my 3G problem. I live in West Palm, FL and the 3G connection comes and goes. The guy at the tmobile store said 3g wouldn't be out in my area for a couple of days, yet 3 hours after I left the store the like 3g logo popped up and it worked. Maybe it's just because they're still working on it.
Oh, and barcode scanner ftw!
Well update never happened. I am so underwhelmed by the G1. I have both the G1 and the iPhone 3G. It doesn't compare. Once the noveltly wears out, I'll return it.
I was the second person that got this device in the city that I live in after it got released. I was waiting for it like crazy. Well, now since I have used this for 3 days. Get this now:
1. The look of the phone is not as nice as it could have been; truly iPhone gets a huge success on that
2. The cool features in this phone are not new things rather enhanced, because if you had a smart phone, you should be or at least know them all.
3. G phone sucks at this, and I am hoping they will fix this. (Images (they are not that clean and clear, if u had a blackberry or iPHone, you will be surprised how this sucks)
4. Texting. Even though, u can choose to have the status bar to display the message, but the way the messages are displayed are so f**** stupid. If I am texting someone, why would I want to group all their messages at the very top/ or bottom, and all your messages get grouped together. So, if you want to refer to a message, you either have to go either all the way to the messages that you are at the very top or bottom (stupid shit).
5. It would be nice if u don't have to slide ur keyboard and have a virtual keyboard for small text messages (already read an article, good move GOOGLE, and T-mobile)
6. Add a feature that will automatically check the email every minute, y do u have to wait for 5 minute at least before checking emails, what if someone is sending me an email right on the spot, Why do I want to wait for 5 minutes. (That’s stupid)
7. “You tube”, is f***** stupid, the video is so f*** bad, I can't believe the quality of this (t-mobile and google. You guys better work on the quality of the videos and images on the phone, right now the rating for this would be 2/10 (provided the max is 10, once a lot of customers get the phone, you ass will be killed with f*** calls like crazy)
After all this, get this junk now. (The battery should last u at least 5 hours.) This stupid ass phone is the worst thing that you can ever imagine, this battery gets drained so fast like it is having sex or something. Dude I kid u not, it is about 3 to four hours (not talking at all on the phone, and I swear the phone is already running out of charge). You'll better fix this shit, I am about to call on mine, so I can let them return this shit, and get another a replacement one.
After all that, you probably think I don’t like this phone. Not true!!! But it is way less than what I expected on the quality. It didn’t meet my standards.
Now what are these enhanced features? GOOD JOB GUYS on this.
1. Maps, (great, great, great features), the street view is taken at some point, but I am pretty sure this will be updated at some point.
2. Multitasking - dude u can listen to music, and talk on the phone at the same time. You can be taking on the phone, and go to google and search for whatever you want. But don't get too excited now, you can't use the data portion of it, just Google, but still it is a great features, that u could search for what you want while you are talking to someone.
3. Automatic backup for your data, your contacts are backed up on a server in your Gmail account, no worries about losing them at all.
4. Keyboard. Great tool to have!!! (iPhone users complain about this part). But I still would suggest getting the Virtual keyboard.
5. Pretty good amount of memory in the phone
6. You can draw and customize a pattern to lock and unlock your phone (real cool)
7. 3G. The best thing I could imagine. It is the fastest thing that I saw a phone can do so far.
But man, they better fix the problems that I mentioned, or otherwise, they will get fu**ed from their customers.
*shrugs* I downloaded and installed it manually.
http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2008/10/31/sick-of-waiting-for-your-g1-to-update-heres-how-to-update-it-manually/
No fuss, no muss. No real change either.
Oh and the one thing that blow the iHype out of the water is the fact that you can have services running in the background. I have http://www.instamapper.com installed on my G1 and its always running. Friends can track me on my LJ and if I'm in the area can call me up for lunch, or whatever. I already had someone do this Monday afternoon when I was in the area repairing a Lexmark.
Meanwhile Apple only allows active windows to...well be active. Fuck you Apple.