Motorola Cliq / Dext gets leaked Android 2.1 update, not pinch-to-zoom (video)

Don't know about you, but our poor Motorola Dext (or Cliq as it's know in the Land of the Free) had been left gathering dust for some time as it got unbearably laggy, even after a few wipes. We only clung onto this Android 1.5 device in the hope that Motorola or T-Mobile would stick to their update schedules. And boy we got lucky, as an anonymous leakster dropped off an allegedly official T-Mobile 2.1 ROM for said phone yesterday, which sounds about right when you think of the carrier's planned August update. Read on to find out how the new ROM's running on our Dext -- we've also got a hands-on video for you.

Motorola Cliq / Dext gets leaked Android 2.1 update, not pinch-to-zoom

Even though this was meant to be an official ROM, we still had to spend about 20 minutes rooting our device (Android SDK required; see source link for HandlerExploit's rooting tutorial and files). After that, we wiped the phone (essential preparation) and then followed the usual manual firmware update procedure: put the leaked ZIP file onto our SD card, renamed it to "update.zip," and then used the phone's new bootloader to flash the update. Boom! The result is a slightly more usable Dext, although the homescreen and apps menu can still be fairly laggy sometimes; but most disappointing of all, pinch-to-zooming has yet to be implemented anywhere on the phone. That said, there are some positive points: regular apps like Google Maps and the browser run surprisingly smoothly, plus the ability to resize Motorola widgets is a handy addition. And live wallpapers? Not included, but we all know it's probably for the best. Despite some serious flaws, and assuming this ROM is legit, Motorola's still got some time to make the appropriate fixes -- let's just hope that us Cliq / Dext owners don't get screwed by the launch of a certain new phone.

[Ploni Almoni Posted Jul 22nd 2010 11:17AM]

I'd really appreciate it if the Cliq XT got rooted as well, I'm not sure if anyone is even working on it, even though it's very similar to the Cliq. (But not similar enough to run a Cliq root procedure without bricking.)

[JAG Posted Jul 22nd 2010 12:09PM]

There many Cliq Xt users wanting there 2.1 update.

[dardub Posted Jul 22nd 2010 12:14PM]

WAHOOO!!!

[dardub Posted Jul 22nd 2010 12:17PM]

@dardub
Just read the article. No Pinch to Zoom?

NOOOO!!!!!

[ClothoBuer6293 Posted Jul 22nd 2010 2:24PM]

@dardub That's what a large developer's community is for ^^

[SomePerson Posted Jul 22nd 2010 1:46PM]

Its about freaking time. Now when will the Droids/Milestone get some froyo goodness?

[ClothoBuer6293 Posted Jul 22nd 2010 2:23PM]

Anonymous tipster. My heart skipped. Haha.
Running the "stock" 21 by Handler with LauncherPro Beta
Smooth as silk

[OnFive Posted Jul 22nd 2010 8:04PM]

@ClothoBuer6293
launcherpro isnt in beta anymore! UPDATE!!!

[ClothoBuer6293 Posted Jul 22nd 2010 9:25PM]

@OnFive Phil Schiller's nipples, Batman!
-goes to download-

[jamesbrock72 Posted Jul 22nd 2010 5:17PM]

Thanks HandlerExploit, can't wait for PureHandler 2.X and Eclair2Cliq.

[CptReilly Posted Jul 22nd 2010 8:57PM]

FINALLY it's good to see some activity related to 2.1 on CLIQ. I have had this device since December and although I love the blur and the keyboard, I have felt increasingly left behind as other devices are upgraded.

[thabigga78 Posted Jul 24th 2010 2:50PM]

Got it installed on my CLIQ and it is awesome. Changed the home app with LauncherPro and it RUNS!!!

[joeyklatzko Posted Jul 24th 2010 5:02PM]

It's cool that we can finally download 2.1 compatible apps but since there is no pinch to zoom I have no reason to use my Cliq over my MyTouch Slide lol. Officially retiring it. It's been a good run, you've served me well.

[nesto Posted Jul 25th 2010 9:19PM]

no pinch to zoom really?? r u crappin me? this blows why cant there be another stock android phone instead of all this stupid sense, blur, and touch wiz crap....imma blend my cliq xt and go for a nokia or something untill another good stock android phone comes out so i can get android updates on time not half a year behind the rest of the world. i hope i can get a nexus one at least for cheap.