What is there to do on a cloudy Friday in Britain? Why, scouring the web for your phone's firmware update, of course. That's probably how a
MoDaCo member unearthed the
Dell Streak's latest
Android 2.1 build (apparently just for locked O2 devices), anyway. Sure, the link's quirky domain name and sluggish speed may arouse some suspicion, but our sources have confirmed that this non-final update is indeed coming from Dell (and you can expect the link to be killed soon). Many users -- including ourselves -- are reporting a successful update and enjoying the same goodies we spotted in our
preview: 720p camcorder, a much improved keyboard, live wallpapers, etc. Fancy giving it a shot? Here's how: copy the .pkg file to the SD card, rename it to "Update.pkg," then boot the Streak into recovery mode (hold down both volume keys and then power on), and finally choose to recover from said file (your phone
will be wiped!). Of course, as with any firmware updates, make sure you have some sort of backup somewhere and tread carefully.
In other news: as
promised, Dell's AT&T Streak ordering page went live today, and yes, it'll still be shipped with Android 1.6. Looks like
xda-developers and
MoDaCo are well on course to beat Dell on releasing a 2.1 or even a 2.2 update.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Update: Looks like someone's
managed to get this firmware working on an officially unlocked Streak. Again, do it at your own risk. And if all fails, you can try going back to the
1.6 firmware.
posted August 13th 2010 9:59AM
Why 2.1?
@Shalabi its just the sufferings android users get, they are used to it.
Hey I guess this is the question of the day! Does anyone else notice Jason in almost every post? Happy friday the 13th....
@Shalabi
because if it came with 2.2 and was available on other networks, it would be convenient.
@anyop Yes except 2.1 is faster than 1.6 and 2.2 is faster again (my Hero with a 528Mhz CPU flys on 2.2)
How well does iOS 4 run on older devices again >?
@fourthletter
A: S**t :)
@Shalabi
So disappointed... Price is not right...Android 2.1 update?
@Twankie Lol I do. Engadget is funny as hell
@raiden8383 I'm disappointed to.
I mean WTF is up with no data only plan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously, this product is total FAIL if Dell and AT&T expect people to pay for a FULL smartphone plan.
Streak with Voice & Data plan = MASSIVE FAIL!!!!!
@fourthletter
Huh well the iPhone 3G was released before the G1/HTC Dream. How is 2.2 running on the G1 again? Besides turning off spotlight search dramatically speeds up iOS 4 on many of the "older" devices.
@fourthletter Runs great on the 3GS and 3G getting performance patch, why all the bitching? Don't feed the troll.
@Twankie
HAHA so true! Jason is in every picture post!
@Twankie Yes! I live for the jason hunting.. and im upset that engadget is a little lite on them so far. There was some good iphone screenshot that deserved a jason icon swap... cmon engadget! step it up!
@fourthletter
Your talking about iOS 4 on older devices? iOS 3 runs terrible on my first gen iPod touch!
@iqbalj ahh...but you see I'm grandfathered in, so once the Streak gets up to a good Android version, I'll buy it, and have the unlimited plan :-D
@fourthletter So typical of Android fanboys. Some random troll attacks Android so the android fanboy turns around and attacks iphone.
Fucking grow up dude.
Why waste time on 2.1 when 2.2 is out?
@angelusp
I expect you to STFU
@Scrubs Because Dell needs more time on tweaking 2.2: http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/08/05/dell-streak-with-android-2-1-update-exclusive-preview/
@angelusp
Common sense.
@angelusp
That's like saying what do you expect to an apple fanboy. They're already expecting a new iPhone next summer.
@ryan420
If the new iphone has a 5 inch screen, look out! Of course, old Jobs doesn't believe people buy big phones.
Haha... not a black hole at the center of the universe... its Jason!
Nice touch with Vorhees. Sneaky Sneaky!
where going streaking. dell streaking for those young folks
AHHHHH JASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
XDAdev guys are amazing. That community breathes new life into phones.
Stock Firmwares SUCK.. long live FLASHING....
The middle of the galaxy just got exponentially more dangerous.
@smellylettuce +13 internetz for you good sir.
1.6??!? Who makes these decisions? Please tar and feather them, then fire them.
@man Blame AT&T. The way it works is this: The device manufacturer builds the hardware and modifies the firmware to function with the device. In America, we then have AT&T take the finished product, and modify it to suit their own ends, typically (and all of these have been done to my handsets in the past):
- remove bluetooth file transfer (Most Phones)
- add trial apps to make money (Most Phones)
- remove the ability to install apps outside the app store (Androids)
- lock programmable buttons to an AT&T service (a Sony Ericsson I had)
- remove the MP3 player and FM radio receiver functionality (a Nokia I had)
- remove tethering functionality (iPhone)
So, AT&T has just been delivered the new firmware from Dell. They now need to make all these modifications to the new firmware. Notice how all these modifications are BAD. Seriously, the only good modifications I've ever seen are having app store purchases linked directly to your monthly bill and having visual voicemail on a T-mobile phone.
The way to get around this is to go with a T-Mobile Even More Plus plan. It is cheaper and you provide your own phone. Then buy the european unlocked version. You will constantly have the most firmware, and your device will not have had a carrier's paws on it.
@hexpoll I agree. I'm just wondering if there is any way around,besides using the at&t CM software to use the Xperia X10 as a portable modem? I'm using my C905a with SE's PC Suite software that allows me to use the phone as a modem without having to down at&t's software. And yes,I have unlimited data plus at&t nav. bundle.
Why is Jason on every post this morning?
@steakman
date...
@steakman
friday the 13th
'Tis Friday the 13th.
im scared, in most of the posts recently theres been some guy in a mask in the picture, texas chainsaw massacre or something? look in the centre of the galaxy
@Sealz oooo!! i get it, friday the thirteenth!!!
@Sealz
I don't see it - I think he must just be targeting you. If I was you, I'd bolt up all the doors and windows! =P
@wickywills Don't be ridiculous. Everyone knows that doors and windows don't stop Jason.
I would totally get this phone if it were 2.1. 1.6 just isn't going to cut it. That said.... it looks sexy. 5 inch screen is nothing to sneeze at, for sure.
@icepop77
though, its guaranteed to get 2.1 very soon, so it shouldnt stop you buying it :P
@HoldenMccrotch I'll just wait. I need native EAS support. Besides, I don't want all my EVO friends laughing at me with a 1.6 device ;)
Damn. It just got real.
It's a Jason black hole!!!!!!
anyone know if this has the hardware for wifi tethering?
I don't get it. Dell has been delaying and delaying this device for so long and now they could not even delay it for a few more days to have an official 2.1 update OTB. They will still give early adopters to say "What have I done getting this device." Not to mention the bad reviews it will get since the reviewer will have it on 1.6. Sometimes the first impressions is what make people buy stuff. I hope they will not do this with the Thunder.
Just my 2 cents.
I don't even like Android and I still think it's really pathetic to sell a new device with 1.6. They should be stabbed, shot, stabbed again, and thrown off a mountain. Why bother putting it out?!
Android question for ya all.
Was just on the Xperia X1 site, sombody there was saying they couldn't set their own message alert tone or use their own Mp3 as a ringtone? Is this the case? I'm used to this kind of crap with my iPhone, but I assumed Android was open and user-configurable?
I miss my CTU message alert tone :(
@OrsonX
PS: they were discussing their X10, not the X1