I’ve got a couple pieces of good news for you. Up until now, the only place you could get a taste of Android 2.0 (affectionately called Eclair) was the recently released Motorola DROID. But if you weren’t one of the estimated 100,000+ customers who picked up the new device, or you’re hanging on to one of those older models, then the latest update to the Android system has been out of reach. But that’s just not the case anymore. As of last night, some time around sun down, Google unceremoniously released the source code to their latest version of the Operating System.
That gets the first part out of the way. The second part is probably better news for a lot of people out there: Cyanogen, the master hacker leading the way for rooted Android phones all over the place, has managed to get the shiny new update up and running on his T-Mobile G1. The screenshot shown here is the first-ever screenshot of Eclair running on the G1. Cyanogen posted it via Twitter (isn’t that how everything gets outed now-a-days?), along with some regular updates about the updated OS running on his device.
I haven’t rooted my HTC Hero, but I’ve definitely thought about it. Having to wait for HTC on anything is almost unbearable, especially considering how tight-lipped they are about their forthcoming software releases. What I do like about Cyanogen’s posts on Twitter, is that from the start he projects that the system is running relatively terrible because it is a basic build, but within two hours of that post, he’s got everything running “really well, fast and smooth”. One big exception is that audio and video isn’t working. Of course, it won’t be long before all of that gets ironed out, and the kinks are far removed.
Hurry up and wait. It’s a slogan I learned well over the years, and in the case of software updates, it’s an unwritten rule. I’m excited that Cyanogen was able to do such a great job, and so quickly at that, and I can’t wait to see what he has forthcoming. No real word yet as to when the customized variation will be available, but it probably won’t be long. And of course, you’ll have to be willing to root (or hack) your phone, if you haven’t already.
![Rumor: Verizon’s Nexus One only sold online, has Sense UI? [UPDATE]](http://androinica.com/wp-content/themes/freshnews/thumb.php?src=/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/nexus-one-verizon.jpg&h=28&w=28&zc=1&q=80)
![HootSuite for Android balances heavy features and light loading times [Video app review]](http://androinica.com/wp-content/themes/freshnews/thumb.php?src=/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/0.jpg&h=28&w=28&zc=1&q=80)
November 14th, 2009 at 9:05 am
I have a HTC Hero too (which I’m very happy with), and I keep hearing mention of ‘rooting’. What actually is rooting ur phone. Why might I want to – ie; what are the advantages? Are there any disadvantages/reasons not to root?
Would appreciate any advice.
Thanks.
November 14th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
I am aware of the advantages (i.e., applications install to SD, not having to wait for t-mobile to push the latest build ota, etc…) but I don't know the list of disadvantages. Will someone list some out for us?
November 14th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Here's an article explaining root. It's taken from our Beginner's Guide to Android (click on in the navigation menu)
http://androinica.com/2009/09/08/how-to-understan...
Disadvantages to rooting are: It voids your warranty, a mistake could potentially destroy your phone beyond repair (brick), and you have to spend more time keeping up with ROMS to make sure you have a stable version. Loading SOME roms also causes the phone to lose support for some features like Bluetooth or Wifi.
November 14th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
The biggest disadvantage I can think of is if Cyanogen decides to give it up – does scare me a bit.
You can also risk bricking your phone, and he is also pushing the phone further than it was originally intended (definitely in case of G1 – but then it only has to last 2 years in most cases).
You do also hit the odd bug but not too bad – also tend to update a lot more which sometimes can get a bit painful but is optional.
Also a bit of pain when first root as have to reload phone from scratch – but MyBackups and similar packages can lessen the pain.
Advantages – depending on phone can be numerous – main ones I have noticed are as follows:
1. Seems to work better than the official – smother and quicker.
2. get new features sooner than official – i.e. have had multi-touch browser for a couple of months now.
3. Lots of added features that really improve phone – i.e. improved bluetooth – browser etc.
4. Has his own update ota software which does make whole process very easy once rooted.
5. Biggest one is that I have over 80 apps on my G1 now including some apps and games which are over 4.5mb – considering that G1 only has 74mb and needs about 25mb free to run smoothly this makes it a very big Have to for the G1 – and of course it does mean that can also run the voice apps etc and if cyanogen keeps it up it does mean there is the space available to ensure the phone is future proofed.
November 14th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
The other thing I would add to Jaam's post is that you get tethering on your phone, which is lovely if you are travelling.
November 15th, 2009 at 2:12 am
Thank you that is very helpful!
January 8th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
what is " tethering "…..please answer lol