Smartphones getting the Gingerbread update
Update:
May 30, 2011: HTC has started to roll out updates for the Desire HD and Incredible S in Southeast Asia. Click here for details. We have also added information about the Motorola Atrix in the article.Besides these models, there are others that ship with Android 2.2 (Froyo) but will enjoy free updates from their respective manufacturers to Gingerbread. Categorized according to brands, we have listed the smartphones we know will be getting such an upgrade.
If your Froyo-based phone is not on the list, don't be too disappointed. Gingerbread gives a number of user enhancements such as user interface refinements, a better default onscreen keyboard and native support for a front-facing camera. However, the jump from Froyo to Gingerbread isn't as significant as the previous transition from Android 2.1 (Eclair) to Froyo. That earlier revision gave users drastically improved CPU performance and a portable hotspot feature for sharing the phone's cellular connection with another device.
Motorola
Atrix: Motorola recently launched the Atrix in Asia and it will ship with Android 2.2. The company stated that an upgrade to Gingerbread is forthcoming but declined to comment when that will happen. A spokesperson did affirm that Motorola's software updates will start rolling out from the US first, so we will have to wait for news from North America before Asia gets 2.3 for the Atrix.HTC
Desire, Desire HD, Desire Z, Incredible S: The Taiwan-based company announced last month that it will update these models to Android 2.3. That's good news, especially for Desire owners, since that model is already quite old. This will be rolled out in Q2, which means we should see it before the end of June.
LG
Optimus One, Optimus 3D, Optimus 2X: LG has committed to bringing Gingerbread to its three Froyo models. What's interesting is that the Optimus One is a budget model with low-end specifications, making it possibly the cheapest smartphone you can buy with Android 2.3. However, the company has not given a date for the upgrade, though some reports online are suggesting it could come between July and September.Samsung
Galaxy S: Samsung's current flagship Android phone will be succeeded by the Galaxy S II. However, the company will still update the Galaxy S to Android 2.3. Although the chaebol hasn't set a date for the update, last month's leak of a beta Gingerbread ROM for the S in Europe could mean a final version is near. We can only wait and see.
Sony Ericsson
Xperia X10: Sony Ericsson did an about-turn when it announced Android 2.3 for the X10. The Android 2.1 update was supposed to be the last one for this smartphone but out of the blue, the company announced Gingerbread for it on its official blog. The update is expected to arrive in late Q2 or early Q3. Click here for more details on that.
About the author
Editor John Chan's love for gadgets can be traced back to the days when he disassembled his toys and couldn't put them back together again. He practices great restraint in not opening up every review product that comes through the CNET Asia Labs, and before that, in his previous job at HardwareZone. He has reviewed items big and small, from mobile phones to projectors and feels everyone should carry a multitool at all times in case of MacGyver situations.
Latest comments
Desire HD update is out...
Why Samsung never include Galaxy tab 7"? Is it a hoax to get user to buy and ignore us? All tab user, i think we will not get the upgrade to even gingerbread. It time we decide the life for tab.
what about Galaxy Ace? there is already a leaked official 2.3 ROM for that ..
Any Gingerbread update for LG Optimus Black? I don't see it in the list.
Will there be Gingerbread update for the LG Optimus Black? It's not in this list.
What about Samsung Galaxy Tab? :(
ya, HTC Desire, already quite old?! I feel sad now... lolz... but hey, I'll be getting 2.3!
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