What a shocker – Sony Ericsson manages to make the updating process of their X10 device even slower. And let’s not forget that you’re only going to get Android 2.1 (Eclair), which should be long after Android 2.3 Gingerbread has been announced.
SE tries to imply that there is a issue with AT&T’s network, which could be true somewhat, but that’s like a drop in the water compared to the utter failure their update process has been so far. SE is starting to be left behind even LG. This is all because of their stubbornness to not use stock Android, but a highly modified version of Android that is setting them back a year before everyone else in the updating process. I wonder how long they think they can keep this up.
I’m starting to think that they might not have a manufacturing problem, as I originally thought, that’s making them release phones with obsolete specs in launch day. The problem might come from the fact that it takes too long to make the software for the phone. So even if the phone is ready months before the launch, they still wait to finish their customized version of Android. Too bad. Their competitors will leave them biting the dust if they keep it up.
There’s some good news, too. There’s already a custom ROM with Android 2.2 (Froyo) around, so instead of waiting many more weeks or months to get your Android 2.1, you can get Android 2.2 right now. Be warned, however, that it’s not fully functional yet. Here’s what’s working and what’s not:
Working:
- Flashable onto device
- Root achieved
- Backlight
- 2D
- 3D
- Power management
- G sensor
- ADB enabled at boot (usefull for debuging)
- GPS
- GSM
- WIFI
- Camera
- Bluetooth
- 3G data conection – new
- Audio – fixed
- HDPI
- Video playback (RockPlayer included)
- Audio player (RockPlayer included/download PowerAMP from market)
Not working:
- Video playback
- Phone dial out loop
- Black/white camera mode
- Codec’s are messed up
There is also an Android 2.1 custom ROM that you can try. It might not be the best experience for your phone, but you can give it a shot. Find out how to install it on a rooted phone at XDA-Developers.