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07 July 2011, 11:47

Cell phone carrier provides its own Android update

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XT720 picture
Zoom The Milestone XT720 gets a Froyo update
Source: Motorola
The US mobile operator Cincinnati Bell has released an update for Motorola's Milestone XT720 Android smartphone, and created a small sensation in the process. This is because the update to Android 2.2 "Froyo" is not from Motorola but is a custom ROM. To install it, it is necessary to root the phone to get free access to protected system files, but this will invalidate the warranty from the manufacturer; however Cincinnati Bell says that it will take over warranty service for the phone after the update.

On its web site are the software package, detailed instructions and a video. Once installed, Android 2.2 functions such as tethering and the installation of apps to the SD card are available. Unlike previous custom ROMS, access to the Android market and the other Google Apps appears to have been maintained.

Typically, new versions of Android for smartphones and tablets are adapted and equipped with the manufacturer's own user interfaces and other customisations, which can delay the release of updates. It also means that some of the latest models of Android smartphones do not have the current version of Android. Worse still, as in the case of the XT720, the manufacturer announces they will not be upgrading at all; the official XT720 is stuck at Android 2.1 and Motorola does not plan to update it.

(djwm)

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