• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Rogers Dream 1.6 Update

I just spoke to a co-worker and he just got the HTC Magic about 5 days ago. It sounds like some retailers are still grossly misinformed about the update issue. He got his phone from a Future Shop in Ottawa.(I'm not sure which one) He stated the salesperson there told him that "The phone will be updated soon so that you will be able to get turn by turn directions from your GPS".
I don't think he was too impressed when I pointed out iwantmyonepointsix.com to him. I think he may try to return the phone.
I'd like to say that Rogers should ensure that those retailers that sell phones on their behalf are giving consumers correct information, but who are we kidding. Most of the time Rogers own employees don't even have the correct information.
 
For what its worth here's what I've sent to HTC and Rogers

Hello,

As background I have been using wireless data devices (primarily the Blackberry platform) for over 10 years enjoy using the newest technology available. Thats why I was so excited to purchase the HTC Dream from Rogers Wireless. Unfortunately I didn't do enough research and have just recently found out about the dispute that seems to be going on between HTC and Rogers over release of future Android OS for the Dream. Now frankly I couldn't care if its an HTC or a Rogers issue but what has effectively occurred is the user community being screwed into being tied to a closed platform. As I'm sure you're well aware one of the compelling reasons to purchase an Android device is for the supposed "open" environment that should allow for quicker and more diverse application and OS development. Its completely unacceptable that Rogers customers are being given second class treatment. Safe to say that unless this is corrected and future OS upgrades for Rogers/HTC customers are made available on the same time line as the rest of the market this will be the last time I do business with either company.

Regards,

xxx

Hello,

I'm a recent Rogers Wireless customer and despite my first impressions (which were wonderful) I now feel very let down and deceived. I purchased the HTC Dream specifically because it was based on the Android operating system and that it would provide access to the COMPLETE Android Apps Market. Before signing the contract I asked the sales person several times if I'd be able to upgrade the operating system making specific mention to version 1.6. Each time I was assured that yes this is "an open platform" and "Rogers is the best at keeping their customers current". Now it turns out that is the furthest from reality and like every other Rogers customer with the HTC Dream I'm stuck with a limiting operating system and access to only a small portion of the Android applications. After reading various online blogs it would seem as though this is an issue of Rogers pointing the finger at HTC and HTC pointing the finger at Rogers. Either someone isn't going to develop future OS's or someone isn't going to pay for them. Frankly, I don't care. Regardless of the situation you're screwing your customers and thats unacceptable. I was with Bell Mobility for just over 10 years with a monthly bill of ~$130. I was a loyal customer and only switched when they showed that they weren't interested in keeping me as a customer. Please show that you're better then the competition and do the right thing.

Regards,

xxx

thanks to everyone else who's in the same boat and won't let this rest!
 
as expected received the generic PFO reply from HTC:

Thank you for contacting HTC HTC is not currently planning any Android 1.6 upgrades for Rogers Dream or Magic. Android 1.6 was only made available for
 
This should hit the fan now.
Mary, look how T-mobile lead by example :P
G1 to get an Android Update!

Techie Buzz - ‎14 hours ago‎
It might be Android 2.0.1 most probably but can go no less than 2.0. OTA versions for both of these OS have been prepared. Some people seriously doubt G1's ...

Android G1 to get official version update

Fone Arena (blog) - ‎8 hours ago‎
The phone that brought Android to the forefront, T-Mobile G1 gets a second lease of life with confirmed reports of Android 2.0 or 2.1 update over-the-air ...

Rumor du Jour: G1 to Get Android 2.0 (Or Higher)

AndroidGuys (blog) - ‎4 hours ago‎
AndroidSPIN is reporting that the T-Mobile G1 will be updated to Android 2.0/2.01 in the near future. There's no mention of how or where the news comes from ...
Android 2.0 Coming to T-Mobile G1 [RUMOR] Mashable (blog)

Android 2.0 Coming to the T-Mobile G1? smartphones.about.com (blog)

Android 2.0 update for T-Mobile G1? Daily Contributor

Brighthand

This may be old news now (I am still catching up on the posts) but not only is it confirmed for the G1, but the Hero is also getting an update in this U.S.

HTC Here and Samsung Moment updated to Android 2.x

Happy New Year everyone!
 
Do not sign any contracts with Rogers, Do not pay more than $20 / mnth for 6GB.

ROGERS Caveat emptor


I am paying $30.00 per month for 6GB. Are you sure about this? Can you scan/attach that portion of your monthly bill for the rest of us please.

Here is a copy of my monthly payments to Rogers:
Dec 04 - Jan 03 250/Unlimited Eve/Wkds Plan................20.00
Data Service Plan 6GB...............................................30.00
Value Pack..............................................................12.00
6PM Early Eve. Calling Option.......................................5.00
Rogers to Rogers Calling..............................................5.00
Savings: Rogers to Rogers 3Yr Bonus............................-5.00
Tethering Access.......................................................0.00
9-1-1 Emergency Access Fee.......................................0.50
System Access Fee....................................................6.95


Total = $75.45 every month for one of two phones (and I KNOW THIS IS NOT A GOOD VALUE!)
 
I am now out of patience with Rogers and Android!

Recently, my wife was in a bad car accident and was not able to reach me.

She could not reach me due to the fact that my phone suffers from a well-known OS 1.5 issue, where the phone does not re-acquire a radio signal after losing it.

Issue 2845 - android - After Losing Signal Phone Doesn't Try To Reacquire it - Project Hosting on Google Code

This problem is consistent on nearly every work day. There is a 4-7 minute period where I lose the Rogers radio signal when entering Grandville Station by Skytrain (in Vancouver). Often, I do not notice that my phone failed to re-acquire the signal for much of the day. I should not have to concern myself with such a fundamental aspect of a cell phone.

This problem (and other bugs), and potential life threatening situations marks the end of this utter nonsense! :mad:

One way or another, I am getting a better working phone (i.e. iPhone) within the next month.

Why don't I just root the phone? Doing so will void the phone and may jeopardize my chances of replacing the phone with an alternate phone! Besides, one should NOT have to root/mod a phone just to get basic phone functionality!

So considering the life threatening situation a member of my family was just involved in, people (like Rogers Mary) who say, "We believe that Android 1.5 is a stable and reliable software platform that delivers a terrific user experience"
.... uh you know what you (and your ilk) can do with your tweets and canned statements! :mad: :mad: :mad:

*****
BTW, I will let everyone know how I make out with Rogers and especially if I find any loopholes!
 
CONTACT INFO FOR HTC

I have a mission for everyone here willing to help. I've been trying the last few days to find email addresses for HTC Management in North America, and in Taiwan, but so far with no success. I've found someone in the XDA forums who has been in contact with this man, Jason B. Mackenzie (VP Marketing N.A.), and I have emailed him/her to ask for the email addy.

In the mean time, if anyone else can find some of this info it will help us to include HTC more in our online campaign.
 
CONTACT INFO FOR HTC

I have a mission for everyone here willing to help. I've been trying the last few days to find email addresses for HTC Management in North America, and in Taiwan, but so far with no success. I've found someone in the XDA forums who has been in contact with this man, Jason B. Mackenzie (VP Marketing N.A.), and I have emailed him/her to ask for the email addy.

In the mean time, if anyone else can find some of this info it will help us to include HTC more in our online campaign.

There is this page at HTC site if anybody wan't to start emailing HTC about 1.6 but as for management, I've not been able to find anything either.
 
I just sent this off via HTC page that I posted above, I don't expect to hear anything positive, but I just want them to know that we haven't forget them. ;-)

Now that HTC has determined that they will not be supporting Android 1.6 for the Rogers Dream or Magic phones, or I believe any of HTC branded devices, I'm wondering.

Is there any possibility of a 2.x version being made available for them?

I know that HTC us currently working on a 2.x version for the HTC HERO on Telus network and I'm hopping that your company doesn't forget your earliest Android adopters in Canada.

Looking forward to a positive answer.

Android 1.5 user.
Don Rayner
 
I sent an email through the usual HTC email form and specifically asked that they not send a canned PR response, and that they elevate my email.

Here is the response I got:

"Hello Michael,

I understand your position here, needing a newer version of the Android operating system for certain applications. However, the information that you have read on the subject is the only information available; the decision to bring an update or an upgrade to market is made collaboratively with our carrier partners.

HTC and Rogers will shortly be releasing updates to both Dream and Magic that address several issues and provide enhancements to the user experience. These will remain on the Android 1.5 platform. We believe that Android 1.5 is a stable and reliable software platform that delivers a terrific user experience. I realize that this is the response that you do not want to hear, but I have in fact read your email.

I would like to break down the standard response a bit further. Inasmuch as the decision is made "collaboratively", in all situations regarding ROM updates the carriers have the final sayso as to whether or not an update will be released. I will forward this email to our Feedback department as well; in this way, the issue can be brought up for further review and internal discussion. I do apologize that there is not any further information available at this time.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us again. You can find additional support at our user forum HTC Smartphone Wiki - HTC. There is also a customer satisfaction survey for you to take if you are interested.

Philip
HTC Technical Support"

I have italicized and bolded two portions of Philip's response. Note the second part where we have another HTC person saying as recently as 01/03/2010 that it is Rogers who have the final say on these things.
 
I sent an email through the usual HTC email form and specifically asked that they not send a canned PR response, and that they elevate my email.

Here is the response I got:

"Hello Michael,

I understand your position here, needing a newer version of the Android operating system for certain applications. However, the information that you have read on the subject is the only information available; the decision to bring an update or an upgrade to market is made collaboratively with our carrier partners.

HTC and Rogers will shortly be releasing updates to both Dream and Magic that address several issues and provide enhancements to the user experience. These will remain on the Android 1.5 platform. We believe that Android 1.5 is a stable and reliable software platform that delivers a terrific user experience. I realize that this is the response that you do not want to hear, but I have in fact read your email.

I would like to break down the standard response a bit further. Inasmuch as the decision is made "collaboratively", in all situations regarding ROM updates the carriers have the final sayso as to whether or not an update will be released. I will forward this email to our Feedback department as well; in this way, the issue can be brought up for further review and internal discussion. I do apologize that there is not any further information available at this time.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us again. You can find additional support at our user forum HTC Smartphone Wiki - HTC. There is also a customer satisfaction survey for you to take if you are interested.

Philip
HTC Technical Support"

I have italicized and bolded two portions of Philip's response. Note the second part where we have another HTC person saying as recently as 01/03/2010 that it is Rogers who have the final say on these things.

Took Philip a lot of words to say SFA ;-)
 
So I was able to get some HTC email addresses. Here is the email I just sent. We'll see how quickly, or if, they respond.

"Dear Mr. Mackenzie,

I am writing to you about the HTC Magic & Dream phones your company produced and sold together with Rogers Wireless to Canadians who were misled into believing they were buying cutting-edge Android phones that would be supported on an ongoing basis, specifically with version 1.6 of the Android OS.

I am a part of a very large and growing group of very angry Rogers customers. We began contacting Rogers and HTC in October of 2009 when it was reported that Android 1.6 was being released OTA (Over the air) to customers in the USA and around the world. We were told by HTC that Rogers was responsible for requesting the update from HTC, and that to that point no request had been made. When we contacted Rogers, we received a number of different responses. We were told the update would be coming at the end of October, then it was the end of November. Some Rogers customer service reps (CSRs) told us we could even download 1.6 right away from the Rogers web site. This, of course, was not true. They were sending us to the bug fix/security update for 1.5.

In November of 2009 many of us elevated the issue to Rogers' Office of the President (OotP). I personally spoke with a woman named Sherry on three separate occasions. She had to bring in her "tier-2" support just to find out from the HTC site whether or not an update was available. (This was before HTC updated their web site to say that there were no plans for an update to 1.6). Sherry assured me that Rogers would be receiving the 1.6 update from HTC by the end of December for "testing and evaluation" and that we might receive the update in the new year.

Late in December many of us were informed by Mr. Brian Szeto of Rogers OotP, and by Mary Pretotto (@RogersMary on Twitter) that the official response from HTC was that HTC had no plans to provide an update to Android 1.6 for the Rogers HTC Magic and the HTC Dream, and that HTC feels that 1.5 is a "reliable and stable" OS that provides "A great customer experience". We were also informed that the misinformation about the nature of the relationship between Rogers and HTC (that Rogers would have to request an update) was traced to one HTC support person who had since been "corrected", and that the members of Rogers OotP who had told us Rogers was getting an update for testing and evaluation were "confused" between 1.5 and 1.6.

The last we have been told by HTC and Rogers, is that Rogers and HTC are working on updates to 1.5 that will "address several issues and provide enhancements to the user experience", and that HTC is "investigating options" regarding 1.6.

As a community of Canadian HTC Android phone owners, we are not happy. Our "user experience" and our opinion of HTC has been extremely diminished as a result of this fiasco. Quite simply, we feel we were misled into buying these phones under the belief that we would be getting the same important OS updates that other users around the world were getting. As recently as Christmas Eve sales clerks were informing customers that if they purchased the Rogers HTC Magic they would definitely be able to get the update to Android 1.6 (this happened to ME so I know it to be true).

Regardless of how wonderful HTC might feel Android 1.5 is, we disagree, and with good reason. Android 1.6 provides many new features and functionality not available in 1.5. Perhaps more importantly, app developers have begun creating apps that require Android 1.6 or above in order to function! That means, simply, that we can not use these apps! It is important to note that if a dev can not make their existing 1.5 apps backwards compatible (when upgrading them for 1.6) those apps disappear from the Android Market Place. Thus is is entirely possible that within a year Rogers Android customers will not be able to download apps! Our phones are becoming obsolete, sir, and you can bet that we would not be buying a new phone from HTC!

We have been made to understand that US customers of T-Mobile received their update to 1.6 directly from Google, because their phones were not carrier branded, but were "Google experience" phones, and thus HTC had nothing to do with it. We also know that HTC modified Android 1.5 specifically for Rogers, and this appears to be the crux of the matter. Any update to 1.6 would require more customization.

There continues to be confusion regarding who is responsible for providing an update. Rogers claims that they have officially asked HTC for an update, but that HTC says they have no plans to provide an update. Conversely we have heard from HTC that it is up to Rogers (the carrier) to request an update, and that Rogers has the final say in whether or not any update is released.

Can you please clarify for us, who is responsible for releasing Android 1.6 to Rogers customers? Why won't HTC supply it to us, or to Rogers? Would Rogers have to pay HTC for an update to Android 1.6? Why won't HTC create the Android 1.6 update for the Rogers HTC Magic & Dream?

As a community we have created a number of online resources, the purpose of which is to insure that potential customers know the truth and can make an informed decision regarding whether or not to purchase an HTC Android phone (or indeed any HTC phone) from Rogers, or any other Canadian carrier. We have a very active forum community, blogs dedicated to the issue, and we are in constant contact with various online media. Already our cause has been reported on by numerous influential technology and cell phone blogs, and a search on Google for the terms "Rogers, Android, HTC Magic, HTC Dream, or 1.6" will uncover very quickly these resources.

Please do not respond to me with canned PR responses or marketing drivel. Don't insult me with vague promises. We know 1.6 exists, we know it works on these specific phones (Rogers HTC Magic & Dream) because some people have already rooted them to run 1.6. We will continue to do whatever we can online, and by contacting larger media sources, to embarrass HTC and Rogers with the truth until we are provided with an update to Android 1.6. Anything less is just shameless and poor customer service on the part of HTC and Rogers.

Your truly,

Michael Schmidt
I Want My One Point Six - Demanding Android 1.6 for our Rogers HTC Magic & Dream, and LG Eve Phones
http://androidforums.com/rogers/10647-rogers-dream-1-6-update.html"
 
We know 1.6 exists, we know it works on these specific phones (Rogers HTC Magic & Dream) because some people have already rooted them to run 1.6.
Like me. 1.6 works great and certainly better than the Rogers/HTC version of 1.5. In fact I just did a minor rev update. I don't miss those little red rogers icons one bit...
 
I've been following this thread since the early beginning and felt it was time to share my story.

I bought myself and my wife the Dream through Rogers. This is my first cell phone for a few reasons 1) I always felt the monthly cost was too high 2) I hate talking on the phone.

But then this is more then just a phone so I was quite excited when Rogers made it available and was willing to pay for the $90/month family plan to own these phones.

I choose this phone because I felt Android would be the future of smart phones; I wanted to be on the cutting edge of technology. Unfortunately thanks to Rogers and HTC the phone is already out of date after a few months of ownership... how out of date will it be when my contract ends in 2.5 years?

My first cell phone experience has been a huge let down. I specifically asked about the system access fee and was told it was a one time thing by the Rogers sales person. I was also expecting Rogers to support my phone. Both of which weren't the case.

I'm going to be taking a few things away from my first experience:

1. Don't go with Rogers again. They lie to get the sale and don't support their phones.

2. Don't take what the carrier advertises at face value. I was mislead into thinking I'd be paying $90/month but wound up paying $140/month. This is a $600/year difference... quite large if you ask me for an unsupported phone.

3. Buy an unlocked phone (Nexus One anyone?). Yes it costs more up front, but then you have choice in your carrier and won't be locked into a contract. And as an added bonus the phone will be supported.

I find it extremely sad that all these Android modders, whom are doing it for free, provide better and faster support to our phones then Rogers and HTC. Whilst I pay $140/month for outdated phones.

I'm very disappointed with Rogers and HTC and will not be recommending either.

At this point my only option is to root it.

I can't wait to see what happens with WIND. I'm hoping the added competition will be a boon for all cell phone users.
 
I sent an email through the usual HTC email form and specifically asked that they not send a canned PR response, and that they elevate my email.

Here is the response I got:

"Hello Michael,

I understand your position here, needing a newer version of the Android operating system for certain applications. However, the information that you have read on the subject is the only information available; the decision to bring an update or an upgrade to market is made collaboratively with our carrier partners.

HTC and Rogers will shortly be releasing updates to both Dream and Magic that address several issues and provide enhancements to the user experience. These will remain on the Android 1.5 platform. We believe that Android 1.5 is a stable and reliable software platform that delivers a terrific user experience. I realize that this is the response that you do not want to hear, but I have in fact read your email.

.

Well, I believe that is the sense update that HTC has been distributing, beginning in Taiwan, since last November.
AFAIK, HTC has always stated that it won't update its own branded Magics beyond 1.5. But then, I hope with all this outcry, it may change its view. Otherwise, it will find that customers are wise enough and won't buy any HTC Android phone unless it is "Google" branded.
 
Hello guys,

I have been watching this thread like many others for quite some time now and have read it from page one. I too was sucked into buying an HTC Dream only to find out a week later that I was ripped off. I really appreciate all of you who have been making
an effort to get our updates.
 
This has been a very interesting form in your attempts to get Rogers to cave into demands to provide the newest OS for the Android phones.
I support all that everyone has done to apply pressure to Rogers.

Unfortunatly, all your efforts may fall on deaf ears, I hope they dont, but history shows that it will.

But some of you may not agree, but I strongly suggest that you direct just as many comments towards the CRTC. For every one comment you make directly to Rogers and HTC, make two towards the CRTC.

Currently the CRTC is frustrated by the recent squables in the TV/broadcasters wars, which has drawn the average Canadian consumer into the middle. A matter which should not have brought the consumer into the mix. So strike one, the CRTC is not please with these guys, and they include Rogers, same Copr operation, just a different operating business line.

Now we have the Gov of Canada who recently overuled the CRTC and agreed to allow another cell phone provider to enter the Canadian market. Why do you think that is? We have a small market but pay the highest per cell phone rate in the world, and get some of the worst support and technology up dates. And yes I know this as a fact from my extensive travel around the globe. Do you think the Gov of Canada and the CRTC have had enough of these guys? YES I DO.

And now is the time, from the information that this forum has compiled to move with a striking blow towards the CRTC and Members of Parliment. Politicians dont like discomfort, as it causes them a possible loss of votes.

So although you may not agree by getting your local MP and CRTC involved, political pressure does go a long way in making these large multi national firms to comply.

keep up the good work, and DONT stop the pressure on any of the wireless companies. Rogers is in good company with Telus and Bell.

FYI - funny how monopolies are not allowed in Canadian business, but yet we see these companies with almost the same operating principals, policies and business models. Do you think they are having regular back room meetings? do you think their respective CEO's attend the same clubs, eat at the same establishments? Yeah you bet that happens!
 
Recently, my wife was in a bad car accident and was not able to reach me.

She could not reach me due to the fact that my phone suffers from a well-known OS 1.5 issue, where the phone does not re-acquire a radio signal after losing it.

sconnelly,
are you running the build that is posted here (HTC Mobile Phone Support - HTC Dream? (Rogers) - Downloads

Santa brought one of these suckers for my wife and she never had a problem you describe. I did the microwave test last night and confirm that her phone running the build above picks up a connection after it is lost.
 
Initially I had the same problem as sconnelly, but after doing a full ROM wipe and fresh install of the latest ROM available from HTC for the Magic, the phone reacquires signal quickly when I go in and come out of an elevator, for example.
 
HTC finally post something on Twitter. Go tweet them

Hopefully everyone had a great close to 2009! Amazing to think it has only been 5 days... 4 minutes ago from web

Demand update for dream and magic
 
Hey guys,

Just stumbled across this forum today and wanted to show some support for what you guys are trying to do.

I bought my HTC Magic in June 2009, the day they were released in Alberta, Canada. This was the first smartphone I have ever bought. I checked back with a Rogers store all morning until they finally received their shipment of Magics. Unfortunately for me, I was told that I was not eligible for a discount towards an upgrade. I had only about 6 months remaining on my current contract so I opted to re-sign for a new 3 year contract so I could get the Magic. For whatever reason, Rogers would not give me a the discounted price of $199 for signing the 3 year deal. The Rogers rep did manage to get me a $50 mail in rebate though.

Yep. I paid $550 for HTC Magic.

Minus the $50 rebate of course.

At the time, I thought I was getting a cutting edge smartphone that would get continuous updates and improvements that would rival the almighty iphone. I was happy with my purchase. Until...

First, I noticed the paid apps were missing. I went through the same routine as so many of you here and got a response telling me that Rogers was working towards providing the service. I decided to be patient and give Rogers the benefit of the doubt. In time though I emailed again and was told Rogers did not know when or if this service would be made available. Lastly with the 1.6 update released I emailed them again in mid December and received the same run around as everyone else.

I am at least relieved to see was not the only one going through this ordeal. Now after reading through this forum I feel thoroughly, genuinely and utterly ripped off my Rogers and HTC.

Especially now that the Magic costs about as much as 2 tickets for IMAX Avatar and a popcorn combo.

What you guys are doing is great and I hope more people join in to spread the word about this epic blunder.
 
Back
Top Bottom