Well they only went and did it. Vodafone’s amazing decision to update the ageing HTC Magic to Android 2.2 was only officially announced two days ago after six months of teasing – and it’s already out and installed on elderly HTC Magics across the UK.
So let’s update the Eurodroid HTC Magic and see what it looks like.
This part was quite frustrating. The Eurodroid HQ is currently suffering a partial phone line failure, resulting in dial-up speed internet access. So it took 45 minutes to download the 42.5MB second part of the HTC Magic update.
But then, as ever, all was quickly forgotten. The Magic 2.2 update was amazingly painless for us, with our old phone keeping all its apps and details throughout the upgrade process.
New fonts, new browser, access to the new enhanced 2.2 versions of key Google apps – it’s amazing to see Android 2.2 running on the old Magic, which features a terribly old fashioned 528MHz Qualcomm processor and, in this Vodafone model’s case, less RAM than most Android phones.
Android 2.2 adds multitouch support to the phone in supported apps like the Browser and Gallery. It’s a bit slow on web pages as you might expect, but works. And the updated Android browser is a vast, vast improvement over the rather simple Android 1.6 model.
And look, new camera layout and options. Thanks for the new telephone, HTC and Google and Vodafone. If nothing else, you’ve certainly increased the Magic’s eBay resale value.
There’s no wireless hotspot option, but it’s OK as there’s the standard wired Tethering tool for sharing mobile web access via your laptop. Compared to what was available before on the Android 1.6 Magic (NOTHING) it’s a huge improvement.
Saving apps to SD card and shuffling them back to your phone again JUST FOR FUN works…
…as does the multitouch enabled modern Android photo gallery.
It’s an amazing improvement for the seemingly abandoned HTC Magic. Well done to everyone at Google/HTC/Vodafone and their associated contributors for making it happen. You’ve all been very brave and patient.
IN SUMMARY:
The HTC Magic still feels generally a little slow in operation compared to the new telephones, but it’s vastly more usable and functional than it was when running Android 1.6. Refreshed and made equal to one of today’s entry level Android phones, Magic users can now happily delay that next upgrade until well into 2011.
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Eric
/ December 16, 2010My Magic just got the update to 2.2.1.
Via Vodafone Germany.
Sam
/ December 16, 2010At least yours works Eric…
Mine isn’t working. It freezes constantly, lags constantly when it does decide to very slightly work. There is always a blank screen, my wall paper is there, nothing else…The phone then decides to switch itself off and back on again…nothing changes.
Infuriating? YES…
Mabb
/ December 16, 2010Mine is doing exactly the same it’s been like that for a few hours now, what are you doing to fix it? :(
I can’t even recieve texts or anything ;[
Eric
/ December 19, 2010Looks like I was lucky. It works just fine on my phone. I don’t know which revision it is, but I bought it about 11/09 so I guess it was a late model.
omar
/ December 24, 2011how ! i can’t make up gr8 !! could u help me !
Shannon
/ December 16, 2010Instantle regretting downloading this rubbish. phone is slower than ever, I can not get into my messaging and every page I am on has a ‘Android is ot responding’. I hope someone is reading this to FIX IT!!
Gary C
/ December 16, 2010Oh man, now I feel bad that mine just worked.
sophie
/ December 17, 2010Oh my god- this is NOT a helpful update- at all. I thought updates were meant to improve service, not slow it down and disable applications. This needs to sorted out now.. I am Not a happy customer
Swayme
/ December 17, 2010Uninstall a few apps to free up some memory. The Magic needs care.
lei
/ December 18, 2010Mine works really great.. Just what I’ve been waiting for.. I was use ADW launcher and themes before which makes the phone slower but this update is really great.. Vodafone Magic
xingsta
/ December 27, 2010the update would have been great if it worked!!!!!
Abby C
/ February 20, 2011Both me and my boyfriend, who have the magic have taken an instant dislike to this update. Our phones will turn off and on randomly, freeze, won’t respond, won’t load.
Heaven forbid I need to call 999 because it’ll never load the damn screen in time. Won’t even let me answer the phone 70% of the time now. This update is ridiculous. NOT happy customers.
Sameh albaz
/ August 24, 2011thankyo
robbie
/ October 5, 2011hey I’m live in the Philippines and my magic brought at Qatar, there will be an update for my magic? Is there other way to upgrade my phone?