At the end of July, it was revealed that Android 2.2 FroYo would be coming to Europe’s HTC devices, but would only be available to non-carrier specific smartphones. Since then Vodafone have rolled out their update making Desire fans very happy… or are they?
Froyo is the new version of Android’s OS, bringing many substantial upgrades, updates and features. But as Vodafone users found out, they discovered that the carrier had customized the new OS to their liking.
Vodafone decided it would be a good idea to bring a new splash screen, changes the users homepage to Vodafone 360 and adds lots of new bookmarks. But the major thing being a new music shop and Vodafone 360 features that can not be removed by the user.
Customer complaints ensued, but Vodafone backed up their argument saying that these are services that are provided to make their experience better with services they need.
“We customise phone software to optimise customers’ experience of the device on the Vodafone network and to enable access to our services … In other instances, our customisation is more extensive such as the preloading of services (People, My Web, 360 Shop, etc), but this varies from device to device.” This response was posted on a forum where most of the complaints were noted.
Vodafone is not the only carrier to change the Android 2.2 OS to their liking, as Orange have also done the same changing the homepage and adding a couple of demo games. The difference being that these changes can infact be removed and changed.
Customers who do not like the additions within the Froyo update on Vodafone have found ways to install the OS without the relevant branding from the carrier, although the instructions that are provided here are to be done with your own risk.
The only reason it seems that Vodafone have done this is to promote the 360 service, something not everyone wants on their device.
But what is with the bookmark additions of Flirtomatic and Match.com? Do Vodafone think the majority of their users are single geeks who frequently use their phone to arrange dates using an online website? I’ll leave that last question with you.
Do the preloaded features with the new Vodafone Android update annoy you? What are you going to do about it?
UPDATE: It has since been confirmed that the new update for the HTC Desire is not Android 2.2 FroYo, and is infact an update of 2.1 Eclair from Vodafone. The update comes with the extra features, changes and specific 360 inclusions..
Source: The Register
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