OTA Updates UK

[PaulJRiley]

Ok, I have dug around alot and think I now understand how the OTA update procedure works, below is the process as I understand it;

1. Once the Google Android team have produced an update that has been tested and is ready for deployment they place it on a web server called android.clients.google.com/updates. The file itself is a zip file containing an update script and files.
2. The G1 phones requiring the update are sent a SMS text message notifying the update process on the phone that an update is available, and probably includes the name of the update file itself. The user does not see this SMS text message as the phone intercepts it and removes it from the received SMS message folder.
3. The phone then downloads the update over the internet and stores it in a temporary location on the phone.
4. The user will then get a message informing them that an update is available and giving them the opportunity to install the update at that time.
5. The phone goes into an update state, during which time the operating system is updated, before the phone then reboots.
6. Once the reboot is complete the phone will be at the new updated build version.

I summise that the process of sending the SMS text messages is in the control of T-Mobile and runs on receipt of a message from the Google build system, which means that the reason that some users (mainly in the UK) have not received any updates are one of the following;

1. The Google Android team are ignoring the UK market at present (Very bad descission as the number of mobile phones per head of population is the highest in the world).
2. The Google Android team can't get the fixes applied to the US version of Android to work in the UK version (oops).
3. The Google Android team aren't sending T-Mobile UK a signal informing them that an update is available (would have thought that they would have noticed this by now).
4. T-Mobile UK have not got the mechanism setup to send out bulk SMS text messages to their G1 users (probably had other things on their minds at the time, whats for lunch for example).
5. T-Mobile UK have chosen not to switch on the Update system for the UK (Just wait for the headlines in the papers about a flaky operating system).

What ever is the case, I would suggest that rather than posting a reply on one of the numerous user forums telling UK users that they must be cautious about use of the Internet via the phone (i.e. on your head be it), the same urgency that was shown by their sister company T-Mobile US should instead happen.

Please, Please, Please do not kill this wonderful phone while it's still in it's infancy.

[Greenie UK]

Well done on this Observation :D
Ive got a thread up at the moment too asking about this !
http://androidcommunity.com/forums/f41/will-uk-g1s-see-any-updates-6680/

you seem to be correct in saying that the UK market has kinda taken a backseat, which is lame, and also i cant understand why the 2 versions of the phone (US vs UK) have different builds, it would seem to make sense to integrate the same build into both of the phones which allows for easier updating and also ensures that all of the phones are at the same stage of development.

For now it seems, the UK G1 is miles behind that of the US, all due to the unavailability of the OTA's to UK !

[Ozzz]

i cant understand why the 2 versions of the phone (US vs UK) have different builds

The US and UK versions have different model numbers, if you look under the battery it'll say DREA100 or DREA110. I dunno what exactly the differences are, but that have something to do with the different build numbers.

[stryker]

UK/US phones will differ in hardware (only slightly) as one of quand band
frequencies used in the U.S is different from the UK/Europe.

However, I see no reason why the software differs so greatly.

[paranoidandroidz]

I did notice one thing, I have been periodically clicking the check for updates button in device info, it also states last checkin time, it is def checking for updates itself.

worryingly typing reboot works on uk phones 2 but wih no word of a patch grrr


offtopic

The disk that was supplied with the phone, what did yours contain?

I was told by the salesman in t-mobile that they allow tethering and there was software on the disk for it, however, my disk only contains the user manual. Anybody else got anything? UK user btw

[Ozzz]

there's a little way around the reboot problem, i think you type in cat(enter) it'll stop it till you reboot the phone.. if it keeps happening to you.

You could phone up t mobile and ask them why it does this, to try and get a patch hurried up but they'll probably say its a feature.

The disk i got with my phone only had the manual and get started guide.

[shroomling]

I'm a UK T-Mobile G1 user, running build number "kila_uk-user 1.0 TC5-RC7 112931" and I've had my phone reboot a number of times when typing that word in emails or text messages.

I have just finished a frustrating conversation with T-Mobile UK. I initially phoned to report this reboot problem and to ask when I can expect to receive an update. They were completely unaware of the problem and told me to contact the manufacturer (HTC).

I contacted HTC, only to be told "sorry sir, but we don't support that phone". I thought it a strange response seeming as it's /their/ phone. But anyway, I phoned T-Mobile technical support again.

This time, after telling them about HTC's response, they decided to let their technicians try it out. I gave detailed instructions about how to reproduce and about my concerns of other commands being executed. The instructions were given second hand to the technicians, so I don't know if any information was lost in translation. Their response was, we can't reproduce it, so you need to send your phone in for repair. The phone is 10 days old, they won't replace it, only repair it - apparently /legally/ they're only obliged to replace phones within 7 days of purchase.

I find it strange that they know nothing about the problem. I'm not sending the phone in for repair because I know it's not a physical fault, I'm going into the store where I bought it to discuss the issue with them. Otherwise I've resolved to phone back every other day to see what more information is available.

IMO, the situation is being poorly handled by T-Mobile UK.

[pllb]

I'm quite certain it's google who is responsible for the updates, at least that's what I've been led to believe by everyone here. Perhaps contacting Google UK will help? Worth a try anyhow.

[paranoidandroidz]

thanks for your response ozzz

it is a little concerning that we are the last to get these updates, as soon as I get an update i'll post here, it would be handy if there was a forum, or part of this forum just for UK users.

it seems quite silly to have two different versions of the software, has any UK user tried the sd card update? I was worried it would brick my phone seen as we are on different builds.


off topic

If I leave my fone on for two days without rebooting it, I completely lose any sort of mobile reception, my girlfriend is also on t-mobile and has full bars, possible interference u say, even when she's gone out, still no reception, as soon as I reboot, reception back and working fine, anybody else had anything like this? how often is everybody rebooting their phones?

[shroomling]

Thanks pllb, I'll see what more I can dig up then and report back.

[shroomling]

If I leave my fone on for two days without rebooting it, I completely lose any sort of mobile reception, my girlfriend is also on t-mobile and has full bars, possible interference u say, even when she's gone out, still no reception, as soon as I reboot, reception back and working fine, anybody else had anything like this? how often is everybody rebooting their phones?

I experience the same issue, but not necessarily after 2 days. It sometimes happens after being in an area with no signal (like the tube). I'm rebooting the phone almost everyday to cope with it. I understand there will be teething problems, so I haven't been too worried :) But then again, if I was relying on the phone for business (it's all personal for me), I'd probably be a bit more concerned.

Even though I've had a few complaints, I do still really love this device ;)

[PaulJRiley]

Update from another forum:

Just received this twitter message from a UK T-Mobile rep:

Quote:
The security patch is currently being tested for the UK. Aim to deliver over the air this month.This is high priority for us

[PaulJRiley]

Also:

I have just spoken with technical support in the UK this morning and the rep that I spoke to put me on hold for 5 mins.

When he came back he said that he'd checked and we should expect an update around the 12th-14th of November.

Let's wait and see!

[PaulJRiley]

Message posted on another forum:

Quote:

Robin from the Mobile Team Nov 10, 10:03 pm

Hello to all the UK users,

I'm impressed with all the good discussion over the weekend & I'd like
to address some of the questions:

- Yes a patch is still coming out, & will be pushed by Google as soon
as we can. We don't promise specific dates & times because anything
can happen at the last minute, and there's little worse than dashed
hopes.
We're working hard to get the UK patch out; the delay is not an
attempt to show favoritism or to ignore our friends across the pond! I
hear it's coming Very Soon.

- You'll notice that we use Groups for all of our products, not just
"peripherals". We're monitoring them closely & think it's fine to air
things publicly where everyone can weigh in, no matter if the comments
are positive or negative. The London Sales & Engineering Office won't
be able to assist you with these G1 questions; you can continue
posting questions here or sending them to T-Mobile.
Part of the joy of the open platform is that everyone has access to
the code, so Google doesn't become a bottleneck in the process. To be
clear, the only portion of the phone that Google is fully supporting
is the Android Market (which has it's own Help Forum & Help Center).

-Orlovsky - no need to remove your post, though I will mention that
this isn't the recommended way to get updates

Cheers,
Robin

On Nov 10, 9:09 am, Orlovsky wrote:

[paranoidandroidz]

hey shroomling thanks for your reply, I have to agree with you, a few complaints but the best dam phone i've ever had!

Good work Paul, hopefully we will get something through in the next few days then.

[magz]

I received an update this morning, Build now shows TC5-RC8

Anyone know what was done in this update?

[PaulJRiley]

Useful thing to know:

Quote:
I believe that you can check for upgrades by creating an AnyCut shortcut to "Device Info".

Scroll down to the bottom and hit "Check for Upgrade".

Mine isn't reporting any new pending updates yet though...

[pllb]

I think you have to type the name of upgrade before searching?

[paranoidandroidz]

"Users in the US already report receiving the update, and Google told the BBC that users in the UK should receive it by 12 November."

BBC Article

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7722367.stm

[PaulJRiley]

Although this doesn't show what is contained in a release build, or when we can expect it, the following URL does give you details of all the bugs that have been reported to the Android development team and comments made by the team. So, apart from the lack of updates, if there are any other bugs that you have found that haven't been reported you know where to report them to.

http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/list

[PaulJRiley]

Received update RC8 about 6.30 this morning. Next it's a case of identifying what the fixes are in this update. Initially I've noticed that the phone seems to be running a lot cooler, and hopefully the battery will last longer between charges. Also checked to see if the [enter]reboot[enter] problem has been fixed and can confirm that it has. If anybody else notices any other fixes could they please post it.

[paranoidandroidz]

I'm still waiting for my update, how did u receive it, was it downloaded via wifi or tmobile? was it via a text message? my reception seems to be very poor at the moment.

many thanks

[pickled]

It seems to have made my battery life worse. Before the update if I put the phone in standby it wouldnt't lose any battery,had two days on a full charge with a bit of wi-fi,gps and general browsing. Since the update it loses about 5% every half an hour in standby and is even worse,even on 2g web browsing. Doh!

[paranoidandroidz]

http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/13/korean-geniuses-invent-lithium-batteries-with-eight-times-the-ju/

no help for the present but theres soemthing to look forward2

[Tunster]

Courtesy of the guys at XDA-Developers, here's the link below...

https://android.clients.google.com/updates/signed-kila_uk-ota-116470-prereq.TC5-RC7.7a5a0178.zip

Anyone brave enough to update it manually? Not sure I am, even though I'm an IT Technician as a job :P.

[Tunster]

Getting mine now via Wi-Fi using the AnyCuts method....

Been trying it all day and had nothing. Ever so suddenly, it appeared!!!

[paranoidandroidz]

The link u gave is

TC5-RC7.7a5a0178.zip

Im on TC5-RC7 at mo

[paranoidandroidz]

cheers, just tried a manual update and its downloading, woohoo


I ve tried at least 9 times throughout the day

[Tunster]

The link u gave is

TC5-RC7.7a5a0178.zip

Im on TC5-RC7 at mo

That link is the update to RC8, it just says its the update from RC7. The 6 digit code "116470" gives it away as the build number. All done! I guess they send out updates section by section depending on what server you're connected to.

[paranoidandroidz]

cheers

thanks for the reminder, im in bristol btw

[Darrell]

Got Mine at 9.15 this Morning. I love the Graphics they use for updating.

[shroomling]

Got mine at 1am this morning. No I wasn't waiting up all night for it ;-)

[Tony_BG1UK]

Hi guys

I've had my G1 for about 2 weeks now. Loving everything but the battery life.

Just thought I'd say that I got my RC8 update this morning at about 7am. It actually prevented my alarm from going off, which could have been a lot worse.

I have tried the manual update to RC29, via download and then putting the update on the SDCard and it hasn't worked for me so far

I've only just joined the forum, so I'm gonna look around

P.S. I chose the G1 over the iPhone because I hate Apple. They produce good quality products, I just don't like 'em!

[Ozzz]

Got mine at 1am this morning. No I wasn't waiting up all night for it ;-)

Yeah got mine about the same time. don't notice anything different tho

[Tony_BG1UK]

Noticed that my batt life seems to be longer. I haven't yet used wifi/gps for any considerable length of time so we'll see

[Darrell]

Only thing I've noticed so far is Chime and notification when you plug into a USB connection on a computer. Beleive the Americans got this in RC28.

[R Daneel]

Got my update just after midnight on the 12th, but since the update to RC8 my pc can't find the sd card. Prior to the update I had named the sd card "G1 - 2GB" but now it's just saying "Removable Disk" and when I click on the "drive" it says "Please insert a disk..."

Is anyone having this problem?

Problem sorted: Notification tab> Mount

[Fat Anarchy]

Hey R Daneel, I think I am having the same problem you are having, although I purchased mine a couple of days ago and so I am having that problem right away. Is it still an issue for you? because I'm trying to find a fix for it. I posed it as a question here if you are interested:

http://androidcommunity.com/forums/f41/problems-getting-pc-to-recognise-g1-7925/

Thanks,

[Tony_BG1UK]

RC8 puts a new feature in place where you ust confirm mounting the SD card to be read when connected to a USB port. It's simple... lol!

I have found a new program for managing Battery Life. It's free and on the Market now. It allows on touch feature switch off and allows you to save "Power profiles". It's good. Have fun!!

My battery life is still poor though