AfterDawn: News

Android 1.5 headed to US next week

Earlier this month we reported that the popular T-Mobile G1 Android handset, which recently sold its one millionth handset, would be updating to Android version 1.5 (Cupcake) in Germany bringing the addition of an on-screen keyboard, more widgets, video recording and finally, stereo Bluetooth.

The carrier has now confirmed that the update is headed to US G1 users as well beginning before the end of next week. T-Mobile hopes to have all 1 million G1s updated to 1.5 by the end of May.



The most anticipated addition is the the on-screen keyboard. Users will be able to enter text while the phone is in portrait mode instead of having to rotate to landscape mode and open the keyboard.

The new update will also add more Home Screen widgets including a widgets for the user's calendar, a music player, and a picture frame.

The addition of video recording, as well as the addition of video playback support for MPEG-4 and 3GP, is a welcome addition for many whose biggest complaint is the lack of video recording using the built-in camera.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 7 May 2009 21:34

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• 6 comments

• o0cynix0o

  I can't wait. Hope the battery life was addressed.

  8.5.2009 01:32 #1

• doomdiver

  Just got the update now, looks like us UK users got it before the US!

  8.5.2009 02:17 #2

• rtm27

  Can't wait for this new update. Now, if they could only settle the issue of using the handset as a modem, like I did with the wing and SDA.

  8.5.2009 11:21 #3

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by rtm27: Can't wait for this new update. Now, if they could only settle the issue of using the handset as a modem, like I did with the wing and SDA.Can't have that now convenience for you means the industry can't rape you on fees and hardware!!

  8.5.2009 16:59 #4

• doomdiver

  Well have had it for a day now, seemed a bit slow at first but it has gotten better. Some disappointments though, the power manager app that I had won't work and meridian video player won't work (not much of a big deal since move support is better now). Still no bluetooth file transfer which is the main thing I am waiting for.

  8.5.2009 17:03 #5

• nyurbiz

  I addressed the power issue with the 2600mAh battery from seidio, which comes with a replacement back cover because the new batt is thicker than the original. It works well, but the back cracked when I dropped the phone. All of the updates will be welcome when they get to the US, just hope that the modem issue will be unlocked at some point. It will probably be later than sooner though.

  11.5.2009 22:01 #6