crenn
02-04-2011, 12:13 AM
http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/cliq-xt-wont-get-android-2-1-upgrade-motorolas-word-as-good-a/
While I don't have a Cliq XT, I'm very familiar with this situation. I get a new phone (wasn't really my choice, I was told I was getting a new phone and that was final) and only 2 at the time met my requirement. The Motorola Backflip, and the Motorola DEXT (Otherwise known as the Motorola Cliq), both at the time with promised updates to 2.1 (the most current at the time). I picked the DEXT and was mostly happy with it, there were quite a few bugs and I was hopeful as I got updates (which fixed some bugs, but introduced new ones). Now here is where things go bad.
Near the end of last year, when both the backflip and the DEXT were due to get an update to 2.1, motorola decides that they can't update to 2.1 since it wouldn't be a good hardware/software combination (They later put their upgrade page to just say "Will remain on 1.5"). They say this since the phones will struggle with some applications (although I'll cover this slightly later). However, they decide to continue updating the Cliq (Same hardware as the DEXT except for the radio) and the Backflip (Same hardware except for the radio in the worldwide version) to 2.1. They provide these updates before the end of the year to only the US.
It is quickly found that these phones are stable and faster, however still slow compared with a higher end model. Games like Angry Birds don't run very well because of the lack of CPU power. Because of the release of 2.1, DEXT and worldwide Backflips get an unofficial update from 3rd party developers. There were probably 2.1 updates before, but it's always nice to have official sources when making new ROMs. A quick root and an unofficial update makes the phone even better (2.2 is currently being worked on with the DEXT and Cliq, and hopefully the Backflip), and the lack of CPU power is half solved.... by overclocking the CPU a bit. It apparently still stutters but works a lot better than if it wasn't.
It's sad that a company that has plenty of opportunities to build their brand decide to turn around and give a nice lie to its customers. But here I am, one of those customers, I would have been happy if I got 2.1 (happier with 2.2) even if it couldn't really play games. But now I'm forced to give myself support to fix bugs that shouldn't exist (Nothing like trying to send SMSs... and have it repeatedly not send them) and add extra features (There is currently sure, there is a front facing camera for video calls, except you need Android 2.1 or higher to make video calls!).
I think the thing that has come from all of this is, I don't mind waiting for updates for my phone providing they do eventually come. But to promise an update and then lie saying it doesn't make the phone better while the phone has bug makes me unwilling to be a repeat customer.
My recommendation, don't buy a motorola phone. EVER.
While I don't have a Cliq XT, I'm very familiar with this situation. I get a new phone (wasn't really my choice, I was told I was getting a new phone and that was final) and only 2 at the time met my requirement. The Motorola Backflip, and the Motorola DEXT (Otherwise known as the Motorola Cliq), both at the time with promised updates to 2.1 (the most current at the time). I picked the DEXT and was mostly happy with it, there were quite a few bugs and I was hopeful as I got updates (which fixed some bugs, but introduced new ones). Now here is where things go bad.
Near the end of last year, when both the backflip and the DEXT were due to get an update to 2.1, motorola decides that they can't update to 2.1 since it wouldn't be a good hardware/software combination (They later put their upgrade page to just say "Will remain on 1.5"). They say this since the phones will struggle with some applications (although I'll cover this slightly later). However, they decide to continue updating the Cliq (Same hardware as the DEXT except for the radio) and the Backflip (Same hardware except for the radio in the worldwide version) to 2.1. They provide these updates before the end of the year to only the US.
It is quickly found that these phones are stable and faster, however still slow compared with a higher end model. Games like Angry Birds don't run very well because of the lack of CPU power. Because of the release of 2.1, DEXT and worldwide Backflips get an unofficial update from 3rd party developers. There were probably 2.1 updates before, but it's always nice to have official sources when making new ROMs. A quick root and an unofficial update makes the phone even better (2.2 is currently being worked on with the DEXT and Cliq, and hopefully the Backflip), and the lack of CPU power is half solved.... by overclocking the CPU a bit. It apparently still stutters but works a lot better than if it wasn't.
It's sad that a company that has plenty of opportunities to build their brand decide to turn around and give a nice lie to its customers. But here I am, one of those customers, I would have been happy if I got 2.1 (happier with 2.2) even if it couldn't really play games. But now I'm forced to give myself support to fix bugs that shouldn't exist (Nothing like trying to send SMSs... and have it repeatedly not send them) and add extra features (There is currently sure, there is a front facing camera for video calls, except you need Android 2.1 or higher to make video calls!).
I think the thing that has come from all of this is, I don't mind waiting for updates for my phone providing they do eventually come. But to promise an update and then lie saying it doesn't make the phone better while the phone has bug makes me unwilling to be a repeat customer.
My recommendation, don't buy a motorola phone. EVER.