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Likelihood of an Android Rom for HTC current phones...

We all have read about HTC wanting to be the first to come out with an Android handset. But my question is this, what is the likelihood of HTC having official roms of Android for some of the other current phones (IE the Kaiser, Touch, and Titan).
Just wondering if my TILT is going to be (officially) stuck with Windows Mobile for the next 2 years.....

same question i want an answer for.... i really wanna rid myself of this slooooooo wm os....

Official version put out by HTC? Doubtful.
Various cooked versions put out by the good people here at XDA? Almost certainly.

Exactly. There's no way HTC would cannibalize their success with an hipothetical Android based machine by offering this ROM for other devices.
But, of course, cooked ROMs are possible. The key factor here is hardware compatibility and drivers. If the official HTC Android ROMs are tied to some specific chipset and only have the drivers for that, you're out of luck.

Why is everyone so anti wm. I love it. There are advantages to having an os with an api so close to the desktop, ie many developers because its easy to learn.

I don't mind WM too much. Hey, we knew what we got when we bought our phones didn't we? I would like the choice of android however. Choice is always good and maybe it'll be better than what we have now. I'd say unofficial releases of Android for popular devices are likely. Just like we got unofficial WM6 releases.

As much as I think WM can be improved, i;d like to actually see and use android before I anoint it as a savior to smartphone/pda users.
Anything can look great in a controlled demo on YouTube. Let's see someone live with it for a week and then decide if its truly a replacement.
The iPhone UI, while quite impressive, still can't do half of what the WM phones can today. Yet the media love to say its the greatest thing on earth. I'm happy the iPhone Ui inspired lots of new WM development, but in the end, I still have a WM phone. And have bought to devices since the iPhone went live.

Want to run Android on Kaiser?
Check this out - running in an emulator via haret...
http://www.androidonhtc.com/kaiser/latest_builds

WinMo >>>>>> all other mobile operating systems....

jonsnowboard said:
Check this out - running in an emulator via haret...
http://www.androidonhtc.com/kaiser/latest_builds
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Haret is not an emulator, it´s a bootloader. WM shuts down when you boot Android with Haret.

Touch Pro compatible with WM7?

Touch Pro devices are finally arriving in the US, but one interesting question remains on my mind.
Will the Fuze (and other variants of the Touch Pro) have the ability to run Windows Mobile 7? It would be nice if the Touch Pro we purchase today can be upgraded to WM7 in 2009/2010 whenever it comes out. I apologize if the answer to this question is obvious, but I couldn't find the answer anywhere yet.
The closest thread that I have found on xda is this short/old one from the Diamond forum in 2006/2007:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=405619
Additionally, WM7 has evolved greatly since then.
On a related note, my other newbie question question is:
Does multi-touch functionality require multi-touch hardware? I ask this because a Touch Pro running WM7 without multi-touch would be pretty gimped.
In one thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2784802), it is mentioned that "neither Xperia nor Touch Pro will ever have multi-touch capability."
Additionally, the videos of Touch Pro that we've seen online are not true multi-touch.
(e.g. http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/20/htcs-touch-diamond-pro-are-multi-touch-gods-just-not-how-you/)

At this point no one but the WM7 dev team would really know.
But, and this will probably sound stupid for someone about to buy a Raphael, I hope it's not forward compatible.
Here's why: WM7 should be a big step forward from WM6, the way WM5 was compared to wm2003. If WM7 is going to be a truly revolutionary OS build then it should require many different hardware specs (like multtouch). Sure it will suck to shell out for another phone (although this isn't happening for another 16 months...), but I think that's well worth it to have a truly upgraded OS.
I was pretty bummed when WM6 came out and was merely a bug fix over WM5. I wanted a worthy jump the way 5 was over 2003, and instead got a few visual tweaks. Hell, 6 to 6.1 was more of an upgrade. I want 7 to be a paradigmatic upgrade.
To be fair, you can even get a Blue Angel to run Wm6.1 pretty easily, so it's probably likely that WM7 will run on a Raphael. But if WM7 is as new and powerful as they claim it will be, then I'll gladly buy a new device.

I agree, zachoo. The only thing is, that yesterday, a Motorola Exec. dropped the name of WM6.5, which should *definitely* (if it actually exists) run on the TP. Honestly, the TP will probably run WM7, however to truly take advantage of its capabilities (from what we've seen so far) we're going to need a phone that is natively designed to use WM7 (multitiouch, light sensor, accelerometer, large internal memory, more than 65k color screen). Although I'll be buying a Fuze, I'm still watching and waiting for the iKiller WM7 HTC Device.

Yeah, but there might be a WinMo 6.5
Don't know what would be in it but it might be a nice half-step.
http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=14534

i heard that wm7 isnt coming out til 2010?

Rumors says WM 6.5 first.

in any case i don't think TP will be able to run WM7 due to lack of multitouch screen. correct me if i'm wrong, but i was under the impression only the hardware key surfaces support multitouch, and not the actual screen itself. (i think multitouch requires capacitive touch screen, which TP doesn't have)
i, too, hoped that HTC would offer free upgrade if WM7 comes out by the end of 2009, but now that 6.5 is in the air...it seems likely that wm7 will be pushed back ONCE again

Windows Mobile 6.5 May 11th Release date

I just saw this
http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/17/windows-mobile-6-5-to-officially-launch-on-may-11/
Does anyone know how this release will work? will HTC pick this up and offer it as a upgrade on there recent devices like they did with WM6.1?
I really Hope this is the case.

From what I've heard about this, "release" only means the emulator images will be officially released, maybe along with a little showcase from Microsoft. Windows Mobile 6.5 shouldn't officially hit devices for a while after that (I'm guessing a month or two at the very least).
However, XDA's fine community of ROM chefs will have this running on every device long before HTC. And although Microsoft's official upgrade guidelines require only that the device have at least a 400MHz processor and 128MB RAM, the OEM has the final say in whether a device gets an official upgrade or not. HTC has only confirmed that the Touch Pro2 and Diamond2 will get official upgrades, but the MIX '09 conference had a Touch Pro running 6.5, so at least we know it can run it alright.
In my poor old Kaiser's case, I'm positive I won't get an official one; HTC wants me to buy a new device, not to keep using my old one. That doesn't make them any money. But like I said, the brilliant chefs will have this running on every un-upgraded eligible device in no time. But I think the answer is maybe/yes, in the sense that very recent HTC devices will get officially upgraded.
Dave

Which Phone should i get?

Yea i know there are alot of these threads so heres another.
My current phone the G1 is starting to break down so im looking for a new phone. I'm considering the Touch Pro2, Touch HD, Hero, and the Toshiba TG01. I have never used a windows mobile device before with the G1 being my first by HTC. I'm willing to try it as long as it has been prettied up some(TouchFlo or Stripes).
If you have either the Touch Pro2 or the Touch HD can you give me your experiences with them.

HTC in my experience is awefull build quality. After owning four diferent models I have vowed never to own one again. Shame really, apart from the poor camera selection they are designed really well ..... just a shame they fall to bits.
Out of your list, would have to be TG01.
Have you looked at the new Omnia II's? (not the Omnia HD) Theres a full on Iphone/HD lookie-likely and two keyboard models, one a TP2 type and one a blackberry type.
Don't forget the Acer M900 (which is what I currently use) and the more pocket friendly F900.

Touch Pro 2 definetly
Because keyboard is a must for me!
Merge threads: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=4181275#post4181275

wizern23 said:
Yea i know there are alot of these threads so heres another.
My current phone the G1 is starting to break down so im looking for a new phone. I'm considering the Touch Pro2, Touch HD, Hero, and the Toshiba TG01. I have never used a windows mobile device before with the G1 being my first by HTC. I'm willing to try it as long as it has been prettied up some(TouchFlo or Stripes).
If you have either the Touch Pro2 or the Touch HD can you give me your experiences with them.
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I had windows mobile and even though preference is a matter of perspective.... windows might be a step in the wrong direction. Back when I had it windows was ahead of its time... but now it seems like its standing still ... like its been stagnant for the last 3 yrs I haven't seen any major differences...from android to winmo is going Back to resistive touch screens... with not so finger friendly gestures because the screens tend to not pick up on the motion... I would really love to see MS step it up and release a new os or 7.0 which I hope makes a major difference. Dont get me wrong for business i would only use winmo or BB... but at this point Android just seems like a wiser choice... its not an ancient OS that will probably bore you quickly. All the phones sound great ... if you want break down and comparisons then go to infosyncworld.com ... they rate the phones for you.

As somebody who's an advocate of Windows Mobile, my honest opinion is that now isn't a good time to buy a WinMo phone at all, especially not for the first time. The only people I would recommend the current batch of WM phones to are people who already use WM, don't want to learn a different system, and REALLY need a new device.
Here's why: Windows Mobile 6 has a real learning curve, and coming from Android you're probably going to find yourself frustrated at a lot of the inconsistencies and complications. Further, WM7 is already on the horizon and I think we'll be getting our first real peeks at it before the year is out. It should be a massive, fundamental overhaul to the way WM works. There's a lot of unanswered questions right now, ESPECIALLY whether WM7 apps will work on WM6 devices and whether it will be possible to upgrade any current WM6 or 6.5 devices to 7. If not, it's possible that application support for WM6 devices might grind to a halt within a year.
If I were in your boots, I'd try to hold on to that G1 as long as you can. By October or November, I think we'll have a better view of the future of WM and it'll be easier to see whether WM will serve your needs going forward.
Now, all this is completely moot if you're rolling in enough dough to just buy a new phone whenever you feel like it. If so, feel free to buy whatever you like.

Wouldn't all of these phones be able to upgrade to winmo 7 anyway. I really dont care about having to learn how to use windows mobile. Im more interested in the devices themself. My main concern is switching to a device with out a keyboard.

wizern23 said:
Wouldn't all of these phones be able to upgrade to winmo 7 anyway. \\
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Well, that's the problem: we just don't know yet. A lot of people here seem to take it for granted that WM7 will be as "open" as WM6 in terms of porting and the like, but comments from MS make me a lot less confident -- it sounds like WM7 might have much more specific hardware requirements that will keep it from being run on older models. It's POSSIBLE WM7 will be able to be put on, say, a Touch Pro 2, but it's not a foregone conclusion.
All signs point to WM7 being a major upgrade (keep in mind that WM7 has been in development since 6.1 dropped if not longer), and I think it's going to be really disappointing to be stuck with 6.5 once 7 hits.
But if you're looking to roll the dice, the Touch Pro 2 looks like a great phone UNLESS you want to use it as a media player. Lack of a 3.5mm jack is a serious weakness there.

yea the 3.5mm jack is a necessity b/c i planned on getting the Motorola S9s or something along that line to use because all of those except the hero are huge or heavy

I personally don’t believe that WM7 will be ready early 2010. It might take until 2011 that we see any WM7device.
TP2 seams currently best HTC choice if you need keyboard. However frankly speaking after having 2 HTC devices (Hermes and Kaiser) with slide keyboards I am not very confident about the durability (quality) of HTC hardware. Both of the devices had after short time issues with the rails and tilt mechanism.
Just recently I went to a shop to have look on the TP2 and the keyboard rails and the tilt seams same crap as previous devices. You can also read many complain in the TP2 section about screen wobbling. Touch HD has a very nice large screen (love large screens) but it is 1 year old technology and performance wise it did not satisfied many people. Furthermore as you are from USA you would need Australian version to able to use in American 3G. But the Device cost still after 1 year some 800-900$
My personal favoured are currently the Samsung Omnia II/i800 and Samsung Omnia II pro (b7610) Specs on the paper and the current reviews are indicating that those are under best devices on the market. Furthermore Samsung has almost entirely covered with additional software the aged WinMo operation platform. Further positive point is the Price. Both Samsung devices are about 100-200 USD cheaper then HTC devices even though they have better CPU; Camera etc.

I agree with Bulldog -- the Omnia II devices look really excellent. I like the design of the TP2 better, but I trust Samsung's build quality more and, feature-wise, it's fantastic.

Yes but you have to add that with omnia or any other you´ll not have the support of this great site!
That for me is an added value to consider before buying

orb3000 said:
Yes but you have to add that with omnia or any other you´ll not have the support of this great site!
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Yes you do. This site offers Winmob o/s and Winmob App support to all. If you want cooked roms, look no further than omnia.modaco.com where there are plenty! My Omnia (original one) is currently running a great cooked rom of WM 6.5
Lets also not forget the AMOLED screen either on the new Omnias. I really regret buying my Acer M900, not because its crap - its not - but the new Samsungs look simply stunning. And if you factor in the success of the Omnia, widely regarded as the best Winmob all-rounder, the new Omnias should be spanking!

Android on HD2

Hi all,
Sorry if this has been answered before!
Does anyone know if its possible to install an Android rom on the HTC HD2? That phone with android would be amaazing.
Thanks!

Not without a whole lot of work.
It is definitely a waste of that hardware to put wincrap on it.
The one reason I would NOT contribute to running android on that device is that every one of those devices that HTC sells, some amount of your $$ gets sent to microshaft, so strictly from the perspective of "I absolutely will NEVER give ONE THIN DIME to those greedy evil bastards", I would ignore the hardware and not do anything that could potentially boost its sales.

Always possible with XDA Dev...see this active thread in the Leo section:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=578575

Thanks for the responses...
Yeah I would love to see Android 2.0 on a Snapdragon processor. I too have a distaste for contributing to MS by purchasing an HD2, but it would be worth it
I get the feeling the recently confirmed "Google Phone" will infact be a modification of the HD2. The thing is, it's so fricken perfect in terms of form factor, I hope they don't make it worse in an attempt to make it distinguishable different from the original
Fingers crossed. And thanks, Ill check out that link.

lbcoder said:
Not without a whole lot of work.
It is definitely a waste of that hardware to put wincrap on it.
The one reason I would NOT contribute to running android on that device is that every one of those devices that HTC sells, some amount of your $$ gets sent to microshaft, so strictly from the perspective of "I absolutely will NEVER give ONE THIN DIME to those greedy evil bastards", I would ignore the hardware and not do anything that could potentially boost its sales.
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So do you own an HTC HD2 or not? If as you say you shouldn't have one, and how you would know if Android is not easy to install on HD2?
You can hate MS as we all do, but don't bad mouth a great piece of hardware, which maybe great if it runs Android.

wouldnt it easier to buy the nexus one ?
specs are close enough ....

maybe the release of this will make a port easier
http://www.mobiletechworld.com/2010/01/26/htc-supersonic-htc-a9292-render-and-live-picture/

I too, would like to see an android release on the HTC HD2... I really expected more from winmo 6.5

i hope there will be a port for winmo6.5 on hd2

We're all waiting for this mate.

Better be aware of who you support
lbcoder said:
Not without a whole lot of work.
It is definitely a waste of that hardware to put wincrap on it.
The one reason I would NOT contribute to running android on that device is that every one of those devices that HTC sells, some amount of your $$ gets sent to microshaft, so strictly from the perspective of "I absolutely will NEVER give ONE THIN DIME to those greedy evil bastards", I would ignore the hardware and not do anything that could potentially boost its sales.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You complain about MS but think that Google is better? Really! You might want to check into the politics and beliefs of the Google CEO Eric Schmidt. In one of his most recent interviews he stated that he saw nothing wrong with controlling the news available to users via it's home page and search engine. Funnier yet is that they complain about China's censorship, I guess he beliefs censorship is ok as long as he is the censor.
Anyway, didn't mean for this to become a rant, but Google is no better than MS when it comes to attempting to control a market. Windows & Palm were first on the scene with smart phones and both of their operating systems have grown tremendously. I would even say that Apples iPhone OS would not be as intuitive today if it were not for MS and Palm.

Do you really want to port your own version of Android to HD2? It will never be as smooth and fast compared to say just buying an HTC Supersonic.
Also, what do you do with it when everybody has moved to Android 3.0? You won't have any support for it. The ROM Cook may no longer be interested with porting Android 3.0 to what would have been an old outdated piece of hardware in a year's time.
You're better off just buying an HTC Supersonic. At least you could pray that HTC would give you future Android versions when they become available.

I've played with a Nexus one and a HD2. The hardware is not close in my opinion. The supersonic (Evo) looks great but it's cdma.

sancmat said:
The supersonic (Evo) looks great but it's cdma.
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I'm sure (or at least hopeful) that a GSM version will be available later. It's a shame to have such an excellent spec hardware not available to the rest of the world.

eaglesteve said:
I'm sure (or at least hopeful) that a GSM version will be available later. It's a shame to have such an excellent spec hardware not available to the rest of the world.
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Really! I've gotten so tired of my Pro2 with WM 6.5, I would buy one in a heartbeat if it was GSM and supported my carrier's 3G. But of course, AT&T has to get the worst Android phones in history in its lineup while forgetting about HTC completely.

If the only thing to edit is the radio rom, shouldn't be such a big deal for all the developers here.
Really looking forward to my HD2 running android!!

DaveTheTytnIIGuy said:
Really! I've gotten so tired of my Pro2 with WM 6.5, I would buy one in a heartbeat if it was GSM and supported my carrier's 3G. But of course, AT&T has to get the worst Android phones in history in its lineup while forgetting about HTC completely.
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I hope you know why At&t doesn't want htc smartphones on their lineup? The reason is because they dont want any htc phones to destroy the iphone. Which is true...sales will drop if a htc 4"3 screen showed up. Not to mention apple is sueing htc.

I just noticed the HTC desire has almost identical specs as the HD2, except for the screen size, most of it is the same, both are gsm....cant they port the android os from the desire on to the HD2..??

bizmark03 said:
I just noticed the HTC desire has almost identical specs as the HD2, except for the screen size, most of it is the same, both are gsm....cant they port the android os from the desire on to the HD2..??
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i want to know this as well .
Android for the hd2 ?
windows mobile isnt what i expected at all . A total failure (WM6.5 )actually IMHO

Think the Droid Incredible ROM would work on a HD2?? I don't know if it being from Verizon would make a difference or not. BTW - Droid Incredible is the strangest name for a phone EVER!!