A little over a month ago, HTC announced that the Desire would not get Gingerbread due to memory constraints only to reverse course a day later and promise that they could make it happen. Soon after they announced they were testing a Gingerbread build, and that it would become available by the end of July.
It is now August 1st and HTC has released the update, but it is looking like they probably should have just stayed with their original statement because this is nothing like we expected. The Gingerbread ROM has been published, but HTC said the following on their Facebook page:
As we’ve mentioned, this upgrade will remove some important functionality and experiences in your HTC Desire. For that reason, we only recommend upgrading if your an expert user or developer. Please make sure to read the full disclaimer about the changes if you do decide to upgrade. Also, flashing this ROM will erase your previous customizations, including any messages, emails, contacts, and other personal information so make sure you backup your data.
HTC removed all customizations, all wallpapers (except the default wallpaper), several HTC applications, and the official Facebook applications (although it is downloadable on the Android Market)
If you want to give the ROM a try, it is available on HTC’s developer website, and you should know the following risks:
“This Rom update is for development only and not for general public use. Upgrades to non-authorized phones may result in loss of functionality. In addition certain functions may no longer be usable after re-flashing the ROM, including but not limited to MMS and SMS and HTC also disclaims liability for any unusable functions. HTC disclaims liability for the loss and/or leakage of any personal data resulting from the re-flashing of the ROM”.
At this time there are no plans for an over-the-air update. It looks like they are trying to keep their word, but ultimately the general public will never see Gingerbread on their Desire.
[via pocketnow]