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O2 Android update bricks HTC Desire

By Nicole Kobie

Posted on 7 Sep 2010 at 09:11

O2 has pulled an update to the latest version of Android after users reported it crashed their phones.

The update to Android 2.2, dubbed Froyo, was rolled out yesterday to HTC Desires on the network, but almost immediately users reported problems.

One user posted on O2's forums to share his excitement at finally getting the update, before noting: "Maybe I spoke too soon, I think the update may have bricked my phone. It won't start up now - gets stuck on the O2 blue startup screen."

While many reported their phones stopped loading at the blue O2 screen, others reported the update worked as long as the handset had enough free space.

One poster said users simply needed to be patient. "I installed the updated about an hour ago and it seems to be working mostly fine. A very scary process though, as it pauses for quite a while on several occasions making it look like its crashed, and it reboots to the update screen a few times making it seem like it's in a reboot loop."

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HTC Desire

An O2 admin acknowledged the problem on the company's support forums. "While we’re pleased that so many of you have been able to download it successfully and are enjoying the benefits of 2.2, we have seen that a small number of people are having problems installing the update," the admin admitted.

"While we check out these issues we’re putting the 2.2 update on hold. We’ll update you as soon as possible and would like to thank our HTC Desire customers for their patience."

O2 wouldn't comment on when the update will return, but reports on the forums suggested it could be as early as this week.

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User comments

So nearly...

My old contract was with O2 and after checking contract terms opted to switch to Vodafone to get the Desire. So that's me feeling smug until Vodafone finds some way to foul things up...

I wonder when the providers will come to terms with the fact that service and reputation gets and keeps the worthwhile customers, rather than branding.

By Tomble2 on 7 Sep 2010

Get rid of branding!!

Branding was needed in the early days of mobile phones but I've had SIM-free smart phones the last few years and branding is just not needed. The phones are smart enough to pull APN settings automatically once it knows the network it's on and if I want to go to Vodafone's website I'll do so through the browser. You don't need bookmarks and added 'extras' - make them available on the Market for those who want them...

By EddyOS_2K9 on 7 Sep 2010

re: Get rid of branding

+1 for getting rid of branding. My last two phones have been generic HTCs and all the better for it. This also means that when I go off to Australia later this year I can just buy any SIM card and put it in my old phone and it will work.

By jgwilliams on 7 Sep 2010

Don't bother with network updates

Not sure how a 'proper' Android handset works but since running Android on my HD2 I update it manually (running Froyo 2.2 at the moment). I never bothered with network upgrades on my WinMo handsets - always unlocked them and upgraded manually. Network operators alwatys put too much rubbish into their roms.

By everton2004 on 7 Sep 2010