Skatter Tech

At CTIA Wireless 2011, I ran into a HTC employee who choose to divulge some interesting details about the company’s planned software update timeline. I learned that Android 2.3 Gingerbread would definitely head to the HTC EVO 4G very soon. The update is not just limited to that phone either, other HTC “legacy devices” which currently run on Android 2.2 Froyo will apparently also get the update.

The catch? HTC does not intend to push out the update until at least one flagship smart phone sporting Google’s new OS reaches store shelves. This is to ensure that customers do not hold back from purchasing newly announced devices. Once at least one Gingerbread smart phone reaches consumers, HTC will release the upgrade for their older Android models.

When asked about the company’s first Android 2.3 device, the employee was careful not to say too much more. There is a very good chance that it might be the Sprint HTC EVO 3D, which BGR just leaked. This means existing Android 2.2 Froyo devices might get the new update sometime after this week’s announced products hit the market.

I was even told that updated “legacy devices” would also come with the newest version of HTC Sense. This means an even more polished interface, smoother transitions, fancy animations, access to a set of new widgets, DLNA streaming integration, new out-of-the-box skins, and much more.

While other companies have abandoned support for older Android devices as new ones steal the spotlight, it is great to see HTC make a commitment to existing customers. The EVO 4G already received an upgrade to Android Froyo 2.2 after launching on Android 2.1 Eclair and another update would add even more value to the handset.

Links: HTC EVO 4G Review