Vodafone has promised smartphone owners an 'open market version' of the Android 2.2 'Froyo' operating system after widespread complaints when the previous version was customised with Vodafone's own services.
Last week, owners of the HTC Desire were promoted to download a software update that added permanent Vodafone customisation to the existing Android 2.1 operating system. The new update will remove links and applications for the Vodafone 360 social networking service, although these will still be available as an optional additional download.
In a post on the Vodafone forums, the company said "We’ve listened to feedback from customers on a number of points around the recent 360 Android 2.1 update and made some changes to the roll out plan. The Android 2.2 update for Vodafone HTC Desire users will be based on the HTC open market version of the software and we will customise it to ensure our network settings are installed. For customers who have downloaded the recent 360 update for Android 2.1, we can confirm that the Android 2.2 update will remove the 360 applications and will leave the homepage and bookmarks on your current settings."
[More information: BBC News; Guardian.co.uk]