MTN together with HTC will be offering HTC Desire users an over the air firmware update, ensuring the latest Android software powering the smartphone.

 

Firmware of the air (FOTA) sees updates downloaded via a data connection through either the mobile network or a Wi-Fi connection. This will allow users to upgrade their phones directly without requiring a PC or having to go into an MTN retail store. The updates will include the latest available Android software such as Android 2.2 (Froyo), although the company stated nothing about yesterday’s announcement of Android 2.3 (Gingerbread).

 

HTC is launching this program with the HTC Desire in December 2010 and will be expanding it early in 2011 to include the HTC Wildfire as well as the HTC Hero. Quinton Leigh, MD of Leaf, HTC’s local distributor stated that the roll-out of this program will continue thereafter throughout 2011.  

 

“This is yet another way in which MTN is helping its customers by offering them a convenient and efficient way to keep their smartphones up to date with all the latest developments. While we are initially targeting the HTC Desire, other phones will soon follow suite,” said Serame Taukobong, chief marketing officer at MTN South Africa.

 

“Furthermore, customers can opt not to receive updates or do it at a time convenient for them. While the service is free, customers who choose to download via the network and not a Wi-Fi connection will be charged for the data used as per international norms,” explained Taukobong.

 

If the software update download is interrupted before completion, the download manager will resume the transfer and if there is a break during the FOTA installation, it will resume via a recovery mode.

 

“We are excited to bring HTC consumers OTA firmware updates” stated Leigh. “Supporting HTC’s continuous drive of innovation, this is a first in SA and HTC is proud to be working on this initiative in collaboration with MTN. This technology has been a long time coming and I hope the FOTA innovation will keep our consumers’ phones at a cutting edge - a level above the rest. At the end of the day, it’s all about optimising the user experience”.