14 DAY TRIAL // Canadian mobile phone carrier Rogers Wireless announced a few days ago that, given the fact that the HTC Dream would not be upgraded to Android 2.1, the newest flavor of Google's mobile operating system, it would put in place an offer for its Dream users. To be more precise, the operator revealed that it would allow its Dream users to upgrade to an HTC Magic, an Android device that would receive the 2.1 update, and now the company has unveiled all the necessary details on the matter.
As it always happens with this type of offers, there are gains and losses. On the bright side, Rogers' Dream users will have the opportunity to get a newer device for free, and will also enjoy the Android 2.1 platform on their handset as soon as the new version of the OS becomes available for them (something that will probably happen in mid-2010). On the downside, they will have to renew their contract with Rogers, meaning that the Canadian-standard three-year plan will kick off from day one again.
According to mobilesyrup, other details on the “one-time limited-time offer” from Rogers include: - Current Rogers customers who activated a new Rogers HTC Dream through Dec. 31, 2009 – either through upgrade or a new activation – may upgrade that device to an HTC Magic for a limited time. - Upgrades must be done through Customer Care (1-888-Rogers1) or through Rogers.com (existing 3yr data plan required for online upgrades, instructions below). This special upgrade offer does not apply at retail. - This limited-time upgrade is available between January 12 and January 26 only. - The $79 upgrade cost of the device, plus the $35 administration fee are being waived. Customers who choose to take advantage of this offer get a $599 phone for $0 with the renewal of a three-year term from the date of the upgrade (For most customers, this will represent a contract extension of seven months or less).
Indeed, the extension on the service agreement contract will not be too long, considering that Rogers launched both the HTC Dream and Magic only about half a year ago. The upgrade to a Magic is not mandatory, and HTC Dream users can opt for keeping their handsets until the service agreement they committed to will end. One way or the other, HTC Magic owners out there, Rogers customers or not, have received the best news of all: their handset will taste Android 2.1 in about six months from now.