Early adopters of Motorola Android smart phones may be feeling listless and abandoned right now, as it was revealed that the Dext and Backflip won't be upgraded to Android 2.1.
Motorola can't blame the limitations of the hardware, as its software upgrade screen also revealed that the Backflip and the Cliq (the US name for the Dext) will be getting the Android 2.1 upgrade in the US.
CNET UK asked Motorola for comment about why European owners are stuck forever on Android 1.5, but the company hadn't replied by the time of publication. We'll update if it gets back to us.
Motorola Milestone users are more fortunate, meanwhile -- they'll be receiving an upgrade to Android 2.2, the latest release, sometime later this year.
Motorola Dext owners on the company's UK forums were understandably angry that they were being excluded from the upgrade in this way.
Dext owner Paul Edgcott wrote, "Your CEO Sanjay Jha said all Android phones will get an upgrade, now you are not doing this. I expect you to replace this handset with one you will upgrade."
Fellow Dext owner 'Mani 2010' wrote, "That's it, my Dext is going on eBay. I'm going to get the T-Mobile G2. This can do more than the Dext and considering HTC's reputation for Android updates, it will most likely get Android 3.0 when that's out!"
'Chimpaudio' added, "Moto have managed to anger even the most reasonable of us... Moto knew what the backlash would be like but still won't upgrade because for the same reason large corporations write off small losses. We the Dext users are insignificant."
Some posts advise owners to 'root' their phones, stripping the OS to the most basic version and upgrading that. Of course, this will void the warranty.
Android's bumpy upgrade path is proving an exhausting road with manufacturers and networks alike. They all add their own customised skin to the basic Android OS, but find
supporting that software more trouble than it's worth when savvy users
expect updates with the latest functionality. HTC apologised to Hero owners after they waited months for the 2.1 upgrade, for example, while Vodafone recently said sorry to HTC Desire owners for a disappointing 'bloatware' update.
Are you a Motorola Dext owner? How do you feel about the company ignoring you Brits while providing US owners with Android 2.1? Let us know in the comments.
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Anonymous 23 August, 2010 15:54
Until today, I was really happy with my Dext and would have recommended Motorola. It was also the only reason I stayed with Orange PAYG, after some very poor service.
Now I'll be looking for alternatives and talking them both down at every opportunity.
billfred 23 August, 2010 16:00
it seems like the 3 people who got this phone are pissed...
anonymous 23 August, 2010 16:22
One of my friends has a Dext. You gotta understand that this phone was offered as a free upgrade for those on the Orange network, so I'm sure that there will be unhappy with Motorola on this.
Anonymous 23 August, 2010 16:50
That's what the rooting community is for. Moto can't support a handset forever, and may well be concerned that it'll not perform well with updated firmware.
Maybe it's just a casualty of the rate android is progressing?
Hopefully gingerbread will make updates a little more accessible to Joe public.
Tehpriest 23 August, 2010 17:13
If you think the Dext owners are angry and the Milestone ones are happy think again. There is just as much if not more anger at the announcement by Motorola of the "FREE software update" (their words not mine) . They say they will begin rolling out at the "end of the year" , which if they do start then will mean most will not get it until late Jan-early Feb 2011. That is of course if they do not do what they have done to the Dext users. Just take a look at the Motorola support forum or Facebook page.
https://supportforums.motorola.com/community/non-us/google-android/milestone?view=discussions&start=0
http://www.facebook.com/motorolaeurope?v=wall&story_fbid=144330715599742
anonymous 23 August, 2010 18:57
See, this is what you all get for not buying an iPhone. lol
Anonymous 23 August, 2010 19:07
Considering the dext is nearly a year old or maybe over a year, And that Motorola only give a one year guarantee on thr phones, I'd say sod it, and root the phone to the latest firmware available. I own a desire not a MOTO but it still stinks that thr is no official upgrade path for dext. And to think they were due to go bust and android was thr last hope. They are acting like the English banks, where interest rates are at an all time low but won't pass on benefits even tho they were bailed out by government. Another case of big fish little fish and it is disgusting imo. Shame on you MOTO. Will not buy MOTO now.
Anonymous 23 August, 2010 20:45
This was inevitable really, it's best just to cut your losses and root, the hardware is actually quite nice! I recommend rooting and installing adlxmod 2.0, especially if you want to keep some of the useful features of motoblur (ie the phone locator!!) It's loads faster than the stock rom, super stable, there're loads of great new features and you can use all of the apps built only for 2.1! There's loads of info here: http://modmymobile.com/forums/548-motorola-cliq-dext-roms/554686-rom-adlxmod-2-0-android-2-1-motoblur.html
Just be careful if you have baseband 5012, (settings - about phone - baseband version - xxxxx-xxxx5012-xxxxxxxxx) you could loose your 3G...
Anonymous 23 August, 2010 21:36
Been following the forum on Motorola's web-site. Absolutely appalling after-sales service from Orange PCS and, as for Motorola really do not know what to say as they've commented very little on the issue. Was not much to ask of them to expect a 2.1 update becoming available. Poor considering Smart-phone was about £300 on PYG. Both companies do not seem to care too much about customer loyalty. A shame really as the Dext is quite a well made Smart-phone IMHO.
Anonymous 23 August, 2010 21:46
motorola fail, first moto phone in a while and will be the last! I kinda bought it on the promise of the upgrade, but neither moto or orange have delivered. Their loss as i'll avoid both companies from now on. Its no wonder motorola are no longer one of the top selling mobile phone companies if they treat their customers like this....
Anonymous 23 August, 2010 22:31
motorola, what a shower, really hope they sink without a trace.
Anonymous 23 August, 2010 22:46
There is absolutely no excuse. The Click is getting 2.1, the Dext, being the same phone just with a different name, should get 2.1. Period.
The only way I can see this is as an invitation to shun Motorola, which I'll be doing. Though I have to admit I'm courious to see if Sanjay Jha, Motorola's CEO, ever gets to answer to the angry users to whom he promised 2.1 and later denied it.
Anonymous 23 August, 2010 23:43
Motorola stinks & I won’t be buying another one of your products ever again.
Please re-post this across the web and help spread the word.
Anonymous 24 August, 2010 00:59
i was actually contemplating buying a dext - i've seen a nice 2.1 custom rom for it. the hardware's pretty okay, too. camera and video recording are okay, i like the slide-out qwerty keyboard, and the standard 3.5mm jack (which is what you'd expect, really). the dext would of made a nice payg or even free on contract option.
with that said, i think i'll avoid the dext, just to spite moto - lot of good that'll do, i know. if i remember correctly, you get a two-year warranty on mobile phones. no need for the dext - motorola won't be around in two years, so i'd root it from day one if i were to get it.
also, the are you human bit? why can't i just type: yes, yes i am indeed human. or so i'd like to think.
bad cnet >=(
Anonymous 24 August, 2010 02:21
Motorola have failed to deliver on promises, and now they will loose alot of loyal customers. I still have the Dext but hopefully not for much longer.
I thought it was an amazing phone. But the way motorola and orange do business, it really isnt worth bothering with. I urge anyone thinking of buying a Motorola handset to think twice, and buy an iphone instead
Anonymous 24 August, 2010 03:40
We are creating a facebook group to demonstrate to the motorola
number of people affected in this regard.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/group.php?gid=152867288059675&ref=ts
Anonymous 24 August, 2010 06:47
I got my DEXT without thinking to much as i had read a few good reviews online etc etc
i should of spent a tad more and got th emilestone
Moto are taking the piss out of its customers by saying one thing then saying the other and then changing there mind again and again and again
I'm going to root my phone to 2.1.... moto need to understand that keeping customers is as important as getting new ones
Anonymous 24 August, 2010 11:50
why is any time a new phone comes out the software dosent get upgraded in one network or another the amount of money people are paying for the contract in the long run and they wont upgrade the software is nothing but a annoying
Anonymous 24 August, 2010 13:25
Well thank goodness I got my Motorola Dext for FREE as I was given a full refund due I was promise a sim-free one and instead I got a orange branded one, because of that the Amazon UK website refund me my money as the seller broke the rules.
Anonymous 24 August, 2010 14:44
Latam/mexican customers won't get updates, We are furious too, ask moto a solution here:
https://supportforums.motorola.com/community/non-us
Anonymous 25 August, 2010 02:15
Yes.... I'm insignificant buyer of a Motorola Dext that never again will buy a Motorola Phone.
Anonymous 25 August, 2010 11:56
Motorola Suck!
Flagship device the Milestone (the phone without compromise*) was promised 2.2 update. This is limited depending on where you are in the world.
Any south american readers - sorry you won;t be getting it.
Dext - promised 2.1 update in the EU, which then went to 'pending' and then 'you won't be getting it'
I would seriously consider before buying any Moto product as they consistently break or fail to live up their promises.
I for one will NEVER buy another moto product
*without compromise may be withdrawn at any time without notification
Anonymous 25 August, 2010 16:52
I think it's the stringing along(lies) that's angered people most. They new for a very long time what they wanted to do but wanted to maintain sales levels of these defunct products. Early adoption has its risks but, this was Moto having a go at healing its bad image. We helped and got shafted, I has this really is a Leopard with hard spots.
Anonymous 26 August, 2010 03:18
The Dext is my first Motorola handset. Will be the last one from them also.
Lying to customers isn't cool.
Anonymous 26 August, 2010 09:01
I like the Dext. Nice hardware, good keyboard, but after following the Upgrade Saga in the forums I am less than happy.
I knew it was a 1.6, but reasonably assume that eventually there would be a 2.1 (or better) upgrade.
Now that US customers get it but British ones don't I am annoyed.
I can't see me ever buying another Moto phone again.
Anonymous 26 August, 2010 09:04
PS: I doubt I'll buy Orange again either. As people have pointed out Moto lied to customers and that is very wrong.
Anonymous 26 August, 2010 11:54
Motorola are a shambles and a disgrace. I'll never buy from them again.
Anonymous 26 August, 2010 18:00
My ancient TytnII has android 2.2
I was about to buy a dext for the bigger screen and better stability.
Android 2.1 would be a small step backwards, so now I'm glad I waited!
I'll now just wait for HTC's next keyboard offering.
Anonymous 26 August, 2010 19:42
Maybe the price will go down now...
Anonymous 27 August, 2010 15:44
I HATE MOTOROLA, I am from México and is the same problem, they forgot the fact that they promise upgrade to 2.1 when they sell the phone, I understand that then can't support all the upgrades in the future, but the minimun is all I request.
Sorry for my Inglish (jeje, joke, English)
Anonymous 27 August, 2010 22:25
To you Dext owners, stop whinging and buy another phone. I just ditch my motorola dext today for a HTC Wildfire with Tmobile UK, I have to tell you HTC phone is so much faster and very user friendly, I don't miss the sliding keyboard either.
Anonymous 31 August, 2010 03:38
what a joke... does anyone knows the reason of this? why did they abandon the european dext users? I don't get it, if they can make an upgrade for the north americans I don't think it should be too much of a hassle for them to make us upgrade too... that's really disappointing, this will be my first and last time that I get a motorola.
damn, I knew that I should stick to serious companies like htc or nokia..
Anonymous 31 August, 2010 12:15
Here in Brazil we're facing the same problem. Motorola just sucks!
Anonymous 1 September, 2010 11:29
I recently bought the Motorola Dext, but after hearing this news I am extremely annoyed that I will not be able to update my phone. Motorola = Bunch of (cant really say what I want to )
Anonymous 1 September, 2010 11:29
I recently bought the Motorola Dext, but after hearing this news I am extremely annoyed that I will not be able to update my phone. Motorola = Bunch of (cant really say what I want to )
Anonymous 20 September, 2010 07:11
I just bought the motorola for this update. now im really annoyed.
Anonymous 20 September, 2010 14:42
I shall be taking my SIM and placing it in an iPhone immediately, and then I shall decide an appropriate fate for my DEXT... perhaps thermite plasma...
Anonymous 20 September, 2010 18:30
How is it that a company as big as Google can not step in and kick Motorola's rear end?
I do not want an IPhone, Apple's policies make me think Microsoft so no way going down that route.
So need to go Android, as the next best thing, and have a motorola at the moment, so am used to their suckyness at times. V3I the only phone that has abilities that can only be unlocked on every other Tuesday if the wind is right.
The ROM looks good so to Ebay I go, and as a bonus Motorola get no money at all from it.
anonymous 20 September, 2010 19:27
When I bought this I did my research while European Dext updates were "Under Evaluation" I thought "If Americans are getting it then we will!". That's the last time I'm buying from Motorola ;)
anonymous 20 September, 2010 19:32
Oh and Motorola have changed their excuse, guys!
"Will remain on Android 1.5 for the best combined hardware and software experience"
I don't like liars. If it's better for the phone to keep it at a worse firmware then why make the Americans with Cliqs suffer?
If I take my Dext to USA when 2.1's out there will I be able to update and make my phone 2.1 ready everywhere?
Anonymous 22 September, 2010 11:16
I'm from Brazil and here we have same problem.
Motorola promisses to give Android 2.1 Upgrade to us, but now they back forward.
My decision is simple, I will not buy Motorola anymore.
Anonymous 22 September, 2010 23:22
I'm furious. I bought an android phone assuming I'd be kept up to date, and now find that actually I bought the phone when it was ALREADY outdated (2.0 was out, but I'm stuck with 1.5?), meaning it lacks the free navigation software in later versions and won't be updated now or later? I'm tempted to keep "accidentally" damaging it and claiming it's just a phone weakness until my carrier replaces it with something worth having.
This is the third Motorola I've had, and the last Motorola I'll be going near.
Anonymous 27 September, 2010 05:49
Same problem in Australia.
Root or sell.
I bought this expecting it to get updated and now after months of 'Under Evaluation" it is no for us but yes for America.
At least a US update should make for a better rom :)
anonymous 30 September, 2010 20:20
Ok guys. After a long battle with Motorola they told me why only the Cliq is getting the update, and not the Dext.
When Motorola release an update for European Dexts that means for all European Dexts. So if Motorola were to release 2.1 for our British Dexts they'd have to release it for the whole of Europe. In the USA they only have to release it for the Cliq. To make an update they have to work with networks to release it. But because in Europe this would mean they'd have to work with loads of networks, they find this too difficult (yes this is called laziness), but in the USA, they only have to work with T-Mobile to release an update, because that's the only network that the Cliq is locked on.
Anonymous 1 October, 2010 22:43
When I learned of Android thought it would free up the software binding of OSes such as Symbian, iOS and WM2003. I still actually like using my DEXT and have only been disappointed when I cannot get the underscore symbol (and other SYM) with the ConnectBot app.
Main reservations (apart from OS) it is quite heavy. It is very slippy. It gets hot when CPU intense apps run. Also I often get confused over the screen lock and unlock function.
But I love to have the hardware keyboard. I like using it in landscape mode to log in t my supercomputer from anywhere.
Anonymous 5 October, 2010 22:06
am gutted that this phone is not going to get the update, with promises of upgrading to 2.1 it was the best phone, and i feel still is, but has now been suppased by the galaxy and other 2.2+ phones
had a moto a1000 b4 liked it, will never have moto again
liars
Anonymous 7 October, 2010 14:28
Motorola won't update the DEXT here in South America. My DEXT will die without get another version then 1.5. As me, a lot of costumers won't buy another Motorola again.
Anonymous 8 October, 2010 23:49
motorola lies! No, they cant lie... my last moto razr2 said the battery would last for 6 days on standby. I tried it
when it was 4 weeks old. without using the phone at all, the battery was dead in 2 and a half! so its no surprise that they have screwed everyone again.
Im going to contact BBC TV's "Watchdog" programme. if everyone else does too maybe motorola will get their a$$ kicked
Anonymous 13 October, 2010 13:27
I have found the Motorola Dext to be little more than an adolescents toy. I was hoping to use the phone to get pre flight information from the internet as my pilot friends do on the i phone. The dext is slow and unreliable freezing even when connected via Wi-Fi. The major problem is that I am stuck with this un upgradable piece of junk for another 18 months.
jaminbob 25 October, 2010 14:34
This is a real shame, phone is only £129 PAYG at Orange at the moment, i was about to click the pay button :-(
Oh well thanks for the warning, maybe i'll see what else turns up.
Anonymous 2 November, 2010 08:01
I have had problems with my Dext from day one and between the phone and Orange I think I have had four handsets thru fault of both parties. Now that I actually want to download some decent apps, e.g. Kindle app or Tweetdeck, I can't download them because my useless phone won't be getting a firmare update to Android 2.1, that pisses me off! Might I add, the only reason I wanted to download these apps in the first place was because of Motorla's shoddy own applications, the 'Happenings' take forever to update and when I try to update my status on Twitter/Facebook anything, I always get 'Failure' notices even when I have full signal and perfect connection to the internet.
I think when I am up for my contract renewal I will definitely not be getting a Motorla again, I thought this Android technology was meant to be top notch. But what they don't tell you is that it's only good if you have the most up to date version.
Anonymous 18 November, 2010 04:13
motorola sucks big time. they love what happenned to nortel and so North American companies will remain the 3rd world providers and lag behind leaders such as Samsung and HTC
Anonymous 21 November, 2010 19:43
I have phoned up Motorola and Orange and complained.
I bought two payg phones last week before realising we are stuck on 1.5.
The phones are still on sale here via orange and there is no mention on orange's website that the Android OS is limited to version 1.5. They very sneakily just say "Android" where other phones state "Android 2.1".
They should state "Android 1.5 non upgradeable"
Motorola and Orange are selling obsolescent phones.
I need Android 2.1 for a specific voip app but unfortunately will miss out.
I am very dissapointed with Motorola's attitude to us Europeans/Brits and feel that we are being treated as second class.
Anonymous 29 November, 2010 15:47
i not buying a moto again after this. orange have let the consumer down again. they need to fix up and stop selling crap that not upgradable. i'm very disappointed as a dext user. htc all the way on my next upgrade. im glad im only on a 18 month contact too.
Anonymous 29 November, 2010 22:14
I bought the Dext last year, on a 2 year contract - so I still have 12 months to run - Like a lot of people, I'm perfectly happy with the phone, but am really angry with MOTOROLA , as they must realise that one of the main reasons for buying a smartphone (any smartphone) is the ability for the OS and software to be upgraded. The European DEXT/CLIQ must be the only Android phone which is un upgradeable. Shame on you MOT OROLA - another customer who won't be coming back!!!!!
Anonymous 30 November, 2010 11:05
phone crashes fairly often even after factory reset, as cant handle many apps, which was the hole point of buying an android smart phone and the signal is crap on orange, the lack of this update means i will never buy motorola again.
Anonymous 30 December, 2010 09:37
Bought the dext fromorange under the promise of upgrades, year on, nothin'. The signal is crap with orange, the internet keeps 'hanging' yet i have a full signal.
On occasions i am require to take the battery out to power down the phone (and wait 10 secs for the power to completely drain) just to get the internet to connect properly, I may have to do this upto 5 x times a day, its not all the time though, but for christ sakes, we can put a man on the moon 40 years ago, but we cant get internet on a mobile phone DESIGNED for internet use?? :S
Overall, I love the keyboard and layout and the screen is nice, I will say though, ORANGE have been crap, MOTOROLA have been crap, its the first customer experince I've ever had with both of them and they have lost my business for good. Cant wait till my contract ends now. Sigh, heres waiting, you watch them scurry to try and keep me when its due! mugs!
Anonymous 5 January, 2011 20:36
I think it SUCKS..I'm in Canada, Just got the Dext when it was released in the fall. Now told that it will stay on 1.5. I should have went with my gut feeling and got the I-Phone. No more Motorola for me if this is the way they are going to do business. I hope more people lose their Motorolas also.
Anonymous 12 January, 2011 14:16
that is horrible!
Anonymous 13 January, 2011 12:45
At first I loved my dext but after countless minor problems that I let go and now no upgrade I am definitely never purchasing a motorola product again, by far the worst customer care, I like android but after my contract ends I will be going over to the dark side and be getting the iphone!
Anonymous 13 January, 2011 21:57
I got my Dext back when it first came out in Oct 2009 as an upgrade and iI have been really happy with it but i am some what unhappy that America gets the upgrade and we dont! It's only a diffrent name (Cliq/Dext). I did quite fancy the Motorola Defy as my next upgrade but seeing how easily Motorola can just turn their back on a phone just like that, i am having second thoughts!
Anonymous 19 January, 2011 10:21
ANYBODY THAT WANT TO WASTE HIS OR HER MONEY IN UK LET HIM GO AND BUY MOTOROLA PRODUCTS THEY ARE ARE SCRAPS
Anonymous 24 January, 2011 23:28
i owner a dext and i think wath if i am the only costumer who has it? don`t i deserve the same treatment than any other motorola owner?
Anonymous 25 January, 2011 18:15
I really really like this phone. I was just today telling a friend that this is one phone that I'm not going to change at the end of my contract. Now I'm going to have to look around for something that has room for improvement. There are lots of apps out there that I try to download but can't have access to because of v1.5 or the internal memory of the Dext, and it's becoming frustrating.
Anonymous 1 February, 2011 11:11
I talked to Motorola yesturday
ACOORDING tothem Dext owners will NEVER be getting upgraded in the UK
WTH
Anonymous 7 February, 2011 20:06
It's not just UK!, Everybody not in the US is going to get stuck on Android 1.5!
(Europe, Latin America, Africa, Canada, Asia, etc).
https://supportforums.motorola.com/community/manager/softwareupgrades
And they promised upgrades for months, the moved the release date 2 times, and now THIS!
Anonymous 24 February, 2011 20:56
I got a Dext almost as soon as it was released, waited in vane for an update then said "stuff it", rooted and installed ROM for 2.1, runs fine although I WILL be getting shot of it at upgrade time and going HTC.
Motorola!!! you SUCK!!!!! NEVER AGAIN!!!!
Anonymous 12 May, 2011 15:13
I agreed with others... IF MOTOROLA DON'T GIVE US THE ANDROID 2.1 FOR DEXT, I NEVER BUY MOTOROLA IN THE FUTURE!!!!
(I'm it manager, I'll discourage my company about that.. no support? no sale!)
Alex
Anonymous 27 May, 2011 23:35
im gutted im reading this now. ive just brought a dext off ebay to replace my insanely faulty nokia n97 mini, hoping it would offer the same apps, and ofcourse updates so that i could stay updated with whats currently available. i feel a complete mug. is there anything i can do to upgrade it? oram i going to be stuck with a phone thats completely inadequite?
Anonymous 3 June, 2011 01:12
I've still got 6 months to go on my 2 year contract and sick of this handsets lack of updates - the apps I want to use don't run on 1.5. I feel totally lied to by motorola - I signed up for this handset on the understanding that an update to 2.1 was in the pipeline. I won't ever buy motorola again and will be advising everyone I know against them.
MOTOROLA YOU SUCK!!!!
Anonymous 12 June, 2011 21:47
Also stuck w/ 6 months left on my contract. This device was great when I got it, but now it's a paper weight.Examining my insurance policy & sticking to HTC devices in future.
Anonymous 18 June, 2011 19:26
Three words - F*** You Motorola!
What a bunch of jokers. Def last Motorola phone I own. These guys are idiots. Phone already has tonnes of bugs, a camera that's basically useless unless you're photographing a rock, in perfect lighting and atmospheric conditions, it does have a great battery (of course, provided you're planning on not using the device in any way - which in my opinion is a bit like marketting the battery which will never need recharging: just simply turn the phone off and never turn it on again - I promise you will never need to recharge your battery again!) and now this firmware sh*t which is basically a smack in the face followed by two fingers (or one finger if you're American, or French). I thought Skype would be an automatic necessity on the Android market, but apparently they've made sure you can't use it if you were so stupid you bought a Motorola Dext. F**king joke! I'd ring them and complain, except I can't use half of the touch screen, which means of course I can't use the digital dialer...
I cannot stress this enough - DO NOT TOUCH MOTOROLA!
Anonymous 6 August, 2011 09:31
I have m8s who have seen my dext and love it. many of which are thinking of getting one..... but now i will tell them that motorola are Boycotting there uk costumers.. so they all will Boycott MOTOROLA. some if not all may boycott everything with a Motorola logo. so Motorola why boycott us, (which they are as said before us users have the update... so its not limitations with the handset)?? Hmm i mate get a iphone or HTC now!!!
anonymous 22 August, 2011 16:55
First and last time I buy a Motorola anything!!
anonymous 13 March, 2012 13:11
Have upgraded to Xperia committed to updates and bought an Acer A500 tablet instead of a xoom. Lost out twice now. Not impressed Motorola.
anonymous 14 March, 2012 16:54
My poor Dext, there are tons of android apps out there but i cannot downlaod simply the 1.5 does not support. i am holding a dinosaur in my hand. Motorola how are you going to compete with servies like this? i don't think you will be around in another 2 years.