Just like we told you, it looks like HTC's Software Download page for the AT&T Tilt is today sporting a new option: Windows Mobile 6.1:

Downlolad AT&T Tilt Update - Version 3.57.502.2
AT&T Tilt Windows Mobile 6.1 Software (ROM Version 3.57.502.2 WWE)

We're grabbing it now and it does indeed look like that earlier confusion about listing 6.1 to download but actually only giving you an older version has passed.

You can expect all the standard 6.1 improvements: threaded SMS, slightly better ActiveSync battery life, and so on. HTC / AT&T are also throwing in Video Share (still one way though, of course. Come on AT&T) and the ability to finally remap that Push-to-talk button without hackery.

A Windows Mobile 6.1 update for the HTC TYTN II / Kaiser will be officially available any day now (likely by the end of the week). So says Paul of MoDaCo, adding:

The update is for HTC TyTN II devices, and will be followed later by a AT&T branded update. The update adds Windows Mobile 6.1 with improvements such as the 'Getting Started' wizard, Threaded SMS and general performance and battery life updates, as well as HTC's 'video performance' update. So what's it like? Performance IS improved, however with no real video acceleration, don't get your hopes up TOO much!

...So it looks like our fears last week that the update would never be seen on the Tilt were unfounded. We're happy to hear that the update is 'improved' and though we understand (and partially agree with) the decision not to try to develop better video drivers, the lack of them here still stings, just a little.

(Oh, right: following that MoDaCo link will start you on a path towards hunting the leaked version of said ROM, which is indeed out on the internets as of this moment.)

Thanks to surur for the tip!

Update: The update is out now, you can go get it from HTC's site - looks like we should have been clearer when we said “AT&T will be releasing” the update, it's technically coming to you direct from HTC. Which is something we should have figured, since HTC seems to prefer providing their updates directly (ala the Mogul update) rather than mucking about having the carriers provide it. (Tip of the hat to Tilt Site for pointing out the distinction!)

Thanks to nbarksdale in the comments for telling us it's here. :D

We have it from reliable sources that AT&T will be releasing a ROM update tomorrow, February 15th. The update isn't going to add any significant new features -- unless “working properly” counts as a feature. It's not Windows Mobile 6.1 or a magical driver to speed up the display, either. Instead, expect a bunch of bugfixes, mostly related to speed and Bluetooth issues.

Here are the things you'll no longer suffer through on your Tilt once you apply the “software version 1.62.502.0”:

• Device freezing during unlock process when a password is enabled on the device.
• Pocket Outlook unresponsive when launched while on an active voice call.
• Fast Forward and Rewind not working with Bluetooth headset and the Tilt.
• DTMF tones for the slide out QWERTY keyboard not working.
• Intermittent unresponsiveness from Touch Screen (aka Start Button Issue).
• Excessive background noise while using a BT headset.

The update comes out tomorrow, but you might want to head to our How To article on Customizing your Tilt today so you can be prepared. A new ROM means that AT&T will be throwing a lot of crapware “bonus applications” onto the device, and the tips in the comments are something you'll want on hand when you apply the update.

Thanks anonymous tipster!

Update: We lied [about there being no new features available: WOW, can't believe I let that be so ambiguous!!] -- looks like there'll also be a new version of BlackBerry Connect tomorrow as well - though that might be available for any Windows Mobile device that uses BlackBerry Connect. It won't be built-into the ROM, but you can download the new version via the standard stub-app included on the Tilt.

We here at WMExperts have a bit of experience with users organizing around a tech support issue and petitioning the company to just fix the darn thing already. After all, over at our sister site TreoCentral just such an effort was successful last year. This time around, it's HTCClassAction.org, a group of users who aren't actually suing anybody (yet), but trying to get HTC to fix what seems to be a persistent problem.

Update: After the break, the rest of the original post, HTC's response, and a couple closing thoughts.

Read the rest of this entry »

The HTC TyTN II has been announced for Europe, on pretty much every European carrier. You may know it as the Kaiser or the Tilt, but from now on you should just think of it as the Awesome. I was already impresssed with:

• 3G
• WiFi
• GPS
• 3 megapixel camera
• innovative tilting design.

...Now a glimpse at what they're including software-wise seals the deal: like the title says, the HTC TyTN II looks to be the most powerful Windows Mobile Device ever put into production. Check this out (emphasis mine):

HTC HomeTM, HTC's new homescreen, offers easy access to photo dialing, text messages, calendar entries, emails and contacts, as well as one touch access to live weather conditions plus four-day forecasts. [...] In addition, HTC has included further applications such as a business card scanner and TomTom Navigator 6 (Taster edition) to complement the in-built GPS.

Read: HTC launches the HTC TyTN II in Europe @ Mobility Today

Sadly, I don't have high hopes that the evil empire of AT&T will be as generous, but nevermind that. When the Tilt reaches these shores on September 3rd it will be the de facto king of the hill.