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Gingerbread has finally been released for the Google Nexus One. I’ve just received the OTA update but you can direct download it from Google.

Gingerbread 2.3 (GRI40) from Froyo 2.2 (FRG83G)

More details to follow

1. Download the 645kb update file from Google
   (signed-passion-FRF83-from-FRF72.684bd56a.zip)
2. Follow the instructions here – Upgrading the Google Nexus One Eclair 2.1 to Froyo 2.2 – unrooted stock
   (note that step 9 may require you to press reboot )

To force your Google Nexus One to “phone home” for updates all you need to do is open the phone keypad and dial the following number

*#*#2432546#*#*

The number translates to

*#*#checkin#*#*

This will contact Google and check for updates and respond with a “checkin succeeded”

The release version of Froyo 2.2 has been released for Google Nexus One users.

1. Download the 1828kb update file from Google
   (filename:  signed-passion-FRF83-from-FRF50.38d66b26.zip)
2. Follow the instructions here – Upgrading the Google Nexus One Eclair 2.1 to Froyo 2.2 – unrooted stock
   (note that step 9 may require you to press reboot )

An update for Froyo 2.2 from FRF50 to FRF72 has been released and is available from Google’s website now.

The update is similar to the Eclair 2.1 to Froyo 2.2 with one change.

1. Download the 1.9mb update file from Google
   (signed-passion-FRF72-from-FRF50.bc033f9e.zip)
2. Follow instructions here –  Upgrading the Google Nexus One Eclair 2.1 to Froyo 2.2 – unrooted stock – starting with step 2 and returning her after step 9.
3. The phone when complete will sit there with the same menu seen in step 8. Press the trackball to reboot.

First check the build number (Settings \ About Phone)  and check the build number out which needs to be ETE27.

1. Download the 44.4mb update file from Google
   (filename: signed-passion-FRF50-from-ERE27.1e519a24.zip)
2. Rename the file to update.zip
3. Copy to the root of the SD card as shown
   
4. Turn the Nexus One off
   
5. Hold down the trackball button and turn on the Nexus One
   
6. Scroll down using the “volume down” button to the recovery option and press the “power” button to select.
   
7. The phone will reboot and allow you to select the firmware to upgrade.
   
8. Scroll down using the trackball and press it to select.
   
   
   
9. The firmware upgrade will begin immediately, allow 5 minutes for the flashing stage.
   
   
10. After the firmware is flashed the Nexus One will reboot.
    
    
    
11. Startup shows the upgrade was successful.
    

Automatic Updating of Applications

New Car Screens

New Car Screens

Tethering and Portable Hotspot

In my guide Importing a Google Nexus phone to Australia (and other countries) I mentioned a requirement to use a proxy server otherwise Google won’t allow you to purchase. The standard URL www.google.com/phone gives a message “Sorry, the Nexus One phone is not available in your country or region”.

Using this link may allow you to purchase without a proxy www.google.com/phone/?hl=en&gl=US&s7e=

Optus have finally allowed it’s customers access to paid apps – Optus, Virgin Mobile and TPG blocking access to paid applications via Android Market.

The move comes as competition intensifies in the Android market in Australia with recent announcements by Telstra and Vodafone.

Optus unlocks access to paid Android apps

Ahead of next week’s expected launch of new Android handsets, Optus has finally enabled access to paid apps on the Android Marketplace.

“We’re very happy to let all our Android customers know that you now have access to all paid apps in the Android Marketplace.”

That simple message, which appeared shortly before noon today from Optus’ official Twitter account (@Optus), brought sighs of relief, yelps of delight and a few cries of “Too late, I already switched carriers” from Australia’s Android fans.

Update: Optus finally allows it’s customers to use paid apps on the Optus, Virgin Mobile and TPG networks (Friday 26th of March 2010)

Optus being the partner network with Google in Australia (at the moment) would seem to be the obvious choice to use with your new Android phone – at least that’s what you would think however Optus have decided to instead block all their customers and those of their resellers Virgin Mobile and TPG from accessing paid applications.

Google have offered them 30% of the app store sales sold via the Optus network but still Optus are holding out for more.  I’m not sure if Google offer this to all carriers or if it’s just the carriers they partner with in each country (I suspect the latter) but this raises the whole issue of Network Neutrality which is based on the principle that if a user pays for internet access and another user pays for internet access they should be able to connect to each other at their level of access (speed for example). In this case you should be able to access the Android Market and purchase apps no matter what network you’re on (the 30% payment is neither here nor there as far as this argument).

Options if you are with Optus, Virgin Mobile or TPG to access paid applications include

• Rooting the phone and using market enabler – however this voids your warranty and you have to apply updates manually

• Put a Telstra or Vodafone SIM card in the phone – requires powering off the phone and pulling the battery each time

• If you’re under contract contact the TIO and raise a dispute with Optus – so far everyone who has done this has had their contract released early so they could move to another network – Telstra or Vodafone work fine

• If you’re out of contract move to another network – both Telstra and Vodafone work fine (Vodafone will be the new Google partner in Australia when they release the Nexus One here)

• Using another Android application sites – Alternatives to using the Google Market to purchase Android Applications

Staying with Optus and either not purchasing apps or using one of the workarounds is only going to condone this behavior. Optus have already setup their own App store (very limited content and poor ui) and natural progression will see them diverting traffic from other stores to their store.

There has been some media coverage of this but many customers are still unaware of Optus’s action.

Optus deliberately blocking Android paid apps – APC Magazine

Optus Are Blocking Paid Android Apps – GIZMODO

Paid apps in the android marketplace – Whirlpool

Information about the 30% payment to carriers

Google to Take a Hefty Cut on Android App Sales – Gadget Lab

If you’re looking at alternative sites to purchase or download Android Applications either because you’re on a network that blocks access to the Android Market or want to look at alternative options the following are some sites that have a decent range.

SlideME