How to Manually Install the RC33 Update to a T-Mobile G1

Even though T-Mobile began pushing a small maintenance update out to the T-Mobile G1 last week, few people have received it yet. For those who are getting impatient, there is a way to install the upgrade manually.

Note: This is not a method sanctioned by T-Mobile. The very cautious should wait for the over-the-air update

Instructions:

1. Download the RC33 update from Google's web site.
2. Save it to a microSD card and rename it simply "Update.zip".
3. Shut down the G1, then start it again while holding down the Home key.
4. The T-Mobile G1 logo will show up as normal but wait a bit -- still holding down the Home key -- and a triangular caution icon next to a phone will appear. When this shows up, hit ALT-L.
5. This will open a menu of options, one of which is install the contents of "Update.zip". Do this by hitting ALT-S.
6. Wait several minutes while the new firmware is installed. Don't touch, mess with, or even look too closely at the G1 during this process.
7. Eventually, a request to simultaneously push the Home and Back keys will appear. (Back is near Home, not the Delete key on the keyboard.) This will restart the device.
8. The firmware will be copied into ROM, which takes another minute or so, then the G1 will reboot itself normally.
9. The update process is then complete

What's New in RC33

This is not the rumored "cupcake" update to the G1 many are eagerly waiting for, but still provides a few new features and software bug fixes.

According to T-Mobile, this update -- MR 1.1 RC33 -- offers the following new features:

• Support "Check For Upgrades" (New feature to check for system upgrades)
• Voice Search (New Google feature for searching)
• Ability to save pictures received as MMS

There are also some bug fixes, including one for a bug that forces users to sign back into their IM sessions if they shut down Wi-Fi, and another that causes users to miss appoints because the reminder doesn't go off.

More information on the changes included in the maintenance release are available on the official T-Mobile G1 forum.

The cupcake update, which will add an on-screen keyboard to this smartphone, is still some time in the future.