T-Mobile Upgrading Two Models with Android 1.6

Two Android-based smartphones -- the T-Mobile G1 and T-Mobile myTouch 3G -- will get updates to the latest version of their operating system in the next few days.

Previously this was a rumor, but T-Mobile has now confirmed it. An official statement says:

The rollout of Android 1.6 (Donut) to T-Mobile's G1 and myTouch 3G customers is now underway

A lucky few with the G1 have already received an over-the-air update to Android 1.6 starting early this morning, while T-Mobile will reportedly start sending it to the newer myTouch 3G tomorrow.

What's In Android 1.6?
The next version of this OS won't be a dramatic improvement for current models, but there will be some improvements. The on-device software store that has been re-designed, and developers will be able to create apps that take advantage of a new text-to-speech engine.

Other enhancements in Android 1.6 will include:

• An integrated camera, camcorder, and gallery interface.
• Updated Voice Search, with faster response and deeper integration with native applications, including the ability to dial contacts.
• A new Quick Search Box will make it easier to search various sources, such as browser bookmarks & history, contacts, and the web, directly from the home screen.

The first models running Android 1.6 are expected to launch later this month. These will be able to take advantage of the two most significant changes in Android 1.6: support for new screen resolutions -- QVGA and WVGA -- and support for CDMA cellular wireless networks.

Source: T-Mobile