Android Market available locally

Rudolph Muller

Rudolph Muller is the editor at MyBroadband and covers telecoms and broadband news. Rudolph comes from an academic background, but left the University of...

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A new Android ROM for HTC devices, which will give users access to the international Android Market, was released in SA last night.

The update is currently available on Leaf International Communications, distributors of the HTC brand in South Africa, website for download. To apply the ROM users must save it onto their PCs and apply it using their shipped HTC software. This will flash the phone, returning it to factory settings, and will install a new firmware update which will include the Android Market.

Alternatively HTC Dream and Magic owners can take their devices into Leaf outlets nationwide to have the ROM applied for them.

HTC Dream owners will also have the benefit of being upgraded to Android 1.5 firmware, also known as ‘Cupcake’ which includes a number of new features. HTC Magic owners will retain their current firmware versions.

Additionally the Leaf Open Market will still be available to users locally and is set to adopt a more local feel.

Currently there has been no further progress regarding the international content vetting process for the Android Market. As a result local Android users will only have access to free applications in the foreseeable future.