G1 Android 1.5 Update (Cupcake)

On my way home last night I received the long awaited “Cupcake” update for my G1. The actual name is “Android 1.5″ but it has become known as the “Cupcake” ever since the developers’ name for it was leaked.

The update gives the G1 a lot of changes. An on screen keypad, video recording, changes to the camera function, easy link to upload to Picasa and You Tube, as well as stereo blue tooth support. Along with other firmware updates.

I have had the chance to play around with these changes and I must say, while not too fond of the on screen keypad, I’m loving it. The camera is much better and faster. Before the update it would take up to 3 seconds from the time you pressed the button to the time the picture was taken. now, they have added an on screen button that takes the picture almost instantly. The video recorder is nice and the ability to upload directly to You Tube is a great feature. The phone seems a little faster and more responsive to commands as well.

The on screen QWERTY keyboard is nice, but I’m not really a fan of it. I chose the G1 because it has the physical keypad. My fingers are a bit too big for the small letters on the screen and I have a lot of typos.

The camera is by far the best update. Much faster response time when taking pictures plus the ability to upload directly to Picasa.

The video recorder is a nice addition along with the ability to upload directly to You Tube.

The icons have been updated as well, with better looking graphics.