Even though HTC has pushed the update to take place well before the end of this month, it just seems unrealistic, all things considered. All three mobile phone network operators have given word that upgrades to their units will come at a much later date. On the other hand, HTC Hero owners with unlocked units should be able to get their upgrade without a problem, much to the envy of network subscribers.

As it is with any major update, mobile phone operators would need some lead time to conduct tests to ensure network stability. At the very least this is to nip possible problems in the bud if ever unforeseen issues arise.

The most vocal of them all, Three has stated that their update is set to be released around mid to late July. Customers should not get their hopes up too high though because the patch is more likely to go live later as opposed to an early date.

On the other hand, Orange has released a statement that their upgrade will get released in the “very near future”. If this means an end of the month release date, the network operator may be the first of the three to make the switch.

Lastly, T-Mobile UK asked their G2 (HTC Hero variant for the mobile network operator) subscribers to stay tuned for further announcements. No hint of a date was given but hopefully subscribers will get some news before the month ends.

Considering the fact that Google has already released version 2.2. of the ‘Droid, this looks to be a big disappointment for paid subscribers of the three networks.

Sporting the HTC Sense user interface, this Android handset is easy and fun to use. The home screen provides practical daily information and the menus are easy to navigate. The use of integrated apps for accessing sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and more makes the task easier as opposed to having to rely on the browser.

With Android 2.1 Éclair, the phone also brings plenty of Google feature goodies such as Gmail, Google Chat, Google Voice, Google Buzz, Picasa, Google Maps, Google Earth, Google Street View, the Goggles augmented reality app and more.

As a handset, the device is pretty much a typical mid range smart phone. The 3.2 inch TFT capacitive touch screen provides clear and crisp images and the touch controls are accurate and responsive. The 5 mega pixel camera is great for taking images with its autofocus and LED flash and will also allow users to geo tag images. The device also records videos but users are best advised to have a microSD card for storing all media content.

The phone’s Qualcomm MSM7225 528MHz CPU provides the handset with a pretty good performance when it comes to running apps and basic phone functions.

Overall, the HTC Wildfire is a reliable, social networking handset that is sure to make going online a whole lot more easier for many Android smart phone users. Vodafone has announced that the handset is already available from their stores.

While no specific date has been given, estimates place the launch around or right before the June 23 –which is the announced launch of the Android 2.2 Froyo update for the HTC Desire.

Speaking of the Desire, the high end Android smart phone is actually included in the list of HTC handsets that will be receiving the update. So far, the list contains four smart phones: the HTC Hero, HTC Legend, HTC Desire and the HTC EVO 4G. So far, it has not been confirmed if the HTC Wildfire will be compatible with the software update, but since it already runs version 2.1, it may not need the patch at all.

With version 2.2 already out for the Nexus One and coming soon for the Desire, the move to release version 2.1 on these handsets may seem a little unnecessary, as it would have made more sense to just release a patch for the latest version of the OS instead. With all the new features and capabilities of Android Froyo, many HTC users will certainly feel that they have been left out of the new update.

In many ways, this is one of the main reasons why Google’s Android has yet to beat the iPhone OS. While they are providing Apple with plenty of competition, the compatibility issues and the fact that not all Android phones are running the same version of the OS is a serious issue that Google has to cope with if they are to compete with the iPhone and Windows Phone 7’s performance.

It is already a common fact that most HTC devices use the Sense user interface (or the TouchFlo 3D) which may be the target of the some of the software infringement cases. Despite this, Google has issued a statement that they support and are behind HTC on the issue.

The show of corporate loyalty is touching, and for many, quite expected. Google and HTC have a pretty long history together. HTC, for its part, has been one of the founding and most active members of the Open Handset Alliance. They have played a key role in the development of the Android OS and have been the manufacturer behind many firsts such as the first Android device and the first Google branded smart phone.

With Apple and Google’s industry rivalry getting stronger with each passing week, Apple’s decision to sue HTC can be considered a very smart maneuver to disable an important cog in the Android chassis.

Regardless of whether HTC wins the lawsuit or not, it is predicted that Apple is simply aiming to slow down the pace of the Android OS’ advancement. With the Nexus One already under its belt, the HTC Desire and Legend coming this year and the upcoming HTC Scorpio seeming poised to match the Apple iPhone 4G; HTC has positioned itself as a key player in Google’s plans. A single well placed lawsuit such as this should help Apple pave the way for their upcoming devices like the iPhone 4G.

Get more info about the Apple-HTC lawsuit at the Telegraph UK.