HTC Sense UI is coming to HTC Magic...

...just not ones with "Google" written on the back

17 August 2009 2:03 GMT / By Stuart Miles

HTC has confirmed that it will be allowing users of its Magic handset to upgrade the user interface to the newly announced Sense UI announced at the same time as the company's latest Android handset - the HTC Hero.

However, before Vodafone customers who've opted for the HTC Magic in the UK, jump up and down with glee, the downside is, as previously confirmed by HTC, the update will not be available on any handset with the words "with Google" on it due to licencing agreements.

The news means owners of the Vodafone HTC Magic in the UK and T-Mobile myTouch 3G in the US won't be able to get the update, legally.

Still, if you own a HTC magic that doesn't have the "with Google" on the back - ie you bought it directly from HTC - then you should be able to upgrade when an update supposedly becomes available later this year.

Earlier this year, HTC CEO Peter Chou told Pocket-lint that the: "HTC Sense will be available on some other existing devices".

UPDATE: HTC has now confirmed that it and Chunghua will be offer customers who purchased the HTC Magic a software update after the Hero has been released.

A spokesperson for the company has told us that while it may offer similar upgrades with other carriers that are selling the HTC branded Magic (not “with Google” Magics or other similar Google-branded devices) no other carriers have committed to an upgrade at this time.