This morning, 911SnIpEr obtained and leaked a test build of the official Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread update for the HTC EVO 4G (version 4.12.651.1). Hackers and devs pounced on it immediately, of course, and discovered that the .zip contained dumped partititions, not a flashable EVO-optimized preview of the newest version of Android for smartphones.
But don't worry. Within no time, XDA's TMartin03 took those leaked ingredients and whipped up a fully rooted, deodexed, and busyboxed ROM for anyone eager, willing, and backed up to try out on their EVOs.
Unfortunately for Sense fans, this build still includes version 1.0 of HTC's user interface, which makes the previous rumor that a new version of Sense wouldn't be included with Gingerbread seem much more like cold hard fact than fiction. If you're an optimistic person, though, then the fact that this leaked update is clearly labeled as a test may be enough reason for you to continue hoping that Sense 2.0 (Sense 3.0 is definitely not coming to the EVO 4G – thanks, Barry!) will be part of the final build when it's officially rolled out by HTC/Sprint.
In the meantime, TMartin03's ROM is waiting for you on MultiUpload (201MB) and I'm sure it won't be long before other chefs serve up their new creations based on this leaked build too.
Screenshots from XDA's zeuzinn (post #406).
Early feedback indicates that this build is very fast and scrolling is incredibly smooth. Other notables include Fast Boot, smaller text, and quick GPS location lock.
Have you tried it yet? What else have you noticed?
[xda-developers via Android Central] Thanks, @brodiedunc!
