T-Mobile updates Danger's Hiptop over the air - and removes functionality

It's not clear if the latest update to Danger's Hiptop devices remove programs to make space for new functionality - or T-Mobile is just managing "their" devices.

Apparently users of Danger's Hiptop, a PDA style device connected to the T-Mobile network are not the "owners". The latest OTA (over-the-air) update removes programs from the device. Some reported that T-Mobile has the power to actually wipe out the device's content if the user asks to have it disconnected from the network - without giving the user chance or tools to backup contents, including PIM information.

The press release says only "Starting today, an OTA will be rolled out to all T-Mobile Color Sidekick owners. This Over-the-Air Update includes the following:

Color hiptops only: You may notice the removal of the Arcade Games. We are no longer providing these games through the color Sidekick.

The battery charge indicator in the title bar is more accurate.

Improvements were made to performance monitoring (back-office tools)."