Just got the OTA upgrade from android to install the Froyo 2.2. I am using the original Droid. There have been many discussions on the features and what they mean. Obviously the most well know is the flash 10.1 update, mostly because of Apple (Mr. Jobs) publicly ousting the techies at Adobe calling their product inferior and apple won’t stand for it….
Speaking of inferior, how is that new iPhone 4 going for you guys??
Anyhow, the 2.2 upgrade does indeed carry Flash for viewing videos. After the update installed I went straight to espn.com to view some video blogs, and viola..seamlessly started. Honestly, the browser on this thing is amazing, it truly is a mini computer.
That leads into some hardware specs. These are hands down the most boring thing to talk about and read about, just know that the claims of faster, easier browsing the internet as well as native apps is true. Text messaging, internet, camera etc…all load considerably faster than before. I did not time this, but it is definitely obvious.
New UI, Notice the 'G' in the search bar, and the 3 new navi menu items at the bottom
Next comes the UI. Some changes did occur. The search bar has changed, just asEngadget displayedThere is a new ‘G’ next to the search bar, it is simply to show search history. It will display your search history for the web, apps, and contacts. Not sure how this is an upgrade, probably only and easier way to get caught testing the new flash 10.1 on the ‘adult’ rated sites….
New Twitter app installed with upgrade, better than the current twitter apps
Twitter jumped in the game, with a native app installed upon the upgrade. I was previously using twidroyd, and I can say instantly that the twitter app is much better. Bye Bye twidroyd sorry, however, the only issue I see is the twitter app will update everytime a friend or follower posts either to twitter or DM or just mentions you. If you have tons of friends…you get the idea. Make sure to turn that off simply to save some sanity.
The upgrades seem to be more widespread than just to mobile devices. Google and gmail have upped many of their UI to match the upgrades to the phone I would assume. Gmail got a facelift, latitude is as robust as ever, and google maps with street view on your phone is down right amazing…oh and they added google earth.
The last great expected upgrade is the Mobile Hot-spot. The Droid X and the EVO have it, unfortunately, this upgrade does not. It does however have a tethering option. Although you won’t be able to connect via WiFi..(yet)..you can connect via a USB. The same USB that comes as the charger..that simple. Especially cool when Verizon upgrades the network to 4G. I will be able to spend even more time aimlessly browsing the web for something cool.
It appears at first glance the upgrades are legit, the major one being flash. The browsing capabilities are amazing now, and will create less stress to web developers trying to get their websites mobile. Unfortunately, in my opinion, all for not. HTML5 will be here sooner that later and then we will all have video at our finger tips, and maybe just maybe, Mr. Jobs will be right……NAHHHHHH!
Have you ever heard the expression ‘They got jobbed’..I never understood that, but maybe I do now!
