With the release of version 2.2 (nicknamed Froyo), the Android mobile OS has made another significant step in its process of maturing. Here is a list of some features that have been added in this release:
- Voice dialing over Bluetooth
- Ability to share contacts with other phones
- Applications can now request installation on the shared external storage (such as an SD card)
- Apps can participate in data backup and restore, to ensure that users maintain their data after performing a factory reset or when switching devices
- USB tethering now available
- Enhanced browser performance with new web browser V8 Javascript
- Flash 10.1 support
- Improved exchange security and features
- Camera onscreen buttons provide easy access to a new UI for controling zoom, flash, white balance, geo-tagging, focus and exposure
- Certain devices can be turned into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot that can be shared with up to 8 devices
- Faster app switching and smoother performance on memory-constrained devices
I would have loved to see Bluetooth file transfer and bluetooth tethering as well in this release, but they cannot be far off now. Still, this release is a big one. The addition of the ability to install apps on a memory card is a big one. That alone makes 2.2 worth it. But as you can see, there are lots more than just that.
Note also that the above list is not exhaustive. I have only listed what I beleive will interest the average user. You can head over to Android 2.2 Platform Highlights page over at Android Developers for the complete list.
I fell in love with Android when I got my first and only ever Android device, the G1, last year. But its immature state meant I couldn’t embrace it as I would have loved to. Now that is changing fast. While I am on it, it doesn’t help that Android has no official presence in Nigeria and so the devices are hard to come by or unnecesarilly expensive.
For example, the Motorola Milestone (aka Droid) was on my shopping list but it wasn’t anywhere in sight when I was smartphone shopping a few months back. While I am convinced that I eventually purchased the best device for my needs, having alternatives available makes shopping more fun!
This post was written by
Mister Mobility – who has written 926 posts on Mobility blog.
Founder, Mobility blog, serial lifestyle entrepreneur, speaker, & writer. Charming, passionate, tenacious & non-conformist. Will dance! Follow him on Twitter @Mister_Mobility.
Related posts:
May 21st, 2010 at 11:30 am Browsing with
This is a lovely news Article. I love what Android is metamorphosing into. Just like the iphone OS. Incremental improvement of the OS until it becomes mature. The ability to install apps on a memory card is easily my best NEW feature. Also, I loved the improve UI and the android apps store. Second only to the itunes app store in numbers of third party app.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
May 21st, 2010 at 11:48 am Browsing with
Something else I should mention. The browser in the android 2.2 Froyo OS is alleged to be the fastest ever. If that is so, then that will be an added advantage.
I was also tempted at trying the Android. THe expense deter me. I couldn’t be using two expensive phones at the same time. What I’ll do, if I wish to buy an Android phone or the upcoming iphone is to have a friend buy one in the UK unlocked, without contract and send to me.
Perhaps, Yomi, you should try that!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
May 22nd, 2010 at 4:35 pm Browsing with
I am surprised to hear that Android doesn’t do bluetooth file transfer. Imagine all the fuss about the iPhone not doing file transfer over bluetooth without a third party app. Are we just blindly falling in love with Android or just unconditionally hating the iPhone?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
May 22nd, 2010 at 7:34 pm Browsing with
@IG. God Bless you IG. I tend to love your comment and the point you’ve noted. Attention to detail I should say. Maybe many people have been overly harsh or too critical on the iphone because it has been a best selller aND a hype trend without being objective in perspectives. AT least the iphone can still manage bluetooth file transfer and even Wifi file transfer via third party apps!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
May 22nd, 2010 at 8:34 pm Browsing with
Afewgoodmen,
Android devices do bluetooth file transfers via 3rd party apps too. You are just as guilty of what you accuse others of – and much more.
@IG: It is easy to see why the iPhone OS gets flak from lots of sides. Both Apple and iPhone fanboys present the OS as God’s gift to humanity, when in reality it has been severely crippled in many ways (thankfully some have been addressed). The iPhone cult is a snobish following that treats everything else as second class. That kind of attitude naturally generates intense hostility – especially from those who know better.
Still, the Android OS offers more features, user liberty and device choices than the iPhone OS does. Truth is, there’s an Android device for a wider range of people than the iPhone platform offers. Yes; Apple is to blame for all of the iPhone OS’ limitations.
I’m not defending Android; just providing an answer to your question.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0