Need to know – Android Froyo
Yesterday, Google rolled back the screens and gave us our first proper taste of what’s coming in its new mobile OS edition – Android 2.2, codename Froyo. If you’re a bit shaky on what to expect from this new iteration of the world’s number two mobile platform, we’ve dug around to bring you this comprehensive guide.
Why Froyo?
If you were Californian, you’d know that Froyo was short for frozen yoghurt (and the pronounciation would make sense). Why not something more inclusive? Well, it had to begin with ‘F’, to follow Google’s hurricane-style alphabetised naming system, and it had to be confection-based. So far, we have Cupcake, Donut, Éclair, Froyo and forthcoming Gingerbread. And after that? We’re gunning for Humbug.
What’s new?
If you’ve been using Android 2.1, the surface changes won’t be a massive surprise. There have been some graphical tweaks (see that new homescreen widget?) but it’s not a radical departure from the UIs of previous versions. That’s a good thing. Behind the scenes, new features include USB tethering, Flash 10.1 support, over-the-air updates and app downloads and iTunes streaming.
Is it good?
You read the last bit, right? All of those are Good Things. If you need further persuasion, it’s also five times faster than version 2.1. Better still, Google says Froyo has the world’s speediest mobile browser. On your marks…
Who’s getting it?
We’ll start seeing new phones running Froyo out of the box pretty soon (nothing firmer than that, sadly). If you plumped for Google’s Nexus One over an HTC Desire, there’s good news – you’ve been promised a ride on the first-round update. Androiders running other recent handsets – including that gorgeous Samsung Galaxy S we got our mitts on – should also get the new version. Expect updates to roll out over the next few months.
More Android stories on Stuff.tv
- By numbers – Android vs iPhone
- Froyo to get 3G tethering, act as Wi-Fi hotspot
- Android Gingerbread coming in late 2010
- New Dell handsets to run Froyo
- Samsung Galaxy S unboxing
- Review – Google Nexus One
- Review – HTC Desire
Comments
djianm
2 years ago
Dont expect it any time soon. I`m still waiting on 2.1 for my hero
oldgrowler
2 years ago
i have nexus one so im looking forward to getting the latest update soon hopefully, that is the reason i sold my hero as i want the choice to update when a new version comes along and i hope more manufacturers start bringing out android phones without all the sense,blur etc overlay as it is hampering the updates, why cant they make the overlay into one app style download that gives people the choice if they want it or not
GeoHBarr
2 years ago
if 2.1 for hero is anything to go by I wont be holding my breath for 2.2 for my new desire