Android is an open platform, and that means that if you don’t like a feature set in Android or feel that it needs something else, all you really have to do is wait. Indeed, Android keeps getting better and better, which is probably why it’s becoming one of the hottest selling smartphone lines around. Every carrier has a version of Android to share with its consumers, and that means that variety just isn’t a problem on Android.
However, just because Android is open doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have to evolve and get new features every once in a while. If you’ve been following the tech news, then you already know that Android 2.2 is out. This means that carriers and manufacturers will start pushing out the updates to the various Android handsets on the market. Even though Android 2.2 “Froyo” has been out for a while now, not everyone has been enjoying the new Android 2.2 just yet.
There’s a reason for that. Those in charge of upgrading each handset line don’t always rush out to push out an update. There may be last minute bugs and problems that have to be worked out. This means that instead of getting the most cutting edge Android once it’s released, you may be waiting weeks or even months to catch up. Some phones, like the Motorola i1 on Boost Mobile, are still way back on Android 1.6 — they clearly have a lot more upgrading to do than other phones.
So, what can you expect in Android 2.2? Well, the focus in “Froyo” has been on tightening up the user interface, which means adding more customization options while still giving users the quick navigation that they’ve been looking forward to. There are new shortcuts on the Home screen that make it easier to get to frequently used programs.
Support for Exchange has also been increased in this update, which is something the business community has been hoping for. Business use on Android is something that’s growing as well, which cuts into Research in Motion’s market dramatically. After all, the Blackberry has long been the phone of choice for people in the corporate world, but that could change as Android get more and more powerful as well as secure.
Android 2.2 also turns the heat up on the portability — turning your phone into a giant hotspot could well be a reality, as long as it’s running Android 2.2. Right now, you can share your 3G connection with a laptop by connecting the two with a USB cable — naturally, the cable doesn’t always come with the phone.
Overall, there’s a lot of functionality on the way for consumers that pick up Android 2.2, but they’ll have to wait for that update.