Verizon commits to 'newer' Android for Droid Eris with Google Maps Navigation in Q1 2010
By Chris Ziegler 
posted December 4th 2009 12:01PM
posted December 4th 2009 12:01PM
HTC has pulled no punches about the fact that it intends to bring Heros up to Android 2.0 (or is that 2.1?) spec at some point, though neither Sprint nor Verizon had quickly followed on to assure customers that there'd be upgrades ready and waiting for their versions (sure, technically, the Droid Eris is a different internal HTC codename than the Heros of the world, but they're basically brothers from the same mother). Well, good news: Verizon has just announced that it'll be bringing the phone to a "newer" build of Android with integrated Google Maps Navigation for release in the first quarter of 2010. Since Google's nav app works on 1.6 now, that really doesn't give us much of a clue which version the Droid Eris can expect to see -- but seeing how we have leaked Hero firmwares running on 2.1 at this point, that'd seem like a probable target. With the Droid taking a baby step to 2.0.1 in the next few weeks, it seems at least possible that the shadow-dwelling Eris could end out ahead in the never-ending Android version game -- crazy how the world works, isn't it?
you know, I really like the Droid Eris from what I have seen, and this only makes it better. I think I might be getting an Android phone...
@electron I plan on getting the Eris when it is time for me to upgrade in about a month
@electron it's definitely worth it. I've had mine for a week and I have fallen in techno-love
@electron
The Eris is an amazing phone. Much more attractive and elegant than the droid in my opinion. The wife and I have had ours for about a month and we love them.
That whole thing was only 4 sentences.
@Evan Bow before my run-on mastery.
Amen, finally, a major selling point besides the price for a phone that really isn't inferior to the Droid, just different. There was the biggest fuss over the Hero during September, and this happens to be the best version of it. How quickly technology moves...
Great news for current and perspective Eris owners. I can't wait for the final Hero update.
I'm not entirely sure why we want 2.0 so badly on devices with Sense already, what am I missing?
@JONNNathannn Google Maps Navigation is probably the biggest reason people want it. I think Eclair has some extra email features and some other minor things as well.
@JONNNathannn Because it comes with Google Maps Navigation. Why else?!
@JONNNathannn If it wasnt for GMN there would not really be a reason to call it 2.0. With out that it should really be called 1.7 so now that 1.6 is getting nav there is not a huge step up from one to another.
@OCJP Just confused because then it was reported that Google Nav is coming to 1.6 so whenever I see a 2.0 rumor for a HTC Sense phone I get confused.
@JXCGunrunna
GMN may be the biggest difference but it is not the only improvement in android 2.0. There were many improvements made to the virtual keyboard, Browser, camera, and calendar. Even without GMN this would have been 2.0.
@Edobe except phones running Sense ui from HTC have a different and what some would call better virtual keyboard than what is included in android. So, not sure what 2.0 would do there for sense phones.
I'd be more open to Android if I could get it on a device like the HD2.
@boe
I'd be more open to a device like the HD2 if I could get one.
Does this mean they are going to push down 2.0 (or 2.1 for that matter) to existing Eris owners?
Good news! Love it. Also take Test drive of Android OS 2.0 Emulator on Windows.
http://www.zjtechlive.com/try-android-2-0-on-your-windows/
I would really love it if Verizon would let me buy this phone without a data plan. Even if you buy the phone at full retail, they require you to pay for a data plan to even activate the phone. I have no need for data as I'm surrounded by wifi every day be it at work or home. Guess I'll be sticking to my crappy flip phone for the time being.
@mbushnell You could buy an iPod touch...
@Steve B I didn't think Droids and iThings were allowed to comingle with a single user.
@mbushnell I'm not sure what the point of getting a Droid without the data plan would be... all the best features depend on it.
@mbushnell
unfortunately youre gonna need that data plan to activate the phone at all, and it isnt possible through wifi cuz theres no way to get to the settings to enable wifi without activating it first, unless you root it. if it had a sim, itd be much easier. you could just borrow someones sim with a data plan and activate it.
I bought my Eris 3 days after it came out and I have loved every minute of it. I have been waiting for news such as this for a while now, and as I had hoped they would come out with this update at the same time they expect to come out with the maintenance update this month, I am still very excited to hear that my Eris will soon have Google Maps Navigation. I really don't care what version Android OS it is (1.6, 2.0, 2.1) - I just want my free navigation. My Eris already does everything I need it to do right now with 1.5. Just no nav. If you are considering getting an Eris - don't hesitate. You will love it. You should also try and get it this weekend because VZW is doing a buy one get one free promo.
@OCJP I'm hopefully going to do just that! I don't think my dad was thinking about getting a new phone but he might be now! It's such a great deal.
@OCJP
Ehhhhh it's tempting. That processor and screen size just doesn't do it for me. If I'm going to take the step to Sense UI and HTC, I'm going to have to wait for the Dragon. Snapdragon and 4.3" will make it the multimedia emailing/web beat I'm looking for. I mean, you can't beat that kind of real estate in a phone around the same thinkness as the Droid Eris. Also, High Res is something that I just can't overlook. So much easier on the eyes. But yeah it's def a good phone, I loved it in the store, works like a charm.
@anyone
Does anyone have any idea about the Dragon/Passion
Verizon, we're thinking?
Specs? Same as HD2 with Android + Sense?
DATES?
@ale
it hasnt even been confirmed to come in the US or confirmed by HTC really and it definetly hasnt been told what bands it will have prolly not CDMA from the get go cause not really any1 else uses CDMA cept for US
@ale I would have also loved a higher resolution screen, a faster processor, etc. However, I just couldn't wait to toss my BlackBerry 8830 World Edition. And, for the price point that the Eris offers, I couldn't wait. Hell, 2 years from now, you can only imagine how powerful Android will be, and what kind of phones will come out then. I can hang with the Eris for 2 years.
THANK GOD! I love my Eris but trying to use Google Maps for navigation is horrific. I was in D.C. and for some reason it thought I was over the atlantic ocean somewhere off the coast of New Jersey...I cannot wait!
@IE88 Were you using GPS or cell tower for your location? I recommend GPS next time you want more accuracy.
@OCJP That's the thing, I was using GPS and had a clear view of the sky. I even rebooted the phone and still had the same problem. What was really weird was that it showed me moving even when I was parked or sitting at a red light...
Droid eris Rocks!
once we have navigation and the battery issue resolved, its no stopping this phone! :)
i know the battery issue will get the update 12/11/09 and 1/22/09 respectfully :)
I just want the Eris to come to europe!
With 2.1 obviously.
For those on Verizon, the Pre has had Navigation since launch. Hopefully they bring that to Big Red in January.
@(Unverified)
That is because Sprint loads their own Nav program on it (and the unlimited plan covers the fee's), same with the Hero. I'm surprised the Eris does not have a Verizon Nav program...
@(Unverified) Verizon already has free Turn by Turn Navigation on the Motorola Droid. This article is referencing the fact that it will now ALSO come to the Droid Eris.
@Bobbo I am well aware. I am simply saying there is another great option on the horizon, and for that all Verizon members can be thankful. :)
@Gibson
I'm not sure that's true though about the Pre..
Could be but for some reason I remember my friend saying he had to pay extra for VZ Navigator on his Blackberry Curve with Data Plan which I'm assuming would be the same for the Pre
That's what I thought the magic of Google Nav. Verizon doesn't charge for it because it's a Native Integrated Program with no subscription.
Tick Toc Sprint and HTC
Does anyone know if the Exchange client in the Droid Eris supports remote wiping and password protection? The default client in Android 2.0 lacks this stuff, and so it won't connect to my school's server.
@Jeff Kibuule I have the Eris and it does not support remote wiping and password protection that is often required for Exchange. However, there is an app for Exchange that does support it and it works pretty well:
http://www.nitrodesk.com/dk_touchdownFeatures.aspx. The free version allows you to read and manage emails, but not compose.
It has widgets for viewing your new mail and calendar on the home screens. Some people may like having their work email integrated with their Gmail, but personally I like having it separate.
"First Quarter of 2010". That's carrierspeak for March 31 2010
Awesome! I love my Droid Eris! you know... as more than a friend.
damn im sure hoping something good happens next week for us sprint hero users.
As much as I want an Android 2.0 device when it comes to updating it seems rather complicated. Who updates it? Google with their OS? The manufacturer of the phone? The carrier? Basically its just a crap shoot if you get it. I mean if I bought a phone I would expect it to be updated when newer software versions come out. I guess thats one good thing about Apples iron grip. Granted ATT has nothing to do with the software OS, just the carrier files.
I like the Moto Droid, just don't want a slider. Thats for those texting young whipersnappers.
Droid owners don't have a 'real' version of Android. Hero/Eris owners don't have the latest version of Android.
The Verizon/Motorola/HTC/Android/Droid/Sense amalgam clustercuss is just the ticket for Apple to dominate the category for years to come. Or at least until Google releases the 'real' Android. Or is that the 'real' Droid.
@Ariel Bender
Don't be so quick to dismiss the competition just because you foolishly use a version number as an indicator of success. "Real" OS or not, the devices are very real and represent a level in consumer technology that you know Apple will be looking to challenge. The appreciable amount of diversity in the Android (and WinMo if you really wanted to take it there) handset portfolio is a welcome reality to those of us who not only like our phone needs catered to, but also don't want to carry the same phone as the person standing next to them, or the person next to them. If anything, this will serve as a wake-up call to Apple to realize that diversity can be great model for success. But you see the world through iPhone colored glasses, so I guess you wouldn't really notice that
@JDubbs115: Yeah, as a mobile app developer there's nothing that makes me happy than trying to sort out a clustercuss because the company (Google/Microsoft) is in panic mode and can't keep partners inline with a single unified platform.
FYI: "..but also don't want to carry the same phone as the person standing next to them..." Uh, you're no better, smarter or different than anyone else because your phone is different/jailbroken. Ass clown.