No huge surprises here, but Google just announced
Android 2.2 "Froyo" at I/O, and the big addition is a just-in-time compiler, which brings a 2-5x speed boost to the system. There are also 20 new enterprise features, including better Exchange integration and device administration APIs, as well as a new device backup app that'll let you transfer personal data to a new device. Android 2.2 also features a new cloud-to-device messaging API that Google called "much more than a push notification service designed to make up for a lack of basic features like multitasking," and of course,
WiFi tethering -- which was used to get a WiFi iPad online during the demo to great cheers. Google also demoed a new JavaScript engine in the Android browser, which is billed as "the world's fastest web browser," and a Chrome browser plugin that allows you to send directions from Maps on your desktop directly to your phone.
It's all going on live right now, so make sure to go hit our I/O liveblog!
posted May 20th 2010 11:48AM
YAY for more Google Goodies!!!
@whySoSerious Sounds awesome, is there more information to come?
@Sam7
All these updates are making me ravenous, I wonder why...
@whySoSerious
"much more than a push notification service designed to make up for a lack of basic features like multitasking,"
So, what does that mean? I'm not on the Android wagon yet, since I still have a few weeks to go until I can pick up my Evo. Does Android not multitask or something? What is that statement in reference to?
@whySoSerious
Android+Snapdragon literally swimming laps around Apple+A4!!!
@whySoSerious
I wouldn't mind having a chrome browser for android. Evo just got a whole lot better looking, and its not even out yet.
@The Stig It'll be interesting to see if that's true when an actual comparison can be made, such as, I don't know, an A4 powered smartphone exists for sale ;)
@whySoSerious
I've been using an iPhone 2G since Nov 2007, waiting for something significantly better to come out.
This might be that something. Apple has a tendency to come out of nowhere with something that anticipates and exceeds the competition ... but I'm not sure they can beat Froyo. Just have to wait and see.
@r34p3r
they're bashing apple for lack of multitasking and thier poor notification design.
@r34p3r
it's referring to the push notification, one of the biggest inventions that apple has been talking for years in the past.
android does "fully" multitasking with no doubt, dude.
Am I the only one who sees Lemmings in that picture?
@whySoSerious Changes We Want?
Definitely App2SD. I’m getting tired of this “Low space” notification on my Nexus and thinking what should I uninstall before I can try out new app.
I would welcome a better power management ie, longer battery life. I could even welcome a low performance mode (available via settings) to make my RSS reading and web browsing experience longer. Opinions.
http://j.mp/2-2-froyo-unleashed
@r34p3r
It's in response to the iPhone's (then) lack of real multitasking.
Impressive
@Lord Vader
All is going to plan, my Lord. Soon Froyo shall head to the mountains of Apple and drop the cursed ring of Jobs into the river of tampons...Sorry, I'm listening to Lord of the Rings soundtrack and kinda forgot I was suppose to make a witty Star Wars comment.
@Lord Vader. Of course FOO! 2-5X more speed, mor faster browser. Get some froyo
@MrT. *Most* impressive
@Lord Vader but Andy is almost Jedi-like!
@Lord Vader welcome to the darkside of google android =)
@Lord Vader: Froyo is the official phone OS of the Empire.
Google = Empire = Taking Over The World = Pwns Apple = World Domination.
@blenderman345
"we don't use the word 'dominating'"
- Eric Schimidt
@Lord Vader Yeppers, Lord Vader, Impressive indeed. They certainly are heading the right way with this OS. It's all out war against Apple at this point.
i love google :)
K my question is... how soon will this come out? Cause Gingerbread is suppose to hit in q4!...tight dead line dont you think?
@ike760 Allegedly beginning of June.
@ike760 Well, 2.0 arrived on the Droid in November, 2.1 came out in Feb with the Nexus One. I could see 2.2 arriving in July/August. That would work with Gingerbread coming out in Nov/Dec
When it will be available? And WiFi N? and FM radio? and colored trackball?? Oh, don't say me that there is no announcements for nexus one....
How soon and subsequintly how long til sprint gives it to me
@decimal12
This, I want to know.
Especially with the Evo 4G.
But will Sprint allow free tethering when it charges for it now?
Too bad it won't fix this little problem: http://imgur.com/lhPUW.jpg
Awesome, otherwise.
@Leindurstit
That's a problem because?
@Leindurstit
I'm afraid that's a hardware issue. It is annoying as hell though.
@Leindurstit I've never seen that as a problem. Take a look at the Nexus One screen. Do you like the way it looks? How do you think it compares, visually, to other phones you have seen? When analyzing a screen, the important factor is human perception of quality. I think my N1 has a better screen than any phone I have ever seen, and thus this particular 'issue' isn't a problem.
Sometimes you have to stop focusing on raw specs and hang your hat on what just looks good.
@Leindurstit I've never seen that as a problem. Take a look at the Nexus One screen. Do you like the way it looks? How do you think it compares, visually, to other phones you have seen? When analyzing a screen, the important factor is human perception of quality. I think my N1 has a better screen than any phone I have ever seen, and thus this particular 'issue' isn't a problem.
Sometimes you have to stop focusing on raw specs and hang your hat on what just looks good.
@craigeryjohn
Yeah, I owned an AT&T Nexus One for a good month. It's not that it was horrible against, say, an iPhone 3GS or similar, but compared to another WVGA device like a Droid or Touch Pro 2, small text was nearly unreadable, edges looked jagged, and as everyone has pointed out, gradients are heavily banded. Black levels were great, yes, but considering the fact that the Nexus One is marketed as a "Web Phone," and the fact that 99% of "the web" is white background, it would seem like they could've chosen a regular LED-backlit LCD panel and ran with it.
All these barbed comments at Apple. Apple don't make barbed comments at Google at WWDC. But I imagine if they did people would be lining up to say — “such jerks”.
Just because tethering is enabled doesn't mean that it will be supported by carriers.
@(Unverified)
no, steve just makes the barbed comments during his "free time" in emails and such.
"A "draconian" future where one company, one device, controls the future." - Google
Odd, isn't Google also trying to be the "one company" that "controls the future" when it comes to mobile computing? Seriously, when are people going to admit that Google is a *business* out to make *money* and are not providing Android for free because it loves them? Enjoy your phone OS that relies on advertising, the control of information, and *your data* to make its money.
It's amazing how much Google has people snowed right now.
@(Unverified) No, Apple just sues Google's business partners, like HTC, for using Android.
@albeec13
Apple and RIM are being sued by Kodak. Apple is being sued by Nokia. Apple is being sued by HTC. Everyone is suing everyone else.
Apart from Microsoft. They've get money for every Android phone HTC that sells.
@(Unverified)
One more point — if Steve likes something he'll come out and say it.
If he doesn't like something he'll also be blunt and say why.
There's none of these sly, barbed comments which lack class.
I stand by my comments, even if they weren't popular.
@(Unverified)
“We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours.”
Nuff said.
Yay! About time, although isn't the push-notification system a bit Apple-esque?
So it's announced today, but phones won't get it for another 6 months???
Looks promising.
Is ur live yet and what devices?
My only question is whether or not I'll get an official 2.2 ROM for my DROID. If not, there's always custom ROMS...
Indeed, give us a release date for these goodies :)
And here I finally just got 2.1 on my Hero....oh well, Evo not too long from now! Now how long until that gets some Froyo lovin'?
But it comes with a free frogurt!
That's good.
The frogurt is also cursed.
That's bad.
But you get your choice of toppings.
That's good!
The toppings contain potassium benzoate.
...That's bad.