froyo
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Engadget app updated for Android and webOS
Is it possible we've been so busy we didn't notice our Android app getting a handful of totally fresh new features? Maybe, but hey -- you still win. If you're an Android user, you might like to know that some time last week we flipped the switch on an update to our app that includes some pretty sexy new features, such as search and video playback inline (for Froyo devices). Additionally, our webOS app was recently bugging out, but that issue has since been fixed. Of course, the iPhone and BlackBerry apps are still available and as fly as ever -- so go grab a copy right now! We're including the changelog for the Android app after the break, too. Feel free to nerd out on that.
Droid 2 rumored to be launching August 23rd with Android 2.2
We've certainly gotten a peak at quite a few Droid 2 details so far, but word of a release date has unfortunately never been among them. That now looks to have changed, however, with the folks at Android and Me reporting that a "trustworthy source" has informed them that the phone will be launching on August 23rd. According to the site, that date was apparently chosen so the Droid 2 would be the first phone to ship with Android 2.2 out of the box, although that of course remains to be confirmed (current test versions of the Droid 2 are said to be running Android 2.1). If recent rumors pan out, however, the Droid 2 wouldn't be the first Droid to make the jump to Froyo -- the original Droid is said to be getting the update in "late July," while the Droid X will have to wait until late August.
Developers to get native x86 version of Android 2.2 this summer?
We knew that Intel had designs on Android for its Moorestown CPU, and as you might have guessed, the company's plans don't stop there. Renee James, a Senior VP at Intel, recently said as much in a conversation with APC. Apparently, devs can look forward to seeing a fully native x86 version of Froyo at some point this summer. James goes on to say that "all of the code will be fed back into the open branch that will be created for x86." Awesome! Perhaps 2011 will see a yet another flood of generic, Atom-powered Android tablets. Because we don't see enough generic Android tablets as it is.
Huawei's Android 2.2 entry-level phone spied in China, coming in August
Froyo may already be out to the masses in one form or another, but it ain't doing much good with just the one phone semi-officially supporting this Android release, while some other devices are only given a vague release window for the update. Luckily, it looks like Huawei's taking a step further and may be pushing out a 2.2 device in August. According to Engadget Chinese's tipster, this entry-level phone's rocking a 2.8-inch QVGA capacitive touchscreen, 3.2 megapixel camera (possibly with dual-LED flash), and HSDPA 3G connectivity. Can't say we're all that stoked about the screen, but we'll let our wallets do the talking in a month or two -- assuming, of course, that August time frame applies to any region or carrier band we care about. One more pic after the break.
Hacked N900 blazes through Froyo
While the various and sundry Android manufacturers are all scrambling (or casually strolling) toward official Android 2.2 updates for their manifold handsets, someone managed to get Google's Froyo running on the Nokia N900. Turns out, the two are a pretty great pair, with some super speedy browsing (like, really fast) and decent hardware support outside of an unfortunate lack of memory card support. Hit up the video after the break to see it in action, the browser starts kicking around the 4:45 mark. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Engadget Podcast 202 - 06.26.2010
You know, people loved the last commercial-free Engadget podcast we did, last week. And they said we couldn't replicate its success for yet another week, so deep in the throes of summer. Well, we're here to tell you that we've done it again: a-NOTHER commercial-free rock block of Engadgety bliss: wrapping up the week with a distinct brand of humor, polish, and forward-thinking insight that only the Engadget Podcasters can deliver. Oh, and one more thing: it's free. Hear different. Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul MillerProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: jumpcatchmushroom - BulletproofHear the podcast00:01:38 - The Engadget Show - 010: Jimmy Fallon, Kudo Tsunoda, Microsoft Kinect, iPhone 4, Samsung Captivate, Droid X00:04:00 - iPhone 4 review00:04:25 - First iPhone 4 units being delivered00:04:35 - iPhone 4 launch day line watch (update: Woz in action)00:04:50 - Poll: is your iPhone 4 retina display seeing yellow spots? (update: losing bars in the hand?)00:05:08 - iPhone 4's yellow spot issue goes away with a bit of time?00:06:07 - Some iPhone 4 models dropping calls when held left-handed, including ours (Update: Apple responds)00:08:10 - The Jimmy Fallon Test: is the iPhone 4 dropping fewer calls?00:11:00 - iPhone 4 antenna woes contextualized by dude in the know00:15:42 - Apple responds to iPhone 4 reception issues: you're holding the phone the wrong way00:20:00 - Apple: white iPhone 4 not available until second half of July, 'more challenging to manufacture than expected'00:27:20 - Hey Apple, you're holding it wrong00:30:00 - Okay, you've got an iPhone 4 -- now what?00:35:29 - Gyroscope gunning on the iPhone 4 with Eliminate: Gun Range (video)00:45:00 - iOS 4 apps: the best of what's new and updated (live updates!)00:48:25 - Motorola Droid X for Verizon official: July 15 for $20000:49:40 - Live from Verizon's Motorola Droid X event!00:52:55 - Motorola Droid X first (official) hands-on and unboxing! Update: video!00:55:00 - Droid X vs. iPhone 4... hang out!01:02:05 - Android 2.2 coming to Droid in 'late July,' Droid X in 'late August?'01:02:25 - Android 2.2 Froyo source code available todaySubscribe to the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC).[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator.[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)LISTEN (OGG)Contact the podcast1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget
Sprint: EVO 4G users getting Android 2.2 'in the near future' (Update: No upgrade for Moment, Hero)
It looks like EVO 4G users will soon have one more thing to smile about, as Sprint has just announced that an Android 2.2 (aka Froyo) upgrade will indeed be coming to the "superphone." With the Android 2.2 upgrade, customers can expect improvements to include the following benefits: updates to user interface, improved EAS Support, improved browser performance, including Flash 10x Support, voice dialing over Bluetooth and application storage on external memory. No word on a timeframe yet, but you'll know as soon as we do -- promise. Update: According to this tweet from the carrier: "HTC EVO will be updated to Android 2.2; Samsung Moment & HTC Hero will not. Future devices launching w/ 2.1 will be also be updated to 2.2."
Android 2.2 coming to Droid in 'late July,' Droid X in 'late August?'
Care for some more specificity on when exactly to expect the Droid X to become even awesomer? Well, according to one "very reliable" source over at Droid Forums, we can look forward to a late August landing for Android 2.2 on the X, which will be preceded by a late July delivery on the venerable Droid. Both dates are caveated with an ominous "currently planned" proviso, so don't consider them carved in (Mile)stone, but we're liking the idea of Motorola having both its flagship devices tasting of Froyo by summer's end. There's no mention of the Droid 2, however, which may mean nothing or might suggest that handset's still a fair way away from its release. We shall see.
Nexus One getting Android 2.2 FRF83 update over the air?
The Android 2.2 source code just went public this morning, but we're hearing a fully-compiled, legitimate OTA version of Froyo may be hitting small batches of Nexus One handsets as well. Though a 1.78MB ZIP file floating around XDA-developers this afternoon was originally thought to be the droid we've all been looking for, Android and Me reports that they received an honest-to-goodness OTA version of FRF83 after trying (and failing) to get that ZIP to work, and we're getting several similar reports. Let us know in comments if you've received a frozen treat of your own. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Android 2.2 Froyo source code available today
It's still not hitting the bulk of Nexus Ones as far as we can tell, but for what it's worth, Google has unleashed the source code for Android 2.2 today, which is a solid sign that the code's been bulletproofed to the Open Handset Alliance's satisfaction and is ready for deployment across a number of phones from different manufacturers and carriers. It's still ultimately up to a bunch of gatekeepers in suits to decide when various models will get the upgrade, but this is basically zero day -- so let the countdown begin.
Google on Android 2.2: 'feverishly working to get a final version out the door'
Considering Google's typically feverish pace in deploying new Android builds, we'll admit -- we kind of expected Android 2.2 Froyo to be released to retail Nexus Ones by now... but no dice. So, where is it? The company hasn't committed to a firm date for a global roll-out yet, but there's official word from an Android employee over on the Nexus One's support forums this week that FRF72 is not the final update and that a release "will only happen once a release candidate meets [their] quality criteria." Korean versions of the phone were pegged to launch with 2.2 this week, so any way you slice it, it can't be long now.
Android 2.2 build FRF72 for Nexus One finally leaks
Its existence has been an on-again, off-again rumor for over a week now, but it looks like a new build of Android 2.2 Froyo for the Nexus One -- FRF72 -- is very real. It finally leaked in the past few hours, we've tested it on a Nexus One of our own, and as far as we can tell, it's straight-up legit. Get it if you dare -- it's up on Google's official servers right now, but if it's pulled, we've no doubt it'll be floating around on a bunch of mirrors ad nauseam. G'luck to ya, folks! [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
KT brings the Nexus One to South Korea, complete with Froyo
The Nexus One may have taken a little while to reach South Korea, but it looks like KT is doing its best to make up for lost time -- the carrier has just announced that it will not only be offering the Nexus One, but that it will come complete with Android 2.2 (a.k.a. Froyo). True to Nexus One form, you'll be able to snag the phone off-contract for 699,600 won (or about $576), but you'll also be able to get it for just 150,000 won (or $125) on a two-year contract. Not many surprises beyond that, but it looks like supplies will be limited to just 4,000 units for the June 21st launch -- although KT promises it will be readily available at stores across the country in July. [Thanks, Tom]
Samsung Galaxy Tab P1000 tablet sports WiFi and 3G data, about as thick as an iPhone?
Samsung's 7-inch Tab has certainly captured everyone's attention as another possible anti-iPad tablet. So far, Samsung's only saying that its Galaxy Tab will launch in Q3 without providing much in the way of detail other than this picture tweeted (and then pulled) by a Samsung's official Twitter account in South Africa. Since then we've seen rumored specs that include Android 2.2, a 7-inch Super AMOLED display, 1.2GHz A8 processor, 4,000mAH battery, 370-gram weight, and 16GB of on-board memory with up to 32GB of microSD expansion. Today we've received an anonymous tip with even more info. After a series of communications with this person, we're confident enough to at least pass along what was said. Mind you, we're still classifying it as rumor until we see further evidence. First off, our source claims to have spent time with the same four-button device we saw in the video yesterday. The "sturdy and well-built" tablet was "very thin," described as about the same thickness as an iPhone. Our source says that the P1000 model is correct and that it will indeed feature "full phone functionality" albeit without a dedicated earpiece on the bezel -- for audio, you'll have to rely on a Bluetooth headset or the P1000's speaker. Thank gawd... the last thing we want to see is someone screaming into a 7-inch tablet held to the side of their head. There's a front-facing camera for video calling and a 3.2 megapixel camera around back for shooting pictures and video. Granted, 3.2 megapixels seems suspiciously low for the notoriously pixel greedy Samsung. Besides Bluetooth, we're told that the Galaxy Tab will also feature WiFi and 3G data, a standard SIM slot, and can tether over USB or WiFi. Oh, and the battery can't be removed and the version our source used had a 6x4 icon layout and appeared to be running stock Android 2.2 Froyo. Interesting, eh? P.S. GPS too.
Samsung's 7-inch 'Galaxy Tape' to run Android 2.2 on 1.2GHz A8 processor?
More details about Samsung's new tablet have emerged courtesy of Tinh te and from what it claims is a highly reliable source. This time around, the Vietnamese site is claiming that Samsung's 7-inch Tab will be running Android 2.2 (Froyo) on an A8 processor clocked to a peppy 1.2GHz. It's all powered by a 4,000mAH battery that contributes to the tablet's 370-gram weight with 16GB of on-board storage and up to 32GB of microSD expansion. Oh, and the 7-inch panel is said to be of Samsung's Super AMOLED variety which should make it readable outdoors judging by its smaller sibs. Sounds hot, but we'll have to see how Samsung's TouchWiz UI holds up to being stretched across all that very expensive screen-estate. P.S. We've also been told that it'll be called the "Galaxy Tape," not Tab or S-Tab as previously rumored.
HTC EVO 4G's graphics capped at 30FPS?
Reports are flying in from across the internet -- and by that we mean the xda-developers and Google Code forums -- that the EVO 4G might have something of a framerate issue. It seems that the device is "locked in" at 30 frames per second both in 2D (Canvas) and 3D (openGL) modes, while anecdotally, a phone like the Hero hits 54fps on average and has "smoother scrolling" in the menus. This apparently is visible both with the standard Sense UI installed and with the Froyo preview build, although in the latter case the Nexus One bootup video is 60fps before halving upon reaching the home screen. So, wherein lies the culprit? For Google's part, Android framework engineer "Romain Guy" responded to one thread reasserting the platform team's "target was, is and will be 60fps." We can't imagine it's related to the hardware given the EVO's impressive specs. Some fingers, ergo, are being pointed towards firmware. This wouldn't be the first time HTC's handsets have come under scrutiny for troubling graphical performance -- 2008 was not the company's finest year in that department. Whatever the reason is, we just want a quick resolve -- after all, it's just not fair when our Hero-carrying buddies are scoring better benchmarks.
Android 2.2 coming to the full myTouch 3G range
TmoNews has it on good authority that the entire line of myTouch 3G devices -- the original, the 3.5mm jack update, and the Slide -- will get upgraded with Android 2.2, as evidenced by a fascinating shot of a pamphlet the site has posted. Users of the older devices will also get the same Genius Button functionality that was just rolled out on the Slide, along with the updated Faves app and full Microsoft Exchange support, breathing new life into a phone that first saw life as the Magic well over a year ago. We don't have a timeframe for the updates other than that they're "coming soon," so we'll keep an eye out. [Thanks, Oscar]
Yep, the iPhone runs Android 2.2, too
Sure, we might be seeing some big changes to the iPhone tomorrow, but what if you could see some big changes on your very own iPhone, today? Well, you can if you're brave enough to try installing Android on your iPhone, which we've seen done before, but not with Android 2.2 (otherwise more deliciously known as Froyo). Still not convinced that such a thing is possible? Then head on past the break for the video evidence, and hit up the link below for the complete, not-for-the-faint-of-heart instructions for performing the feat yourself. P.S. Of course, "runs" isn't exactly the same as "runs well." The iPhone in the video apparently got noticeably hot after five minutes of use, and there's some issues with Android not recognizing little things like WiFi or the phone's GPU.
Acer Liquid gets early Android 2.2 ROM, unstable CPU unlock (video)
Nexus One, EVO 4G, Droid and Dream sure, but the Acer Liquid? Yes, the underclocked Snapdragon slate that never made it stateside has just received its own Android 2.2 port. Though still in early alpha with no Wi-Fi or camera functionality and plenty of bugs to boot, the freshly frozen yogurt has the Liquid turning tricks already -- with very playable-looking framerates in Raging Thunder II and Flash video support. Early adopters note that the phone isn't terribly stable at higher CPU frequencies, so don't expect to push that processor much higher than stock, but even 768MHz is reportedly nice and snappy when you're running Android 2.2. Video proof after the break, and you'll find the unfinished ROM at our more coverage link if you're the adventurous sort. [Thanks, Miroslav]
Motorola Droid gets early Android 2.2 ROM, ready to download... now!
What shall we call this, Frodroid or Droyo? Either way, an Android 2.2 update has been made available for Motorola's all-conquering slider, and it awaits eager firmware upgraders at the download link below. Produced by the good folks at My Droid World, this includes almost everything you'll need to get your Froyo on in style, though it excludes WiFi support at this stage. Such is the way with unofficial upgrades, but if you really need consolation, there's a whole set of superuser privileges to explore as this bad boy comes pre-rooted. You could of course skip this whole community business and wait for Moto's official update, but that company's idea of the "near future" is about as precise as the length of a piece of string.
