Hands0n
23rd May 2010, 10:17 AM
The new and much expected Android 2.2 (aka Froyo) release is now being distributed OTA to Google Nexus One owners as promised by Google. The first sightings started on Saturday 22nd May and by the evening (UK) links to the install image had made their way on to the Internet forums for those who simply could not wait for the OTA. I was one of those "couldn't wait" people.
So was it worth all the fuss? I would have to say that it most definitely was. Although a point release of the OS it does represent some significant changes and enhancements, bringing Android into a more mature and capable state. It just has a different and more quality "feel" to it than previous versions ever had. I had thought Eclair a decent update on Donut, but this takes things on to a much higher level.
Android 2.1 (Eclair) was good, it delivered more performance, although some early handsets are struggling to run it and it has been challenging the independent developers trying to shoehorn that release of the OS into the likes of G1 and HTC Magic handsets. The new 2.2 release is not slated for the older handset, but it may well be easier for the developers because it does have a significantly smaller memory footprint (see below in features). That means an instant improvement in performance in the Nexus One.
Not content with that though, Google have implemented a new JIT (Just In Time compiler) that delivers a 450% increase in apps performance. And that, too, is immediately apparent when using the new 2.2 release.
But it is not simply about speed and performance, although these are important also. There are new features and facilities in the OS that, in some cases, will not be appreciated by the mobile network operators - USB/WiFi Tethering being a case in point. They'll no doubt hate it and will have it removed in their branded versions of Android 2.2. They're hardly going to sell tether-capable handsets while their Ts&Cs specifically forbid such use.
Subtle improvements such as in the Car Home app are nice to have, making the device easier to use in-vehicle.
All in all I really like the new Android 2.2 (Froyo) release and can recommend it to anyone looking for a new handset. The Google Nexus One has it now, next up should be the likes of the HTC Desire and other flagship handsets from the other manufacturers. Possibly by the end of Summer 2010 all of the devices that are intended to will have received the new OS release. Newer handsets should come with Froyo already installed (if not, stay away or at least make sure that an update is promised - Samsung owners especially beware).
So, now on to the important stuff :)
Where to get it
The all-important link for the Google Nexus One version of Android 2.2 is: https://android.clients.google.com/packages/passion/signed-passion-FRF50-from-ERE27.1e519a24.zip - please note that this is for non-rooted Nexus One devices.
If that link does not work try the backup link here: http://www.mediafire.com/?k0z44zkjv5z
How to install it
The instructions for installing this ROM into a non-rooted (i.e. factory standard) Nexus One are here --> http://bit.ly/9Siknl
Adobe Flash installation
Much has been said about the new Android 2.2 update having support for Adobe Flash, and it has. But you have to install Flash after you have installed the new OS and can get it on your new handset using its browser from this URL --> http://bit.ly/bn5V2A Note, don't try to use your PC/Mac/Linux browser to get the Flash installer, you have to do this on the handset's browser.
Already, that Saturday evening, there were links for the rooted handsets. Also, Cyanogen has released a quick rooter for the new 2.2 OS with the promise of something a bit more comprehensive to follow. He has also said that he will update his own CM ROM to Froyo when the source code becomes available. Meanwhile, there are some hacked versions of Froyo out already, so just be careful of what you download. I can recommend the above link from personal experience - but with the usual disclaimers and caveats, you do this at your own risk.
What's new?
There is a full list of Android 2.2's enhancements here: http://developer.android.com/sdk/android-2.2-highlights.html
Featured Enhancements
Fast - the new JIT shows improvements in speed of running apps up to 450% faster, and it shows.
Performance of the browser has been enhanced using the V8 engine, which enables faster loading of JavaScript-heavy pages.
No Flash initially installed however you download it from the Android Market.
Tethering with USB and WiFi Hotspot supporting up to 8 devices
Updated Google Search bar to include dropdown for All, Web, Apps or Contacts search. Plus choose which items are searchable… not just those previously mentioned yet specific apps; Messaging, Twitter, Music, etc.
System, Hardware and Settings
There are now different color highlights for the trackball. Initially it would either do white or blue when using Bluetooth. Now any color can be used, typically set within apps if the feature is available.
Available memory improvements - now it is up to 218MB - Improved memory reclaim by up to 20x.
Phone and Browser quick launch are along side the app launcher.
Personalized search results saved to your Gmail profile.
Control of offensive words in voice recognition settings.
Core Apps: Gmail, Contacts, Messaging, Facebook, Market, Talk, Car Home
Improved MS Exchange support (a must-have for Enterprise/Corporate use)
Updated Market with auto-update settings, update all apps feature, and updated layout.
Updated Gmail app to finally include Previous/Next buttons when reading email. Plus jump between accounts by tapping the email address in header versus pressing Menu button then tap Accounts.
Finally no dark theme in Messaging & Google Talk apps, slight face lift.
Contacts with multiple similar calls grouped together which can be toggled to show more detail.
More Settings in Camera app; Focus Mode, Store location in photo metadata, White Balance options, toggle Flash, Zoom options. For Video; Color effects (Mono, Sepia, Negative, Posterize, etc), White Balance, toggle Flash, toggle Video Quality (even a custom setting for high quality for YouTube capped at 10 minutes).
New Car Home design.
So was it worth all the fuss? I would have to say that it most definitely was. Although a point release of the OS it does represent some significant changes and enhancements, bringing Android into a more mature and capable state. It just has a different and more quality "feel" to it than previous versions ever had. I had thought Eclair a decent update on Donut, but this takes things on to a much higher level.
Android 2.1 (Eclair) was good, it delivered more performance, although some early handsets are struggling to run it and it has been challenging the independent developers trying to shoehorn that release of the OS into the likes of G1 and HTC Magic handsets. The new 2.2 release is not slated for the older handset, but it may well be easier for the developers because it does have a significantly smaller memory footprint (see below in features). That means an instant improvement in performance in the Nexus One.
Not content with that though, Google have implemented a new JIT (Just In Time compiler) that delivers a 450% increase in apps performance. And that, too, is immediately apparent when using the new 2.2 release.
But it is not simply about speed and performance, although these are important also. There are new features and facilities in the OS that, in some cases, will not be appreciated by the mobile network operators - USB/WiFi Tethering being a case in point. They'll no doubt hate it and will have it removed in their branded versions of Android 2.2. They're hardly going to sell tether-capable handsets while their Ts&Cs specifically forbid such use.
Subtle improvements such as in the Car Home app are nice to have, making the device easier to use in-vehicle.
All in all I really like the new Android 2.2 (Froyo) release and can recommend it to anyone looking for a new handset. The Google Nexus One has it now, next up should be the likes of the HTC Desire and other flagship handsets from the other manufacturers. Possibly by the end of Summer 2010 all of the devices that are intended to will have received the new OS release. Newer handsets should come with Froyo already installed (if not, stay away or at least make sure that an update is promised - Samsung owners especially beware).
So, now on to the important stuff :)
Where to get it
The all-important link for the Google Nexus One version of Android 2.2 is: https://android.clients.google.com/packages/passion/signed-passion-FRF50-from-ERE27.1e519a24.zip - please note that this is for non-rooted Nexus One devices.
If that link does not work try the backup link here: http://www.mediafire.com/?k0z44zkjv5z
How to install it
The instructions for installing this ROM into a non-rooted (i.e. factory standard) Nexus One are here --> http://bit.ly/9Siknl
Adobe Flash installation
Much has been said about the new Android 2.2 update having support for Adobe Flash, and it has. But you have to install Flash after you have installed the new OS and can get it on your new handset using its browser from this URL --> http://bit.ly/bn5V2A Note, don't try to use your PC/Mac/Linux browser to get the Flash installer, you have to do this on the handset's browser.
Already, that Saturday evening, there were links for the rooted handsets. Also, Cyanogen has released a quick rooter for the new 2.2 OS with the promise of something a bit more comprehensive to follow. He has also said that he will update his own CM ROM to Froyo when the source code becomes available. Meanwhile, there are some hacked versions of Froyo out already, so just be careful of what you download. I can recommend the above link from personal experience - but with the usual disclaimers and caveats, you do this at your own risk.
What's new?
There is a full list of Android 2.2's enhancements here: http://developer.android.com/sdk/android-2.2-highlights.html
Featured Enhancements
Fast - the new JIT shows improvements in speed of running apps up to 450% faster, and it shows.
Performance of the browser has been enhanced using the V8 engine, which enables faster loading of JavaScript-heavy pages.
No Flash initially installed however you download it from the Android Market.
Tethering with USB and WiFi Hotspot supporting up to 8 devices
Updated Google Search bar to include dropdown for All, Web, Apps or Contacts search. Plus choose which items are searchable… not just those previously mentioned yet specific apps; Messaging, Twitter, Music, etc.
System, Hardware and Settings
There are now different color highlights for the trackball. Initially it would either do white or blue when using Bluetooth. Now any color can be used, typically set within apps if the feature is available.
Available memory improvements - now it is up to 218MB - Improved memory reclaim by up to 20x.
Phone and Browser quick launch are along side the app launcher.
Personalized search results saved to your Gmail profile.
Control of offensive words in voice recognition settings.
Core Apps: Gmail, Contacts, Messaging, Facebook, Market, Talk, Car Home
Improved MS Exchange support (a must-have for Enterprise/Corporate use)
Updated Market with auto-update settings, update all apps feature, and updated layout.
Updated Gmail app to finally include Previous/Next buttons when reading email. Plus jump between accounts by tapping the email address in header versus pressing Menu button then tap Accounts.
Finally no dark theme in Messaging & Google Talk apps, slight face lift.
Contacts with multiple similar calls grouped together which can be toggled to show more detail.
More Settings in Camera app; Focus Mode, Store location in photo metadata, White Balance options, toggle Flash, Zoom options. For Video; Color effects (Mono, Sepia, Negative, Posterize, etc), White Balance, toggle Flash, toggle Video Quality (even a custom setting for high quality for YouTube capped at 10 minutes).
New Car Home design.