'The most usable, polished version of Android yet' - Gismodo Android 2.2, aka Froyo (short for frozen yoghurt), is an exciting update to the excellent Android operating system. Android runs on some of our greatest smartphones, including the brilliant HTC Desire, and the stunning Samsung Galaxy S. With the brand new Android 2.2 update, your smartphone can do even more amazing things, faster and for longer. Froyo works together with your mobile's processor, and increases its speed dramatically. The result is a 2-5x performance boost that makes multitasking easier, web browsing faster and your gaming experience greater. |  |
Smartphones that come with Android 2.2 already installed, like the brand new HTC Desire HD and the LG Optimus One (both coming soon), will benefit from Adobe Flash support straight away. This means you will be able to watch flash videos on your smartphone, including BBC iPlayer programmes. If your phone has recently been upgraded to Android 2.2 from an earlier version, you will need to download the Adobe Flash app from the Android Market™ before you can view flash videos.
Although Froyo is listed on the Android website as a 'minor update', it actually makes a big difference to your user experience. The new 'tips' widget that sits on your home screen helps you to quickly and easily set up your new smartphone, and the handy 'remote wipe' function allows you to go online and remove all of your personal data from your phone, if it ever gets lost or stolen. There's also a better virtual keyboard that allows you to add multiple languages, then switch between them by swiping your finger across the space bar.
Android 2.2 makes it easier to manage and store your apps. You can now download them straight to a microSD card, and your phone will automatically back up all of your apps for you. When an update is available for lots of your apps at once you can tap once to automatically update them all (as long as the permissions haven't changed), which will save you a whole lot of finger work!
One of the most talked about benefits of Froyo is that turns your smartphone into a wireless hotspot for up to 8 other devices. This means that you can share the internet connection on your phone with your PC or laptop, and stay online while on the move. When Wi-Fi is not in range you can connect your phone to your Windows® or Linux laptop via USB, and use its 3G connection to access the web on either or both devices. It's important to remember that Wireless tethering is only available to certain Android 2.2 devices, and does depend on support from your network.
With better Bluetooth® compatibility, Android 2.2 allows you to make voice calls over Bluetooth (network & phone dependant), share contacts between phones and use a wider range of Bluetooth® products, including wireless headsets and car docks.
Your photos will come out better too, as Froyo comes with a brand new camera interface, with LED flash enabling, easier onscreen buttons, and better control of the flash, zoom, white balance and Geo Tagging options. You can now also set your camcorder to record videos that are the correct size for MMS and YouTube™.
Many of the latest smartphones, such as the HTC Desire Z, will come with Android 2.2 already pre-installed, and many more devices are receiving a Froyo update over the coming months. There are so many improvements, enhancements and brand new features to get excited about, but the main thing to remember is that Froyo makes using your phone simpler, easier and more fun. It uses up less RAM (internal memory), giving you more power for apps, maps and games.
Read more about the features and benefits of Android 2.2 in Gismodo's brilliant Froyo review
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