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The last six weeks have been relatively busy in the world of Froyo and Android phones. New devices, such as the Droid 2 are launching with the latest release of the Android OS, and others are getting over-the-air updates. In fact, Google’s most recent figures show Android 2.2 running on 28.7 percent of handsets actively accessing the Android Market.
As we gear up for the release of the G2, MyTouch HD, and other devices launching with Froyo, I thought it was worthwhile to check back in with some of the Android handsets that are currently on the market. We’re starting get a clearer picture of when those devices will taste Froyo.
Any day now
Considring they were promised Froyo by late summer, Droid X owners have been waiting patiently for their 2.2 update. Summer officially ends next week, and though a leaked version of the ROM has found its way online, neither Motorola nor Verizon has made announcements. However, a support page has quietly gone online. Based on the carrier’s history of Android updates, I’d look for something soon.
Cloudy future
As we’ve told you, Motorola is having a particularly difficult time keeping its early MotoBlur handsets relevant. For a couple of devices the timeline keeps sliding even for Android 2.1 so I’d rule out anything beyond Eclair. If you own a Cliq, Cliq XT, or Backflip, you’ll likely see Android 2.1 late in the year.
Though T-Mobile customers were told back in June that the myTouch series of phones would get Android 2.2, nothing has been said since. The MyTouch HD is rumored for a November release so I might look for an update to existing devices around the same time.
I’m not sure what will happen with the LG Ally, but I still expect at least one or two supported updates. It’s tough to forecast at this point as LG has struggled to release a runaway hit Android phone. Taking a page out of Samsung’s book, LG is now releasing a line of its own handsets with the Optimus series. Perhaps it’s because the company has been so busy with new phones, but LG has yet to say anything on record about the Verizon device.
Samsung now has a Galaxy S handset on all four major wireless providers, but each runs Android 2.1 under the hood. As they were promised 2.2 when they debuted, I hope to see Samsung and the respective carriers push something out before the year ends.
Definitely not getting 2.2
Though in August we weren’t sure what would happen with the Droid Eris, today Verizon confirmed that the HTC device would not see an update beyond OS 2.1. Expect a similar fate for Sprint’s Hero as well.
Motorola has put the proverbial fork in the Devour, deciding that Android 1.6 would be the last supported release. This phone, like the Samsung Behold II and T-Mobile G1, will die with Donut.
