Motorola to get Android 2.1 update soon – includes multitouch browser
According to inside information, Verizon will soon be releasing an updated for the DROID pushing out the new Android 2.1. This should help bring the DROID up to date with all the current features of the Google Nexus One.
The update will be based on the Android 2.1 version 1, which will be the same as the update pushed OTA to the Nexus One last week. The Google Goggles app now comes pre-installed. The new browser will now include multitouch enabled like Google Maps 3.4, but still lacks Flash support. The home screen looks pretty much the same as 2.0.1, and Nexus One’s rotating 3D grid of app icons is still missing. Active wallpapers haven’t been included. Other new stuff includes the news and weather widgets introduced on the Nexus One. The missing features could be due to the extra processing horsepower that they may require.
There is still no word on when the update will be coming out.
Source: Device Mag
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Google Navigation For Motorola Cliq
In an early Thanksgiving present, Google has rolled out Google Navigation to Android 1.6 users. Phones such as the T-Mobile Motorola Cliq can all access the free turn-by-turn navigation Google announced with the Motorola Droid. Be jealous no more, or at least, less jealous.
Users can download the latest version of Google Maps from the Android Market and begin navigating all over the US (the only place it will work) today. The service is in beta and is free.
Note: some Android 2.0 functions will not work on Android 1.6. For example, the “navigate to” voice command will not work on the older Android release.
[Source: Gadgetell]
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Motorola Droid Free Tethering
Ever since the birth of the Android platform, developers have been working on a process called “rooting,” which gains administrative rights to a device. That allows developers (and users) to have complete control and to utilize all the features found in the Android platform. Now independent developers bundle features such as tethering, overclocking and multitouch into custom OS builds that are available free for download. Firmware mods makes it easy for a regular Android user to have it all.
What exactly does that mean for Droid customers, or owners of any Android phone for that matter? You’ll be able to install modified firmware onto your smartphone and gain access to everything Android is capable of — without paying extra fees on top of your cellphone bill — so long as the hardware can technically support it. For example, you won’t have to pay $30 for Verizon’s official tethering plan so long as you install a free mod that includes the feature.
Earlier Android phones — the T-Mobile G1 and MyTouch 3G — have already been hacked to support Google Maps Navigation, which is supposed to be a Droid-exclusive feature. Thanks to the folks at the XDA Developer forums, all that G1 or MyTouch owners have to do is reinstall an updated version of Google Maps and change configuration settings.
Some manufacturers and carriers are already embracing the direction of open customization with all the available and upcoming Android devices that are hitting the market. For example, T-Mobile’s official development forum allows developers and consumers to discuss step-by-step directions on rooting an Android device. T-Mobile customers who have gone this route enjoy the perks of data tethering, for example, without an additional cost.
You can assume that Verizon, a company which just doubled its early termination fee, won’t look as kindly on the idea of customers rooting their devices and tethering for free.
Of course, changing the way a device operates from a manufacturer’s specifications always comes with a risk, and an Android phone is no exception. There are warnings about “bricking” your phone, which renders a device unbootable, and this commonly happens after installing a custom build of Android. Although it is considered a rare occurrence, a quick Google search brings up many results of Android users asking for help or wondering if their phone is, in fact, bricked.
And don’t think a carrier or manufacturer will offer any assistance with issues caused after modding their device, a clear violation of most Terms of Use. When someone discovers a way to root the Droid, Verizon doesn’t have to take the T-Mobile route of turning a blind eye to these changes. It could retaliate by terminating contracts and voiding warranties.
Read the full story at Wired.
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