Android News
Android 2.1 update coming to Verizon’s Motorola DROID; No, really
March 30, 2010 | by Chris Smith
Android OS, Motorola, Verizon
I want to say that this is a true statement and not coming from the rumor mill. It appears that Engadget received and internal Verizon email stating that Android 2.1 (ESE81) will be coming to the DROID today:
Starting 03/30/2010, Verizon Wireless is pleased to announce a new software update for the DROID by Motorola. Users will be able to upgrade their software to version AP: ESE81/BP: C_01.3E.03P to receive new improvements and enhancements.
Mind you this was only rolled out to 1,000 users today with 9,000 more will receive the update message just before the stroke of midnight. If everything goes as planned the rest of the DROID users will receive their update starting Thursday. As a completely jaded DROID user, I’m not holding my breath.
The “improvements and enhancements” are old news now and you can see most of them here. Something to note is that this version of 2.1, ESE81, is different from the version ESE53 that was “leaked” about a month ago. Once again, I have installed and used ESE53 and I have to say that performance was good. Hopefully this iteration is even better.
Now, I can’t complete this post without an upset DROID user rant. I want to say that this crazy back-and-forth is Moto’s fault. I really do. But after the “leaked” ESE53 ROM that was stable and two early announcements of 2.1 being on it’s way soon, I have a slight suspicion that this is Verizon’s bad play. Verizon has been known for locking their devices down tight to “protect their network” and I would not be surprised if it was them pulling the plug all along. Verizon is coming from a mindset of hardly updating their devices if at all; having the new Android OS that is on an update binge is something that they are not entirely used to. Regardless of who’s fault it is Moto and Verizon need to get their act together and this update better deliver.
So, I hope to see the 2.1 update in the next couple of days. Maybe I’ll be one of the lucky 9,000 later tonight? If you get your update let us know how it is, ok?
Via [Engadget]
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The point about Verizon not being used to upgrading is very valid. It is a complete role reversal for them. Even to the point where they link to free third-party apps on their site. Putting the Droid on their network was astonishing to even their tech support guys I talked to. Hopefully, we'll see this transition keep going and they don't get scared and start trying to lock it down.
Ya it would be nice to be one of the 9K. Verizon isn’t known for letting users know what’s happening.
Just can’t wait for android 2.1 update
I hate that i've been scouring every mobile news source for a report of someone getting a 2.1 update for about 2 months now.
I have the 2.1 update. So far so good. No extra home screens. Live wallpapers are nice but made my phone crash right after download. That might have been because there were a lot of applications running at the time. The gallery is very much improved. Overall I’m happy with it.
I got the update. same, the live wallpapers seem to be making the phone laggy. oh well. overall not much different then the roms i was already running.
German Milestones got the 2.1 update yesterday. Our version is a bit in-between. The launcher is somewhere between 2.0.1 and 2.1, there is no new gallery, no News and Weather app, and the music player hasn't been updated. Live wallpapers though.
The update process can't be left in the responsibilty of manufacturers and network providers. I think Google has realized that by now.
Welcome Droid users to 2.1 , having it on the nexus 1 I Really love it. Cant live without talk 2text. But I’m really wainting to get that Tat home in April. God that ui looks So badass.
Did anyone make a copy of the update.zip file?
Overall its a nice update. Seams a little faster and live backgrounds work great. New gallery and music player are pretty awesome too. I am however disappointed at the lack of flash and extra home screens. Two things I was really looking forward too.
I received the firmware 2.1 upgrade and I am dissappointed that Bluetooth Voice Command isn’t available.