OFFICIAL: 2.1 to release this week on the Motorola Droid

[Detonation]

They never said it was going to be today (the 10th). It just said "this week". Looks like that won't happen now anyways, but maybe this will stop people from posting "wtf no update yet!??!?!?" every 5 minutes.

 

[osyrus42]

I have a feeling that the issue most people have is that when we all bought our phones, we bought them with this "Google Experience" tag, which Moto/Verizon/Google all claimed to mean that as features develop from Google, they would be added to our phones. The issue is NOT really about the 2.1 update, but HOW those three handle this update. We are all nervous that we signed 2 year contracts (most of us) with the expectation that with regular updates our phone would stay competitive for the duration of our contracts. So far they ARE keeping up with that, although I think it's hitting a nerve that they are leaving things out. A few things this time, more and more next time.....at what point are they just throwing us a bone to shut us up, while they quietly leave us behind? The Droid was Verizon's direct Iphone option, however if you bought an Iphone today, it WILL be updated with all the new Iphone features over the next 2 years.......can we say the same for the droid?

 

[Detonation]

however if you bought an Iphone today, it WILL be updated with all the new Iphone features over the next 2 years

Yea but you have to pay for it...

 

[zegwin]

They never said it was going to be today (the 10th). It just said "this week". Looks like that won't happen now anyways, but maybe this will stop people from posting "wtf no update yet!??!?!?" every 5 minutes.

I know Motorola said it was going to be this week.

I just find it amusing everyone is either pissed at the content of the update or that it is not out today. The only reason people think it is coming out today is because one person said "I work for (so and so) and it will be released the 10th." I never believed him but thought it would be nice if it was true.

 

[onefix]

They never said it was going to be today (the 10th). It just said "this week". Looks like that won't happen now anyways, but maybe this will stop people from posting "wtf no update yet!??!?!?" every 5 minutes.

It's certainly still possible for us to see the 2.1 update tonight. When the 2.0.1 update came out, reports came out at ~7pm that people were getting the update. I expect Verizon does this so that they aren't pushing the update during business hours (read peak usage).

 

[00bear]

Recognition for Virtual Keyboard
Voice Recognition: You can now speak in plain English instead of typing, whenever a text-entry box appears on your Android device. Simply swipe your finger across the virtual keyboard and dictate your phrase.
Virtual Keyboard Enhancements: The fully integrated, enlarged virtual keyboard allows for easier and more accurate manual entries as well. Also included are auto-complete/correct.
3D Gallery

3D Gallery offers a whole new way to enjoy your phone’s multimedia features. With 3D gallery, all of your photos, videos, album art and images from your Picasa Web albums account online are displayed in three-dimensional stacks that gently move as the phone is tilted. Scrolling through and choosing media has never been easier. With 3D gallery simply use your finger to scroll through thumbnail versions of all your photos, videos and albums – and when you find one you want – simply tap the image to select it for viewing or playback. You can share pics individually or in bulk (by long-pressing a photo) on Facebook, Email, or MMS.
Pinch-to-Zoom

Enjoy pinch-to-zoom functionality for web browsing, plus the Gallery and Maps applications
News and Weather App and Widget

The News and Weather app pulls information from the web and brings it to your fingertips. Weekly and hourly weather forecast for your area based on your location and it pulls news headlines on the topics you care about most.
Google Maps Updates

Sync with desktop: synchronizes starred items between Google Maps on your Android device and maps.google.com.
Personalized suggestions: Google Maps on your Android device suggests (autocompletes) locations based on your personal search history on maps.google.com.
Night mode: automatically changes your screen at night for easier viewing and driving
Note: Sync feature requires user to be logged in to myGoogle account while on maps.google.com
Enhanced Music Application

New tabs at the top of your music player for easier access and navigation to your favorite artist, songs, albums and playlists.
Google Goggles App

Google Goggles App allows you to snap a picture to start a Google search. It can also ”read” photos of business cards and add them to your contacts. Even cooler is its built-in augmented reality feature that displays information about things, like stores and restaurants, around you.
Other Enhancements

Security: Prevents unauthorized pattern lock bypass
Yahoo email: Yahoo email new accounts setup optimizations
Battery life: ongoing battery life optimization
Additional Information

• For a successful installation, we recommend installing these updates while the battery in your phone is fully charged
• Once upgrade message appears on notification you can either choose to “accept” or “postpone”.
• Once you “accept” the update, your phone will download the new 2.1 Android software. When “download is complete” message appears, your device will reset. This process typically takes a few minutes.
• Note: You will not be able place or receive calls during upgrade installation
• There is no charge for this

 

[djstarion]

They never said it was going to be today (the 10th). It just said "this week". Looks like that won't happen now anyways, but maybe this will stop people from posting "wtf no update yet!??!?!?" every 5 minutes.

It's certainly still possible for us to see the 2.1 update tonight. When the 2.0.1 update came out, reports came out at ~7pm that people were getting the update. I expect Verizon does this so that they aren't pushing the update during business hours (read peak usage).

Makes sense.

 

[Sodner]

Well, this is interesting...

Apparently Moto pulled the info off their website that was posted earlier:

This is all it says now:

DROID - Android 2.1How can I get the latest Android 2.1 software?​

There is a release coming, check back soon.​

WTF?????? Moto you !

 

[JacobAaron]

I have a feeling that the issue most people have is that when we all bought our phones, we bought them with this "Google Experience" tag, which Moto/Verizon/Google all claimed to mean that as features develop from Google, they would be added to our phones. The issue is NOT really about the 2.1 update, but HOW those three handle this update. We are all nervous that we signed 2 year contracts (most of us) with the expectation that with regular updates our phone would stay competitive for the duration of our contracts. So far they ARE keeping up with that, although I think it's hitting a nerve that they are leaving things out. A few things this time, more and more next time.....at what point are they just throwing us a bone to shut us up, while they quietly leave us behind? The Droid was Verizon's direct Iphone option, however if you bought an Iphone today, it WILL be updated with all the new Iphone features over the next 2 years.......can we say the same for the droid?

Dude you're spot on. I want my features durn'it!

 

[mantis5]

Saw this posted an hour ago

Motorola: Release notes for Droid’s Android 2.1 update Icrontic Tech

Awesome, it appears that the security lock problem will be fixed. This will be the most important part of the update for me. 3D gallery, pinch zoom browsing and battery life optimization will be welcome, too.

I have a feeling that the issue most people have is that when we all bought our phones, we bought them with this "Google Experience" tag, which Moto/Verizon/Google all claimed to mean that as features develop from Google, they would be added to our phones...

I sympathize with this but question how reasonable it is to assume that every phone will support every feature, or will be updated at the same time even if the feature can be supported.

As has been mentioned before, if live wallpapers (for example) don't work well on the Nexus One, why would Verizon want to support a buggy feature on the Droid?

Count me among those who bought the Droid for what it offered on the day we bought it. I'm pleased that we are getting a well-considered and tested update, and I'll be happy to see it when it arrives. Until then I'm enjoying my Droid as it is.

 

[SSHGuru]

I bought the phone knowing nothing about any further updates and I was happy with it.

99% of the 2M+ people who bought the Droid have no idea about what the other phones have or future updates.

You guys are in a vast minority here. Motorola couldn't care less about you since the other 99% are just happy to get new features.

If it has 3 home screens I'll either use an APK or a home replacement again - I won't wither and die.

 

[LrdElderon]

Saw this posted an hour ago

Motorola: Release notes for Droid’s Android 2.1 update Icrontic Tech

Awesome, it appears that the security lock problem will be fixed. This will be the most important part of the update for me. 3D gallery, pinch zoom browsing and battery life optimization will be welcome, too.

I have a feeling that the issue most people have is that when we all bought our phones, we bought them with this "Google Experience" tag, which Moto/Verizon/Google all claimed to mean that as features develop from Google, they would be added to our phones...

I sympathize with this but question how reasonable it is to assume that every phone will support every feature, or will be updated at the same time even if the feature can be supported.

As has been mentioned before, if live wallpapers (for example) don't work well on the Nexus One, why would Verizon want to support a buggy feature on the Droid?

Count me among those who bought the Droid for what it offered on the day we bought it. I'm pleased that we are getting a well-considered and tested update, and I'll be happy to see it when it arrives. Until then I'm enjoying my Droid as it is.

I agree with you only partially. I can understand certain phones lacking power or certain features are not able to have it included in an update, but as far as release timing? well if google wasn't hogging the 2.1 source tree with htc for their precious nexus everybody could have been working on upgrades and patches all this time and we probably would have had updates for all devices pretty close together.

I'm not sure what happens behind the scenes with the manufacturers and google, but afaik the source for 2.1 didn't hit the repos until like a week after they started selling the nexus..... that whole time they were working on that phone, moto could have had the sourcecode also and been working on our updates.....:icon_evil:

 

[Isaiah]

I bought the phone knowing nothing about any further updates and I was happy with it.

99% of the 2M+ people who bought the Droid have no idea about what the other phones have or future updates.

You guys are in a vast minority here. Motorola couldn't care less about you since the other 99% are just happy to get new features.

If it has 3 home screens I'll either use an APK or a home replacement again - I won't wither and die.

But the 99% got this phone cause they probably thought it was cool, if they are the uninformed type... then when they see the nexus on verizon... bye bye droid with inferior features.. and moto can go back to dying

 

[Sodner]

Maybe the iphone is so successful because there is essentially ONE OF THEM. Not 20 some models all with different hardware specs and capabilities.

Make 2 ANDROID phones. One with a keyboard, one without. IE..The Droid and the Nexus One.

Apple has sold what 17 Million iphones? Obviously people do not need that many choices.

 

[cereal killer]

In hindsight this all makes sense now.

VZW were manning their battle stations/call centers last night because Moto said something they shouldn't have : )