Guys, 2.1's almost five months old and like babies, it's no longer fun to play with and we're looking ahead. It's not just me thinking this, but reports are coming in that 2.2 is RUMORED to be the next Nexus One update.
"
The majority of Android phones are still running an outdated firmware, but that hasn’t slowed Google from advancing their mobile operating system. Everyone knows the next version of Android (codenamed Froyo) is on the way and the rumors (1, 2) are beginning to pick up that the Nexus One will receive it soon.
Based on the data from our analytics reports it appears Google has already begun testing on their next firmware – Android 2.2. Google engineers have routinely given codenames to future builds of Android (Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, etc.), but they don’t receive a point release till they are finalized and nearing distribution.
We have shared this reporting data before and people are always quick to point out that it can be easily faked, but I have spoke with additional sources familiar with the matter who confirmed Android 2.2 is currently being tested.
The feature set for Android 2.2 was frozen long ago, but it remains mostly unknown. Google decided last year that they would no longer publish public roadmaps for future versions of Android. Based on the information we can gather, it appears Android 2.2 will mainly focus on performance enhancements.
Some of the rumored features for Android 2.2 include:
The JIT compiler has already been confirmed by Google and we expect to find out new details during Google I/O. Android engineers will be leading a discussion that informs devs how to test and tune their apps to work with the new compiler.
Additional free RAM should come thanks to the new Linux kernel being used in Froyo. Google is moving from 2.6.29 to the newer 2.6.32 which makes it possible to address the extra RAM. This has already been done in custom ROMs like CyanogenMod so expect this feature for sure.
I’m no expert on OpenGL, but it has long been rumored that Froyo (or a future build) will add new APIs to the Android NDK which will let Java devs have full access to the OpenGL ES 2.0 library.
Flash 10.1 is coming in the first half of the year. It is entirely possible it could be tied to a future Android firmware and be included with an OTA update.
We have already addressed the HTC touch sensor issues. It sounds like a future software update could be used to clean this up a little.
Multicolor trackball notifications are definitely coming. Android hackers like ChainsDD have already unlocked this feature for users of custom ROMs. Google advertised the multicolor trackball during its launch of the Nexus One, but the feature was cut from the final Android 2.1 build.
When it comes to the FM radio, I have no idea. Other HTC phones on a similar Snapdragon platform (Desire and Incredible) include the FM radio so it’s not out of the question that the N1 has it too.
I spoke with Google’s Eric Tseng during CES and he told me there were many secrets left in the Nexus One that we would discover later.
When is it Android 2.2 coming out?
Circle May 19th on your calendar. This is the opening day of Google I/O and I’m anticipating the release of Android 2.2 (and maybe the Flash 10.1 beta) will be tied to this event. Google has provided every developer attending the event a free Droid or Nexus One, so it is possible to see a simultaneous release on both devices.
I’m really curious how first generation devices are going to play with this release. We are expecting most phones to receive Android 2.1 this month, so it will be interesting to see how Froyo fits in. Some of the Android engineers have been talking about Froyo on the Google boards and it is unclear if the HTC Dream and Magic will be able to support it since they only have 192 MB of RAM.
What features do you want in the next version of Android?
What is the biggest issue that you think Google needs to address in the next release of Android? Are you satisfied with the rumored list of changes? Is there some glaring feature that you think Google is overlooking? Share your hopes and predictions in the comments and let us know what you think."
If you didn't read the article, don't bother posting.
Nothing is guaranteed for Eris users, but I really can't see them skipping over us.
A few things to think about:
-The Incredible is shipping with 2.1. Considering it is the best Android phone out right now, does that mean it too will get it so soon after release? Remember, the Google phones get priority to updates. Always. The Droid and Nexus One got it before any other phone because they run no custom UIs. The Incredible, although powerful, will most likely see it second after all the Google phones get it.
-Android is now at a point where it needs to stop showing its strength solely in bring new features, and needs to refine itself when it comes to menu navigation and just smoothing things out. It had an excuse the past two or so years since it was new. Now, it's time for it to build a solid foundation using past successes and failures and establish itself as the head honcho in the mobile OS kingdom.
-The article mentions it would not make sense to release until later on this year, what with Android being fragmented enough already. So if it's later on this year, does that mean will debut on a brand new device in the next year when it does come out?
Droid debuted with 2.0
Nexus One/Incredible debuted with 2.1
What phone will debut with 2.2?
Something to think about with the constant chatter of jumping ship to the Incredible. We know technology moves forward and all that jazz, but it's hard not to imagine what new device the holidays will bring if a new phone is to debut with 2.2 either late-2010 or early-2011 when most of us will be eligbible for an early NE2.
So, thoughts? Wish list? If the focus is shifted from new ideas and just into refining the OS and making it less buggy and more efficient, does that solidify your dedication to Android?
4/20 5:57 UPDATE!!: http://www.androidcentral.com/somebodys-testing-android-22-it-froyo
2.2 is testing now.
4/21
s Android 2.2 just around the metaphorical corner? The next update for Google’s mobile platform is currently being tested by the company, reckon Android and Me, who have been digging through their visitor stats and finding records of devices running v2.2. They’ve also heard from additional sources that the new build is, indeed, being trialled prior to public release.
As for the date we can expect it, that’s not finalised but the current guesstimate is in time for, or alongside, May 19th; that’s when Google I/O 2010 kicks off, and it would make sense for the company to push out the new version to coincide with that. There’s also talk of Flash 10.1 for Android being released at the same time.
So what can we expect? Well, more available RAM is looking like it’s locked in, as Google switch to the new Froyo Linux kernel, as are multi-colored trackball notifications on the Nexus One. An OTA update is tipped, for the Nexus One at least, unlocking the “many secrets” left in the phone that Google’s Erick Tseng apparently teased about during CES.
http://androidcommunity.com/android-2-2-froyo-on-may-19th-20100421/
4/22-------------------
Pic of HTC Magic running 2.2- 4chan member
http://androidcommunity.com/automatic-app-updates-will-be-included-in-android-2-2-20100422/
Um...3.0, now...: http://home.leakdroid.com/2010/04/a...id/SQvx+(Leakdroid)&utm_content=Google+Reader
"
The majority of Android phones are still running an outdated firmware, but that hasn’t slowed Google from advancing their mobile operating system. Everyone knows the next version of Android (codenamed Froyo) is on the way and the rumors (1, 2) are beginning to pick up that the Nexus One will receive it soon.
Based on the data from our analytics reports it appears Google has already begun testing on their next firmware – Android 2.2. Google engineers have routinely given codenames to future builds of Android (Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, etc.), but they don’t receive a point release till they are finalized and nearing distribution.
We have shared this reporting data before and people are always quick to point out that it can be easily faked, but I have spoke with additional sources familiar with the matter who confirmed Android 2.2 is currently being tested.
The feature set for Android 2.2 was frozen long ago, but it remains mostly unknown. Google decided last year that they would no longer publish public roadmaps for future versions of Android. Based on the information we can gather, it appears Android 2.2 will mainly focus on performance enhancements.
Some of the rumored features for Android 2.2 include:
- JIT compiler
- Free additional RAM
- OpenGL ES 2.0 enhancements
- Flash 10.1 support
- Fixed problem with “crazy screen” / Resolution of cross multitouch
- Activation of Color Trackball
- Enable FM radio
The JIT compiler has already been confirmed by Google and we expect to find out new details during Google I/O. Android engineers will be leading a discussion that informs devs how to test and tune their apps to work with the new compiler.
Additional free RAM should come thanks to the new Linux kernel being used in Froyo. Google is moving from 2.6.29 to the newer 2.6.32 which makes it possible to address the extra RAM. This has already been done in custom ROMs like CyanogenMod so expect this feature for sure.
I’m no expert on OpenGL, but it has long been rumored that Froyo (or a future build) will add new APIs to the Android NDK which will let Java devs have full access to the OpenGL ES 2.0 library.
Flash 10.1 is coming in the first half of the year. It is entirely possible it could be tied to a future Android firmware and be included with an OTA update.
We have already addressed the HTC touch sensor issues. It sounds like a future software update could be used to clean this up a little.
Multicolor trackball notifications are definitely coming. Android hackers like ChainsDD have already unlocked this feature for users of custom ROMs. Google advertised the multicolor trackball during its launch of the Nexus One, but the feature was cut from the final Android 2.1 build.
When it comes to the FM radio, I have no idea. Other HTC phones on a similar Snapdragon platform (Desire and Incredible) include the FM radio so it’s not out of the question that the N1 has it too.
I spoke with Google’s Eric Tseng during CES and he told me there were many secrets left in the Nexus One that we would discover later.
When is it Android 2.2 coming out?
Circle May 19th on your calendar. This is the opening day of Google I/O and I’m anticipating the release of Android 2.2 (and maybe the Flash 10.1 beta) will be tied to this event. Google has provided every developer attending the event a free Droid or Nexus One, so it is possible to see a simultaneous release on both devices.
I’m really curious how first generation devices are going to play with this release. We are expecting most phones to receive Android 2.1 this month, so it will be interesting to see how Froyo fits in. Some of the Android engineers have been talking about Froyo on the Google boards and it is unclear if the HTC Dream and Magic will be able to support it since they only have 192 MB of RAM.
What features do you want in the next version of Android?
What is the biggest issue that you think Google needs to address in the next release of Android? Are you satisfied with the rumored list of changes? Is there some glaring feature that you think Google is overlooking? Share your hopes and predictions in the comments and let us know what you think."
If you didn't read the article, don't bother posting.
Nothing is guaranteed for Eris users, but I really can't see them skipping over us.
A few things to think about:
-The Incredible is shipping with 2.1. Considering it is the best Android phone out right now, does that mean it too will get it so soon after release? Remember, the Google phones get priority to updates. Always. The Droid and Nexus One got it before any other phone because they run no custom UIs. The Incredible, although powerful, will most likely see it second after all the Google phones get it.
-Android is now at a point where it needs to stop showing its strength solely in bring new features, and needs to refine itself when it comes to menu navigation and just smoothing things out. It had an excuse the past two or so years since it was new. Now, it's time for it to build a solid foundation using past successes and failures and establish itself as the head honcho in the mobile OS kingdom.
-The article mentions it would not make sense to release until later on this year, what with Android being fragmented enough already. So if it's later on this year, does that mean will debut on a brand new device in the next year when it does come out?
Droid debuted with 2.0
Nexus One/Incredible debuted with 2.1
What phone will debut with 2.2?
Something to think about with the constant chatter of jumping ship to the Incredible. We know technology moves forward and all that jazz, but it's hard not to imagine what new device the holidays will bring if a new phone is to debut with 2.2 either late-2010 or early-2011 when most of us will be eligbible for an early NE2.
So, thoughts? Wish list? If the focus is shifted from new ideas and just into refining the OS and making it less buggy and more efficient, does that solidify your dedication to Android?
4/20 5:57 UPDATE!!: http://www.androidcentral.com/somebodys-testing-android-22-it-froyo
2.2 is testing now.
4/21
s Android 2.2 just around the metaphorical corner? The next update for Google’s mobile platform is currently being tested by the company, reckon Android and Me, who have been digging through their visitor stats and finding records of devices running v2.2. They’ve also heard from additional sources that the new build is, indeed, being trialled prior to public release.
As for the date we can expect it, that’s not finalised but the current guesstimate is in time for, or alongside, May 19th; that’s when Google I/O 2010 kicks off, and it would make sense for the company to push out the new version to coincide with that. There’s also talk of Flash 10.1 for Android being released at the same time.
So what can we expect? Well, more available RAM is looking like it’s locked in, as Google switch to the new Froyo Linux kernel, as are multi-colored trackball notifications on the Nexus One. An OTA update is tipped, for the Nexus One at least, unlocking the “many secrets” left in the phone that Google’s Erick Tseng apparently teased about during CES.
http://androidcommunity.com/android-2-2-froyo-on-may-19th-20100421/
4/22-------------------
Pic of HTC Magic running 2.2- 4chan member
http://androidcommunity.com/automatic-app-updates-will-be-included-in-android-2-2-20100422/
Um...3.0, now...: http://home.leakdroid.com/2010/04/a...id/SQvx+(Leakdroid)&utm_content=Google+Reader