There are many articles out there saying that google is expected to launch 2.2 Froyo at the Google I/O on May 19th. I think people get confused with Launch date and push date. I know several people who think we are going to get it on our phones on the 19th. I'm pretty sure that's incorrect, but I thought I could call on some experts to explain it a little bit. I thought it was the date that they would send it to the cell phone companies to take a look at it, mess with it, restrict things they dont like and modify it for their particular company. Then, when they are done messing with it, they push it to the phones. But then again, I'm no expert.
Plus I read that Google is building wifi and USB tethering into the release, so you know Verizon et al. will be removing that before release.
Yes they are. Here is the article. Android 2.2 'Froyo' to include USB tethering, WiFi hotspot functionality -- Engadget But I wouldn't dismiss it all together. It was once said that verizon would never allow for turn by turn navigation because they offer the vz navigator for $10/month. We have that now for free. And, the palm pre and pixi now offer the wireless hotspot for free (with the 29.99 data plan of course). I just set up my inlaws with the palm pre just so they can use the wireless hotspot. I don't know what the likelihood is that it will be a free service, but it's not impossible.
Yes, good points. I suppose I'm just to used to viewing tethering as a very frowned-upon activity for hackers only. Who knows though right?
Right. I'm not rooted, I'm a "play by the rules" sort, but when I checked into a hotel that wanted $9.99/day for wi-fi, tethering was suddenly a good option, especially when I just used it for the few minutes it took me to download email to my netbook or look up a restaurant (in the pre-Droid days, of course).
Well...I thought one of the things Froyo was supposed to tackle was fragmentation? So shouldn't Google do their best to have all devices updated at a reasonable rate? Those capable of course? At least ones without HTC Sense or Motoblur?
The fact that 2.2 brings Flash w/it might mean that the update could be a little earlier than if it was just an OS update...my reasoning is that VZW should want to be able to message "With Flash support" on as many of their phones as possible, in part to do the old "in your face!" to Apple/AT&T... So I'm not expecting it in May or anything, but am somewhat optimistic that we'll get it before August...
Imagine if Verizon actually embraced the whole free tethering idea for the Droid. It would be beneficial for them, imo. Just adds on to that list of what "Droid Does" and other phones (iPhone) don't. I would love a legitimate (and free) tethering method, but I don't see it happening unfortunately ):
Yep I read that too. At this point Google, as Apple has in the past - need to be decisive and prioritize what is most important for most users. I would say fragmentation, Wi-Fi/USB tethering and stability issues will be at the top of that list. If they try to build in all the bells and whistles, the Android OS will just be plagued with more instability and non-starter features. We are still due for some pretty blatant UI tweaks across the board. They could start with fixing email addresses in the mail app going off the screen in portrait mode for example. That would just make my day right there.
I totally agree. But what we have to remember is that these cell phone companies charge 20 cents for an out of plan text message (which is what, 15 kB worth of data?) So who knows what they'd charge for tethering (legally ).
They have embraced it...free w/ palm pre and that expensive 30 dollar data charge really is unlimited. I USB tether all the time. No..I cant torrent game but i can do everything else. Verizon is well aware of PDA net.
Keep in mind I said embraced it for the Droid. Now obviously they know about PDA net but they don't have an extreme amount of control over googles marketplace as far as I know. Regardless, their ToS clearly says that we should not tether. I wouldn't consider Verizon "embracing" tethering as long as they are telling us we are not allowed to do it >.<
I read an article over on Wired.com where there was talk of Verizon doing away with unlimited, per-device data plans. Quote: "Another tidbit from the interview: It looks like Verizon will be shutting down unlimited, per-device data plans in favor of a
Unless Android / Google goes the route of Microsoft and WP7 (very strict hardware guidlelines), getting rid of fragmentation is a complete pipe-dream. Bet on that. Microsoft of course went the iPhone route, so no external memory card support or replacing battery option. Factor in that Tmo and Verizon (at least) are STILL releasing devices with arm 11 technology with low res displays (Ally and MTS), and there is no sign of even reducing fragmentation on the horizon of two years. Pipe dream, times infinity. Of course, the MyTouchSlide is Tmo's "flagship" device. That in itself is sad.
I support this move. The only possible issue is verizon being increadibly stingy with those caps...as they already are on their 'low priced' MB plan. I just want ONE single unlimited plan for all my devices.
I don't know much about cell phone hardware, but my first thought when I saw that 2.2 [might] drastically increase performance was that it would allow the updated OS to run on the older hardware. So that would hopefully decrease fragmentation a bit. Does that make sense, or am I way off?
Since you're 'geeky' enough to follow the forums what's keeping you from rooting and having some of those benefits now? I've had wifi tethering and extra speed for a few months now, and use my phone for work. I only update roms occasionly to keep up with improvements in reliability and features. At this point I see no reason to stay stock and wait for Verizon's blessing. Root, it's one of the great things of owning a Droid. Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk
In addition, the user agreement (which I know doesn't cover tethering) is crystal clear about unlimited data. There is no mention of a 5 gb limit. For those of you that keep mentioning that I'd ask that you visit the verizon site and read the (surprsingly short) agreement, you know, the one you signed off one when you signed your contract with verizon. No limit. Why do people insist on being limited? As far as what verizon might want to do in the future, who knows? I'd guess that there rolling out of a new, faster, broader bandwith system later this year answers that question. Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk
I agree with that I don't mind waiting (even though I'd love to see an update on the 20th lol) but you should support the loyal supports not make them sit back and watch Iphone users playing with their flash phones in a couple weeks.
