Verizon is getting ready to push the Android 2.1 update to HTC Eris phones soon, although they haven't released a date they have released information about the update and what will happen when you update. Like other Android phones, the Eris will get the update over-the-air (OTA) and it will be mandatory. Unlike other Android phones, this update will wipe your phone, deleting contacts (which will just have to be resynced) and changing some settings back to default. They haven't said whether this will clear app data or not, but just to be on the safe side you should backup your apps and data with ASTRO or an app like it.
Here's a list of the enhancements and improvements coming with the 2.1 update:
Enhancements
- Pinch-to-zoom is now available when using the Gallery and Google Maps
. - New support for voice-to-text entry.
- Whenever a text-entry box appears, simply tap the microphone icon on the virtual keyboard and speak.
- New Gallery application
with 3D layout. View and share photos taken with your phone and images from your online Picasa Web albums. - New Leap thumbnail view lets you pinch to jump between the seven panels on your home screen.
- Additional calendar views and easier access to contacts make navigating even quicker.
- Google Maps with Navigation provides free, traffic-enhanced, turn-by-turn navigation.
- With the Enhanced Android Market, you’ll enjoy a better browsing experience as well as even more applications, including Verizon Wireless content featuring self-service applications.
- Ability to log onto and access multiple Google accounts at once.
- Support for 19 Microsoft Exchange Server policies makes your phone more secure and business friendly.
- Desk Clock intelligently dims your screen and displays the current time while charging.
- Location-based cinematic full screen weather keeps you on top of changing conditions.
Improvements
- Free Yahoo! Mail is now supported—simply sign in with your Yahoo! email address and password.
- Longer battery life due to power savings.
- Improved YouTube video playback.
- Better Bluetooth support, including contact transfer.
- Automatic settings for POP3 verizon.net email accounts.
- Added support for stand-alone Wi-Fi when device is in airplane mode.
- Improved handset audio when disconnecting a wired headset.
- Faster power-up time.
- Improved swipe-unlock functionality.
- Added support for Microsoft Office 2007 documents
Also, after doing minimal searching I found the leaked 2.1 update out on the Verizon forums. I'm not sure if this is the final build or not but if you want to play around with some of the features that will be there when the OTA hits you can download it and try it out now.
[via Verizon via Phandroid via Androinica]
- Rory Rezzelle's blog
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Oh my! can you feel the
Oh my! can you feel the excitement now that Verizon is going to launch a new cellphone model? The Verizon Droid is expected to be released sometime in mid July, however don't forget that AT&T is releasing their new iPhone on the 4G network. The mobile phone industry is certain to be fought over by these two for a while. According to Verizon, their phone is much better than anybody else's and has numerous more features than their rivals. To get this phone though you may need a cash advance because they will cost around $200 with a two year contract of continuing monthly bills.