Retro Camera
Chrome to Phone
Wordfeud
Doodle Jump
Moto DROID 2
HTC Aria
Taylor WimberlyFounder
Clark WimberlyFounder
Angie StricklandDesigner
Justin ShapcottAndroid Guru
Chris CaddellEditor
Anthony DomanicoEditor
Nick GrayContributor
Sean RileyContributor
Eric WeissContributor
Chris ChavezContributor
No really, we mean it this time. Motorola teased us last month when they said Android 2.1 was coming to the Droid “this week” via their Facebook page, but they failed to deliver.
Now Verizon has posted the benefits of the upcoming firmware update on their support page. The build number of the new Android 2.1 firmware is ESE53, which is the same one that leaked earlier this month with live wallpapers.
Android Central is reporting that Verizon will begin pushing out the OTA update on March 18 around 12 PM EST in batches of 250,000 users. Major updates like this normally take a week or so to fully roll out, so don’t be alarmed if it doesn’t hit your phone on the first day.
Enhancements of the software update include:
- Pinch-to-zoom is now available when using the browser, Gallery, and Google Maps.
- New Weather and News application plus widget. − The Weather and News app pulls the information you want from the Web and brings it to your fingertips. You get weekly and hourly weather forecasts based on your location, and news headlines.
- 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.
- Live Wallpapers offer richer animated, interactive backgrounds on the home screen. Access them with a long press anywhere on the home screen. Tap Wallpapers, then Live Wallpapers.
Improvements include:
- Free Yahoo!® Mail is now supported—simply sign in with your Yahoo! email address and password.1
- Google Maps update.
- Improved pattern-lock functionality.
- Improved handset audio when disconnecting a wired headset.
- Email accounts no longer need to be re-entered after an over-the-air update.
Comment RSS28 Comments
Woo! But darn,no 3D app drawer?
I don’t think you will see the 3D launcher, but I hope I’m wrong.
I know this is supposed to be about the Droid but, do you have any info on when this will roll out for first gen phones?
Some rumors have suggested end of this month, but I don’t think we will see anything till April at the earliest.
happy birthday to me!!! haha. hopefully i get mine by the 19th
This is great for droid users. Makes me wish I had not sold my droid from the developer lab for the N1. But I plan on doing some traveling so gsm is the way to go.
Any info on if the N1 might get a second update to fix some issues Taylor?
I’m glad Verizon and Google are finally releasing the Android 2.1 OS for the Droid…but when will we see the update for the Droid Eris?
I’m really happy to hear this, maybe my friend will stop bugging me to see my phone now.
He bought a Droid, which made my G1 looks like an even older piece of crap, so I bought a Nexus One… lol
will this include flash for the droid? or will that be a different download
Flash won’t be rolled into this, we still don’t have a definite release date from Adobe.
I’m upset about the app drawer missing, but glad to see this is finally being released. (If it is released. Haha.) The app drawer and the extra home screens, were my favorite features on 2.1. I think I’m going to try helixlauncher2 after I get the update, though. I hear it has a really nice interface and supports app drawer and live wallpapers if you’re rooted, and I don’t think the being rooted matters if you’re on 2.1. (?) Anyone know of any better Homes with those features?
nice, can u hear say DROOOOOOID?
Will Launcher+ Beta work for 2.1?
Yes, but the live wallpapers lose their interactivity…
Will there be a performance boost as was seen in Droids running the leaked 2.1?
Squeeeee! Finally! Does this update apply to the milestone too?
Seriously. Are we not getting additional home screens? Because that’s the feature I want, not the silly 3d app drawer.
The leaked version of ESE53 didn’t have more home screens or the app drawer. But if we’re lucky they somehow threw it in last minute, though, it looks doubtful right now.
Try launcher+ beta (is not really beta). It provides up to 7 screens. Its the stock launcher from google a little updated. Works like a charm. Was my solution for the 3 screens problem.
Im overseas, Will the update be available through wifi?
Now if we can get 2.1 on the devour! Or someone to root this thing
Nothing about fixing that handsfree bluetooth stupidity? Drives me crazy that this phone requires touching it to initiate a call…
I hope I find the way to flash this upcoming firmware and make it work in Argentina… I’m pretty sure they won’t update it at all here.
They lyed straight to our faces again what’s holding them back