droidStory

Verizon and Motorola, with help from Google and Adobe unveiled the new Motorola DroidX today.

The phone will go on sale on July 15th for $199, after $100 rebate with a 2 year contract. Anybody with a contract ending in 2010 can upgrade!

• $29.99/month smartphone unlimited data plan
• $20/month for tethering (WiFi & USB) for up-to 2GB of data, 5cents/MByte overage fee

Specs:

• 1GHz TI OMAP CPU
• 512MB RAM, 8GB internal flash memory
• 16GB SD card included, expandable to 32GB
• 8MP Camera, dual LED flash
• 4.3″ Display, 854 x 480, 400,000+ pixels
• 1570mAh battery
• HDMI out port
• 3 microphones (one noise-canceling)
• Ships with Android 2.1 including new version of MotoBlur
• Android 2.2 (Froyo) will be released this summer

The long-awaited on-again/off-again Android 2.1 update is on its way to Verizon Droid users, according to an internal memo at Verizon. The Verizon website still says “Coming Soon” though.

The first batch of only 1,000 handsets should receive the update today, followed by another small batch tomorrow. Pending any unexpected issues, the OTA update should make it to the rest of the Droid base later this week. Although, don’t expect to get it right away, as the roll-out still occurs in phases to prevent a network overload.

Here’s what to look forward to:

Enhancements:

• Pinch-to-zoom is now available when using the browser, Gallery, and Google Maps.™
• New Weather and News application plus widget.
• New support for voice-to-text entry.
• 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.

Improvements:

• Free Yahoo!® Mail is now supported—simply sign in with your Yahoo! email address and password
• Google Maps update
• Improved pattern-lock functionality.
• Improved handset audio when disconnecting a wired headset.

Users of Droid’s European cousin, the Motorola Milestone, are receiving their 2.1 OTA Update now.

So what is holding up Verizon’s release of the update?

via engadget

It looks like there is another delay for the 2.1 OTA update. After just announcing the impending update on their website days ago, Verizon seems to have pulled the plug for now.

The 3/18 OTA software update will not happen as planned. A new date will be announced as soon as possible.

via engadget

The numbers are in. Analytics firm Flurry is comparing sales figures for the most popular smartphones in the first 74 days on the market. Flurry estimates sales based on downloaded applications featuring its embedded analytics technology.

According to the report, Google sold only about 135,000 Nexus One phones in the first 74 days, compared to roughly 1.05 million Motorola Droid’s sold during the same time frame. For comparison, Apple sold about 1 million units of  the original iPhone.

Overall the results are an impressive statement for Android and resonate with the recent ComScore report showing Android’s market share growing to 7.1% in the US.

So why is the Nexus One struggling?

(continue reading…)

Great news for Droid owners – the wait is over. Verizon just announced the availability of Android 2.1 for the Droid.

Enjoy improved performance with these Android™ enhancements. Verizon Wireless
is pleased to announce new software updates for your Droid by Motorola smartphone.
The Droid by Motorola software version AP: ESE53/BP: C_01.3E.03P update includes
numerous enhancements and improvements.

This puts the Droid on par with all of the Nexus One features, including the live wallpapers.

The OTA update should start appearing on phones by tomorrow. Enjoy!