So we already know that Android 2.2 is already out for the Nexus One, and that an update for the HTC Desire is coming this June 23. The important thing now is to actually know what the new update is all about and what really makes Froyo so special.
First off, the name Froyo stands for frozen yogurt. Google has been naming Android versions after sweets and snacks in an alphabetically arranged fashion. Android 1.5 is Cupcake, 1.6 is Donut, and 2.0/2.1 is Éclair. This latest update brings a bunch of new features (which will be discussed below); according to Google, a bigger update for the Android will be launched sometime later this year, version 3.0 Gingerbread
One of the biggest improvements in the new OS version is the introduction of the Dalvik VM, which is a just-in-time complier (JIT). While this may not seem like a big deal for end users, developers will instantly recognize the value of this feature –it actually makes the device faster. Since it improves performances by a very significant amount, end users will really not care much about the terminologies used, as long as it works. This literally makes the Android anywhere from twice to five times faster.
There will also be new services as well as APIs that have been designed to make the user experience much better. One of the more interesting APIs is the cloud to device messaging feature which will allow users to push data from their computers to their Android device –like browsing Google Maps on the Chrome browser and pushing the bookmark unto the Android device. Also included is USB tethering and the ability to turn the handset into a WiFi hotspot.
Apps can now be easily backed up and also moved from internal storage to the memory card –allowing users more control of how the space on their hardware is managed.
