Android 2.2 To Debut On Droid X Next Month

Motorola has revealed on its support forums that it will upgrade its popular Droid X smartphone to Google’s Android 2.2 operating system in early September.

A Motorola Forums Manager named Matt made the revelation in response to a concern about the lack of email notifications for people using Microsoft Exchange 2003 on the Droid X.

Matt noted 4 August: “a fix for this will be included in the upgrade to Android 2.2 scheduled for deployment by early September.”

Upgrade Schedule

Matt is the same employee who promised that the company’s original Motorola Droid would get the Android 2.2 upgrade beginning the week of August 2.

That promise was fulfilled, albeit sans Wi-Fi hotspot (no hardware support) and data tethering (connection issues). So it appears Matt is well versed in Motorola’s upgrade schedule.

The September timeline adds more colour to the promise Verizon and Motorola made in June that the Droid X would be upgraded to Android 2.2 in late summer.

Android 2.2 boasts a faster browser, greater enterprise capabilities and a cloud-to-device messaging API for developers, among other tools.

The so-called Froyo build began running on the Nexus One two months ago and is rolling out to Sprint’s HTC Evo 4G users in addition to owners of the original Droid. It is unclear when the Droid Incredible will get the upgrade, but it could be anytime in August.

Staggered Rollout

This staggered approach may be irritating to some Droid users, but it’s a good bet they will be pleased once the upgrade kicks. Early reports say Android 2.2 laps its Android 2.1 predecessor in both browser speed and application performance.

Consumers fortunate enough to procure a Droid X before they sold out will know this joy in September.

Launched 15 July, the Android 2.1-based Droid X quickly sold out across the country, with carrier Verizon Wireless now pushing off shipments to 24 August.

The smartphone is coveted by consumers for its speedy 1-GHz processor, 4.3-inch screen and HD video capture, all of which make the device desirable for multimedia consumption.