Android 2.2 “Froyo” Feature Run-Down

By on May 20, 2010 in Android

Android 2.2 has been announced, and as the features roll out, we’re making a list. Check back for updates.
Jinx! Looks like Ben and I posted at the same time. Well, this post is just a bulleted list of features, if that strikes your fancy.

Core Android

  • Dalvik Turbo compiler included: 2x-5x app speedup. Demo used Replica Island. :-)
  • Better Exchange integration, and “Device Admin API’s” meaning remote wipe.

Cloud/Network Features

  • App Data will now be backed up to the cloud – Changing phones will be a breeze
  • API to send data to your Android device over the web. Demo used a Chrome extension to send directions to a Nexus One
  • Tethering/Mobile Hotspot built in

Browser

  • V8 Javascript Engine included – same as in Google Chrome
  • Faster performance than iPad – take that!
  • More standards (read:HTML5) compliant
  • Device API’s for the browser including Accelerometer and Camera allow web apps to interact with the phone

Voice Recognition

  • Voice Recognition is improved for searching for names. Ex: Del Dotto Vineyards
  • Intentions (think Voice Gestures) are now implemented. Say “Call P.F. Chang’s” will find the nearest P.F. Chang’s and prompt you to dial it.

Flash

  • Flash Player 10.1 Beta included
  • Adobe Air available as developer preview.

Market

  • Apps on SD Card! Finally! Wonder if the Dalvik has something to do with this. Even 3D Games work
  • Search Within Apps
  • Update all button in Market (finally!)
  • Application Error Reports
  • Over-the-Air installation from a web Market interface.

Media

  • Sync Music over the Air (holy crap)
  • Local Music available via streaming (carriers won’t be happy about this)

Advertising

  • Bringing the venerable AdSense platform to mobile devices
  • Targeted, relevant ads for devs. Taking aim at iAd here
  • Richer in-page ad experience
  • Click-To-Call ads using location services

Everyone at I/O gets an EVO 4G. Wow. Wonder if it comes with Froyo? And that appears to be all for Android 2.2. No word on a release date for the Nexus One, let alone other devices.

Update: PC World went hands-on with Android 2.2 and said that it should be released for the Nexus One and Droid in June!

About Ryan Trevisol

Background: I was born, raised, and live in South Florida. I have a Bachelor in Management Information Systems from FAU, and work as a Computer Tech. I also make custom electric guitars with my father, and do some freelance web design work. Interests: I use mobile technology every day. The only way to stay on top of my crazy life is to keep all the aspects of my life under control is to keep everything recorded, organized, and reminding me digitally.
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  • http://www.trevisol.com Ryan Trevisol

    Okay, the fact that Engadget et. al are running a beta version of Android 2.2 on their Nexus One’s is really getting to me. I want this now.

  • http://www.trevisol.com Ryan Trevisol

    Okay, the fact that Engadget et. al are running a beta version of Android 2.2 on their Nexus One’s is really getting to me. I want this now.