HTC Brings Froyo to Europe

A few weeks ago Google launched Android 2.2 (Froyo) and rolled out its much-awaited OS update onto the firm's very own Nexus One handset. The update is now starting to trickle thorough to other manufacturers' models.

 

Two mobile makers are currently on the starting blocks for Android 2.2: HTC and Samsung.

 

HTC announced the release of its OTA (over the air) update this weekend, although it's currently only available for the Desire. Froyo should, however, be coming to the Legend and WildFire soon. Updating your phone isn't particularly complicated: just wait until you receive the OTA update message and then follow the instructions. There was some doubt about whether this new version of Android would still feature the HTC custom user interface, Sense, but it's now been confirmed that this will be back in version 2.2 of the OS.

Samsung will be releasing a custom version of Froyo for the Galaxy S. It's already available online in a beta version, with the final update due for release in September.

The main new features of Froyo include improved handling of Exchange servers, homescreen shortcuts to the on-screen keyboard, as well as improvements to the browser and the application menu. There'll also be a few tweaks to the multimedia functions, including video and photo capabilities (notably bringing 720p video recording to the Desire).

Finally, you'll be able to use your updated handset as a Wi-Fi access point, and the JIT (Just in Time) compiler should boost speed and performance. More on that soon.

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