Droid 2 coming thursday, Droid discontinued.

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Add another high end smartphone to this summer's list of super powerful phones. The Droid 2, which shortly follows the Droid X in its introduction into the market, is expected to be available for sale on Thursday. The Droid 2 not surprisingly is expected to run Android 2.2 with the Motoblur skin. This device is expected to cost $199 with a 2 year agreement with Verizon, or $599 without.

In addition to this news, the days of the original Droid are over. Verizon has announced that they are no longer selling this device, which in the 9 months it has been on the market, it has helped demonstrate the true potential of the Android operating system.

Android to double by 2012

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According to research firm isuppli, Android, which grew 886% from 2009 to 2010, is expected to double by 2012. This research firm indicates that this means that in 2012, 75 million PDA's will be led by Android, compared to 62 million iPhones. The result makes sense, as Android has many partners, including HTC, Motorola, and Samsung as well as many others, while the iOS has just Apple as a partner.

Eric Schmidt, the leader of Google, stated that he expects the company will earn more revenue from mobile internet than fixed internet PCs.

Android still has a long way to go.

Android's Rise Shaking up the Mobile Market.

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Many people may wonder why most of my blog posts are about phones running the Android operating system. The reason behind this is because for about the past year, I have witnessed the incredible rise of the operating system, and have become a supporter of the efforts. Android is far from being refined enough for the average user to be able to use it to its full ability, but Google definately had the right idea with this operating system.

Earlier this spring, Android for the first time outsold the iPhone as an operating system. This was a big accomplishment. However, Android just obtained a bigger accomplishment. Android just overtook Blackberry as the best selling smartphone operating system. It has been clear since Android's debut in 2008 that Google had a hit on its hands and now we are just beginning to see how much so. Over the next few months, millions more will begin to become familiar with the operating system, and we could see the platforms explosion in popularity continue.

Android 2.2 Not Coming to Droid X Until September

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According to a Motorola employee, Android 2.2 will not be out for the Droid X until early September. This is big disappointment for Droid X owners, as the device has been riddled with software bugs, most of which are expected to be fixed with the update. It also appears that the original Droid will not obtain full Flash support until August 18th. Unfortuanately for these owners, they are going to have to play the waiting game, while Evo and Nexus One owners enjoy Android 2.2 in its entirety.

Froyo 2.2 on Evo 4G, Motorola Droid

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As expected, yesterday Android 2.2 Froyo was released for the HTC Evo 4G on Sprint and now today customers using Verizon's Motorola Droid can manually obtain the update. Although not much was changed aesthetically, just a few minor tweaks here and there, there was a big change under the hood. The new OS is speedier and more efficient, and web browsing is now noticeably quicker as well.

The biggest feature of Android 2.2 however, is full Flash 10.1 support. You know those flash based games on websites that never worked on your phone before? Well now they do, thanks to this update. Other updates include new security options, voice dialing over bluetooth, and new management features.

The performance of the new Android OS is perhaps the biggest advantage of upgrading next to Flash support, and now that Froyo is rolling out, we should begin to hear leaks of information about the next future OS version, 3.0 Gingerbread.

*Note: Many people have asked me why Android 2.2 has been nicknamed "Froyo". Google has given a nickname to each version of the operating system beginning with cupcake (1.5), followed by donut (1.6), then eclair (2.1), and now froyo (2.2). Froyo, for those who don't know, is short for frozen yogurt.

Samsung Epic 4G to be released August 20th

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Over the past 24 hours, Samsung has hinted that its upcoming release of the Epic 4G, which will be carried on Sprint, is set to be released on August 20th. This rumor is supported by the fact that the Sprint webpage for the Epic has now gone live. Some notable specs of the upcoming Epic is that is will feature a 1Ghz Hummingbird processor, a 4 inch Super AMOLED screen, and a slideout QWERTY keyboard.

This is big news for those who want to experience Sprint's 4G network, but do not want to part with a physical keyboard. Unfortuanately, the Epic 4G will debut with Android 2.1, and not 2.2 Froyo like hoped, but that is expected to change with an over the air update within the coming months.

In addition to this, Sprint has also announced that they have rolled out 4G coverage in Delaware, Florida, and Michigan, as well as expanding coverage in California. Hopefully Sprint continues to stay busy rolling out coverage to more and more customers nationwide.

Droid to get Android 2.2 in the next week

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According to verizon's website, the Motorola Droid will be updated to Android 2.2 within the next week. This will make the 3rd device with the updated operating system, behind the Nexus One and the Evo 4G. Unfortunately for Droid X users, Verizon is still being vague, stating that Froyo will be available sometime late this summer.

Note: I apologize if the posts over the next few days are short, as I am getting my laptop repaired and am having to make posts on my phone.