Android 2.2 Previewed at Google IO
Well, it was more than previewed - Google actually let it out into the wild for a bit where Nexus One users with the AWS version of the phone (think T-Mobile or WIND) were able to update.
The update has since been pulled (search and ye shall find, though) but I tossed it on my Nexus One and gave it a once over.
Tethering FTW
Android 2.2 adds WiFi tethering. This really is the killer feature, especially if you are packing a WiFi only iPad.
It is super simple to setup and works like a charm.
Flash Support (Not that I want it.)
Android 2.2 also adds support for Flash - not that I’d suggest installing it or turing it on.
Of the three people that cheered when this was announced, two work for Adobe and one makes CPU hogging Flash ads for websites.
GUI Updates
Google is starting to add a bit more polish to the Vanilla Android GUI. For example, quick access to your phone or browser is now available from the home screen.
I would expect this to be kicked into overdrive with Android 3.0 whenever we see it. Google has hired a key player from Palm’s WebOS team and I would expect that to significantly improve the look of the stock Android OS.
Nexus One and Android
The killer combo really comes from two things, hardware and software.
Hardware
If you have ever held a Nexus One you know the hardware is amazing. HTC really knows how to make a great phone that is sleek and sexy. The OLED display is the best I have seen on a phone.
Software
Android is the perfect OS if you are a GMail or Google Apps user. There simply isn’t another platform besides Android that does justice to GMail in a mobile environment.
The Punchline
When you combine great hardware with great software you win. The experience would be perfect if it didn’t look like Google.
