Those of you that are still working with the Motorola Droid 2 will be glad to see that it is getting an update to fix many of the bugs you may have noticed. Verizon has posted the change log for the Motorola Droid 2 update to version 4.5.621 to let you know what you have to look forward to.

Motorola Droid 2 Update 4.5.621 Features:

• Device is enabled with the Wireless Alerting System. + A Google Security Patch has been added to improve security level.
• Fixed issue where the device may power ON without user interaction.
• Adjusted camera settings will be saved, even after the device is powered down.
• Resolved possible device resets while playing music.
• Reduced Out of Memory errors.
• Improved ability to access and receive Gmail messages when the Mobile Hotspot is turned on.
• Addressed error that replicated thumbnails in message threads.
• WAV files can be played from Visual Voice Mail.
• Purchased ringtones are now able to be downloaded, saved and used where appropriate.

The update has been received by one of our development devices and immidiatly removed root access to the device. Please keep in mind that your Droid 2 will lose root if you update as well as posibly disable SBF functions from what we’ve been told. If you have already received the update please let us know how its going via comments below.

Droid 2 and Droid Global Gingerbread Update

So emails have been sent out by Verizon stating that the Motorola Droid Pro and Motorola Droid 2 are now ready for the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update. If you have either of these devices and haven’t seen the update push yet you can go to “Settings -> About Phone -> System Updates” and manually find the update.

Droid 2 and Droid Pro Global Update Features:

• Download Manager App: New App to manage all of your downloads from web browsing, email attachments and other apps.
• App and Power Management Details: Under Manage Applications, a new “Running” tab displays a list of active applications and the storage and memory being used by each.
• Multi-Touch Key-Chording: New ability to enter numbers and symbols with keyboard shortcut combos, instead of having to change to the numeric keyboard mode.
• Improved Word Selection and Copy Functionality: New capability to select a word via press-hold. A second press of the selected word copies the selected characters.
• New User Interface and Color Scheme: New widgets, icons and screens with refreshed colors.
• Dock Icons: Static Phone, App Launcher and Contacts icons are replaced within a customizable dock. Three swappable icons and the App Launcher icon are fixed to the dock at the bottom of all home screen panels for easy and instant access.
• App Groups: New App Menu allows creation of custom app groups, in addition to 3 default groups: All Apps, Recent and Downloaded.

It’s finally that time for all of you Droid 2 owners out there to get your Gingerbread update. Go ahead and update your device and you will get Android version 2.3.3 Gingerbread on it. We were hoping for the newer Gingerbread 2.3.4 but hey at least Gingerbread is here.

Motorola Droid 2 Gingerbread Update Features:

• New Download Manager App
• Under Manage Applications, a new “Running” tab displays a list of active applications, as well as the storage and memory being used by each.
• Multi-Touch Key-Chording
• Improved Word Selection and Copy Functionality:
• New User Interface and Color Scheme:
• New widgets, icons and screens with refreshed colors.
• Three swappable icons and the App Launcher icon are fixed to the dock at the bottom of all home screen panels for easy and instant access.
• New App Menu allows creation of custom app groups
• Added Device and SD Card encryption.
• VPN enhancements integrate IPSec VPN clients into device security settings

Motorola Droid 2 owners have already reported a significant speed increase as well as smoother transitions between apps. Please let us know how the update goes for you.

Please keep in mind that this is not our list (we will come out with one shortly).  This list is according to PC Worlds Top Picks for 2011 at this point.  These choices are based on user reviews throughout their website.  We agree with some of the choices but not most.

Top 10 Android Phones according to PCWorld:

1. HTC ThunderBolt - The well-appointed ThunderBolt is the phone to buy if you want to see what 4G can do.
2. T-Mobile G2x (with Google) - The T-Mobile G2X is a no-frills powerhouse that excels at gaming, multitasking and video.
3. Motorola Atrix 4G (AT&T) - This dual-core phone is fast and boasts solid data speeds, but the Atrix-powered laptop accessory is a good idea poorly executed.
4. Samsung Charge - The LTE speeds dazzle, the AMOLED display shines, and you get a free mobile hotspot at least for a little while. What’s not to like? Well, the battery life disappoints, but that may not be enough to spoil the fun.
5. Samsung Epic 4G - The standout of the Galaxy S phones, the Epic 4G offers some enticing features like a physical keyboard, front-facing camera and 4G network support.
6. T-Mobile myTouch 4G - The powerful myTouch 4G delivers when it comes to multimedia and performance, but make sure you live in an HSPA+-supported area before purchasing it.
7. HTC EVO 4G - The speedy HTC EVO 4G packs in some powerful specs and a variety of multimedia features into a stylish, minimalist design, but not everybody will get to enjoy one of its best features–4G connectivity.
8. Motorola Droid X - Motorola Droid X shines at multimedia playback, network performance, and features; but the interface can occasionally be sluggish.
9. Samsung Galaxy S 4G - The Samsung Galaxy S 4G is a solid, powerful phone, but it doesn’t have the specs to compete with the next generation of smartphones.
10. HTC Incredible 2 - The HTC Droid Incredible 2 is an excellent upgrade from the original Incredible in terms of display, design, and camera, but it lacks 4G support.

Keep checking in for our complete list of the top android phones of the first half of 2011.  We will break it down by carrier to make sure each of you can see the top phones for your carrier.

The Motorola Droid 2 update version 4.5.600.A956.Verizon.en.US now updates your phone to the Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS.  The update is now available via your phones update software.

Droid 2 Enhancements:

+ Download Manager App:

• New App to manage all of your downloads from  web browsing, email attachments and other apps.

+ App and Power Management Details:

• Under Manage Applications, a new “Running” tab displays a list of active applications and the storage and memory being used by each.

+ Multi-Touch Key-Chording:

• New ability to enter numbers and symbols with keyboard shortcut combos, instead of having to change to the numeric keyboard mode.

+ Improved Word Selection and Copy Functionality:

• New capability to select a word via press-hold. A second press of the selected word copies the selected characters.

+ New User Interface and Color Scheme:

• New widgets, icons and screens with refreshed colors.

+ Dock Icons:

• Static Phone, App Launcher and Contacts icons are replaced within a customizable dock. Three swappable icons and the App Launcher icon are fixed to the Dock at the bottom of all home screen panels for easy and instant access.

+ App Groups:

• New App Menu allows creation of custom app groups, in addition to 3 default groups: All Apps, Recent and Downloaded.

+ Security:

• Added Device and SD Card encryption. VPN enhancements integrate IPSec VPN clients into device security settings.

+ Updated Calendar Options:

• Display Calendar and event times in your home time zone when traveling.
• Dismiss individual reminders, such as dismissing one meeting reminder without dismissing other meeting reminders.
• Easy conference dialing – simply dial and automatically enter a conference code directly from your Calenda

You can update your phone by going to: Settings -> About phone -> System updates and checking for new updates.

 

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