Four Friday Android Anecdotes

Froyo for Incredible

Verizon Wireless is preparing the Android 2.2 Froyo software update for the HTC Droid Incredible, according to reports. Some suggest the update may be available as soon as Friday, August 27, but Verizon Wireless declined to comment on the update's timing.

Verizon Wireless updated the Motorola Droid to Android 2.2 several weeks ago and has committed to updating the Droid X by early September. Most assume that because the Incredible was released in between the Droid and Droid X, that it will be next to receive Android 2.2. The update is not too far off at this point. Sit tight, Incredible owners!

UPDATE: Verizon Wireless confirmed that the update is happening today! The new system software includes Flash Player Mobile 10.1 built into the Android browser, 720p video capture, and Verizon's 3G mobile hotspot feature.

Root for EVO 4G

The fine folks over at the XDA Developers site have figured out how to root the HTC EVO 4G. Rooting the device paves the way for the installation of custom ROMs. Keep in mind, the EVO 4G is running Android 2.2 with HTC's Sense user interface enhancements. The root could allow EVO owners to gussy up their EVO with stock Android 2.2 if they wish. The XDA Developers caution that the root is tricky. Be careful, tinkerers!

Android Battery Battle

The mobile gurus over at Laptop Magazine have completed a major battle royale between a number of Android handsets to see which has the best battery life. In order to run the test, Laptop wrote a custom Android application that ran the devices' browser, switching between 60 different web sites once every 60 seconds. The only radio left functioning was the cellular data radio (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth were turned off). Plug-ins were left, off, as was Flash, and the screens were all set to 40% brightness. The results?

The HTC Droid Incredible, with a 1300mAh battery, performed the worst with just 4 hours 33 minutes of life. The average was 5 hours 55 minutes, though the clear winner was the Motorola Droid X, which lasted a whopping 7 hours 42 minutes.

Most interesting was that a number of devices with AMOLED displays, which are supposed to be more power efficient than LCDs, ranked towards the bottom of the pack. The Samsung Captivate and Vibrant lasted just 4 hours 43 minutes and 4 hours 44 minutes, respectively.

Pre-Order the Samsung Fascinate Starting Today

Best Buy mobile has one-upped Verizon Wireless and is offering the Samsung Fascinate Android phone for pre-order before Verizon Wireless has announced the device's actual availability. Best Buy Reward Zone members can reserve the Fascinate starting today, and the general public can reserve it starting Sunday, August 29.