Unofficial Android 2.2 Ready and Rooted
It's not an official release, so installer beware.
Have an Android smartphone and just can't wait for v2.2's (FroYo) official release? Apparently a version is now available to download for rooted phones--one that isn't exclusive to Nexus One phones. While installing this firmware may sound tempting, keep in mind that it's not an official Google release, and for some reason it doesn't include Wi-Fi support (due to protecting the original source).
Rather than using an installer package, this version of FroYo comprises of nandroid backups (Clockwork Recovery and SP Recovery). Users simply download the files, extract them, and then place them in the appropriate folder. The ROM is already rooted and comes packed with SuperUser. However if living without Wi-Fi isn't acceptable, users can head here and download overclocked kernels that bring the feature back to FroYo.
So what's the big deal about this Hobbit-sounding update? Lots. Android owners will see a huge performance increase--up to three times faster than v2.1 or later. OpenGL improvements means that game will look and play better--we're already seeing Android as a competitive mobile gaming platform thanks to Gameloft's release of N.O.V.A., Modern Combat: Sandstorm, Dungeon Hunter, Asphalt 5, Hero of Sparta and more. There's also the hotspot aspect--allowing the Android device to share its Internet connection with local devices--and support for Flash 10.1.
Consumers wishing to update manually using the rooted FroYo release are cautioned to proceed at their own risk, as a faulty installation could lead to a bricked phone. For Verizon users, the company has not issued a release date, and has not answered any queries regarding FroYo's timing or any possible added fees stemming from the new tethered feature.
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I seen a few bench marks on the v2.2 OS, but I think I'll wait for an official release. I'm more comfortable installing OS's on my computer. But it is tempting.
Strange that wifi support is not included. All of the preinstalled software on a brand new Nexus One phone is 100% open source. As for the iPhone 4 OS, Android has been light years ahead in every area for quite some time.
Hey Smochina, good luck with your network issues. Your god Steve Jobs can't even connect to wifi or AT&T. ROFL!
Android is not dead. It is the fastest growing smartphone OS. The numbers are only getting bigger, and the phones are only getting better.
Agreed. Android is the opposite of "dead". Looks like someone missed that article on tom's about phone companies trying to restrict Android OS so it (and google) wouldn't take over.
As much as I wish my droid was a little bit faster I think I'll wait a month or so before I give in.
Android is a double edged sword for the telephone carriers. Lots of app developers, lots of consumer interest, an iPhone competitor but the open source end of it means these roots and unlock kits will be very easy to come by.
I am hopeful that the open source edge doesn't cause carriers to cut back on their support for Android in the long run. So far the signs are promising that support will stay.
I'm still waiting for a release of Android for iPhone 3G/3GS.
Android is dead, iOS4 and Iphone 4 is here.
Yea, we saw how great it was when it couldn't even load a simple web page using its 3G connection. Nothing but quality from Apple and AT&T.
Strange that wifi support is not included.
Sounds like it was a hacked working phone someone made a backup of. Not a full install distribution. Removing the Wifi section prevents giving out his wifi key(s).
A better package will be around the corner but for those who can't wait and want to tinker this is a good option.
iOS4 and Iphone are dead, android is here.
Fixed.
Just installed this today. Working great at 800Mhz. I followed the instructions here, making sure to do a full back-up of my 2.1 image.
i installed on my rooted droid and it works flawlessly. i also got the OC kernel and benched it and got 3.5x the performance over the vanilla install running at 900mhz. i am kind of a noob when it comes to the whole rooting and nandroid setup but there are plenty of instructions on the web.
No Wi-Fi support?
I did a manual install of 2.2 on my un-rooted Nexus One and the Wi-Fi works great. Tethering and Portable Hot Spot work great and have really good bandwidth even with 4 laptops and two Blackberries connected.
Wifi support has been fixed (at least on the download that i saw)
Smoochina, your comment should go to the hall of fame for being the dumbest comment I've read on Tom's, or hole of infamy would be a better name for it.
WiFi was fixed two days ago. This article is way behind....
Wifi support has been fixed (at least on the download that i saw)
That is correct, there is an easy kernel upgrade that unlocks OC'ing and fixes the WiFi issues.
I have a Droid Eris running 1.5 and I installed the 2.1 upgrade when they sent it to me. The phone never worked right again. Would just go completely silent and require a restart to fix. Typing text was all screwed up. All kinds of crap. Swapped it out for one with 1.5 and my beloved Eris is back to normal. Best phone Ive ever had so I think Ill stick with 1.5.
Can't toms filter this spamy crap??? It's always from same stupid place so surely anything with that web address could be blocked, or anything with a dumb picture as nobody else puts them in their comments.
as they are the winner now, and I won't be locked in job's cage or instantly hated when I pull out my phone in front of Tom like people.
On another note, back when I went phone hunting a year ago the only thing competing with iPhone was htc magic\hero which was said to be quite laggy especially which a few gadgets or widgets whatever going. Now stuck on contract for 2 years so would be good to hack android onto iphone but also might sell, payoff contract and get me an android
Strange that wifi support is not included. All of the preinstalled software on a brand new Nexus One phone is 100% open source. As for the iPhone 4 OS, Android has been light years ahead in every area for quite some time.
Not strange at all, it's likely an insider with a developer version and they didn't include the WiFi support because there was identifiable information in that part of the code.
It'd be awesome to jail-break an iphone and be able to put Android OS on it.