HTC Droid Eris Won't Get Android OS 2.2

Quite a few smartphones running Google's mobile operating system have received upgrades to the latest version, but Verizon's HTC Droid Eris isn't on this list. The carrier says that an upgrade to Android OS 2.2 will not be released for the Droid Eris.

This model debuted last November, at the same time the original Motorola Droid did. However, the Motorola model sold very well, while the Eris did not. In fact, the HTC model has already been dropped from Verizon's product lineup.

Still, those who purchased this model are unlikely to be pleased that they have already been cut off from operating system upgrades.

The Droid Eris launched with Android OS 1.6, but an upgrade to OS 2.1 was released this spring. An upgrade to OS 2.2 would have brought support for some new features, like the ability to store apps on a removable memory card.

Those who are considering taking their anger out on Verizon should keep in mind that the Droid Eris is a version of the HTC Hero, and no version of the Hero has received an upgrade to Android OS 2.2. This mid-range model's relatively slow processor is probably not up to the task of running Adobe Flash Player 10.1, the most significant enhancement in the new version of Google's operating system.

An Overview of the HTC Droid Eris
As mentioned earlier, Verizon re-named this device when it modified its looks, but it's really a version of the HTC Hero. As such, it has a tablet shape with a 3.2-inch, HVGA, capacitive Touchscreen and no hardware keyboard.

The Droid Eris is able to connect to Verizon's EV-DO mobile broadband service, and also offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The usual Android OS user interface has been enhanced with HTC Sense. The standard suite of Google applications is included, and users of this smartphone have access to the 80,000 apps currently on the Android Market, the on-device software store.

The Droid Eris is able to get email and synchronize user data with Google service, as well as Microsoft Exchange.

Other features include a 5-megapixel camera, 3.5 mm headset jack, microSD card slot, and a GPS receiver.

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