Perhaps in the wake of Sprint’s delayed 2.1 update for the Hero, Verizon is looking to please some people by finally bringing 2.1 to the Eris. The Verizon software update page for the Eris now lists a software update as “Coming Soon”. Dubbed ROM: 2.36.605.1 by Verizon, from the features list, we all know this better as Android 2.1 Eclair. No solid word on when the update will be available, but the update instructions show that it will be an OTA update, and that it is also mandatory. Yup, there’s no staying with the old 1.5 anymore. Not that anyone would want to.
Here’s what you get when the update comes:
- Pinch-to-zoom is now available when using the Gallery and Google Maps.
- New support for voice-to-text entry. − Whenever a text-entry box appears, simply tap the microphone icon on the virtual keyboard and speak.
- New Gallery application with 3D layout. View and share photos taken with your phone and images from your online Picasa Web albums.
- New Leap thumbnail view lets you pinch to jump between the seven panels on your home screen.
- Additional calendar views and easier access to contacts make navigating even quicker.
- Google Maps with Navigation provides free, traffic-enhanced, turn-by-turn navigation.
- With the Enhanced Android Market, you’ll enjoy a better browsing experience as well as even more applications, including Verizon Wireless content featuring self-service applications.
- Ability to log onto and access multiple Google accounts at once.
- Support for 19 Microsoft® Exchange Server policies makes your phone more secure and business friendly.
- Desk Clock intelligently dims your screen and displays the current time while charging.
- Added support for stand-alone Wi-Fi when device is in airplane mode.
- Location-based cinematic full screen weather keeps you on top of changing conditions.
- Improved handset audio when disconnecting a wired headset.
- Improvements:
- Faster power-up time.
- Free Yahoo!® Mail is now supported—simply sign in with your Yahoo! email address and password.
- Improved swipe-unlock functionality.
- Added support for Microsoft Office 2007 documents.
- Longer battery life due to power savings.
- Improved YouTube® video playback.
- Better Bluetooth® support, including contact transfer.
- Automatic settings for POP3 verizon.net email accounts.
