Verizon Readies Android 2.1 Update for Droid

Verizon is getting ready to update the Motorola Droid.

Recently Verizon described a whole set of new features and enhancements coming to the Motorola Droid in the next OTA update. Listed in this PDF file, the highly-anticipated 2.1 update will be on the way soon, possibly sometime later this week, however Verizon did not offer an official release date.

Motorola Droid users can find various "hands-on" impressions with 2.1 on other tech sites, all of which aren't running the real deal but rather early builds. But based on the videos, the OS update will bring noticeably increased speed to the Droid. It will also bring multi-touch gestures such as pinch-to-zoom in the browser, Google Maps, and the Gallery.

Other new features slated for the Motorola Droid include a Weather & News app and widget, bringing all the latest right to the Home screen. The Gallery itself will get something of an overhaul, sporting a new 3D layout. Live wallpapers (previously seen on the Nexus One) and voice-to-text entry are also two other new features packed into Android 2.1.

Verizon reports that v2.1 will also bring improvements to the overall Droid experience including Yahoo! Mail support, an update to Google Maps that enabled synchronization to the desktop version of maps.google.com. Google Maps Navigation, an awesome feature in itself in its present form, will receive a new "Night Mode" for easier viewing in the dark.

Verizon's document also points to improved pattern-lock functionality, improved handset audio when disconnecting a wired handset, and a resolved issue where users were required to re-enter email account information after an OTA update.

Unfortunately, the update does not address storage issues related to SD cards. Currently all applications are installed straight to the device's limited internal memory. Unlike the iPhone, Droid users are locked to a limited number of applications thanks to the size restraints. There's no indication that Google will allow app installation to the SD card in any future updates.