14 DAY TRIAL // The long-awaited Android 2.2 update for Samsung’s Galaxy S device will be hitting Canadian carriers in mid-December. Samsung Mobile has confirmed the deployment of the software upgrade on its official Facebook account.
Currently, the Korean handset manufacturer plans to release the update for three branded Samsung Galaxy S smartphones retailed in Canada: Samsung Vibrant from Bell, Samsung Captivate from Rogers and Samsung Fascinate from Telus.
The company's statement also contains the calendar of the upgrade, which puts the Vibrant and Captivate ahead of the Fascinate to get the Android 2.2 update:
“We’d like to acknowledge the tremendous interest in the Froyo (Android 2.2) upgrade for Galaxy S series smartphones in Canada. We are working diligently to provide a tested and secure upgrade experience in Canada. Android 2.2 will be released for Vibrant from Bell and Captivate from Rogers in mid-December, and for the Fascinate from TELUS in early 2011. We’ll post further details as they become available.”
Apparently, Canadian Samsung Galaxy S owners will get the major update just before the upcoming iteration of the platform, Android 2.3 Gingerbread will be announced. Rumors speculate that the Gingerbread is expected to be released by the end of November.
However, it will take some time before the new version of the platform will make its way to users due to the so-called “fragmentation” issue.
For those expecting the Android 2.2 (Froyo) software upgrade, here are the main features that the update brings:
- Android 2.2 JIT compiler and Adobe Flash Player 10.1 compatibility; - Speed improvements and Pinch-to-zoom homescreen flyover; - Improved default keyboard and Quick links to “GPS” and “Auto rotation” toggles on notification bar added; - Slightly different graphics and transitions with app drawer and default icon dock; - Colored icons in settings and GPS Fix; - Media Hub and Darker menu theme, navy blue color; - Better Exchange support and Video records in MP4 format.