Brings pinch-to-zoom in Gallery and Google Maps

May 10, 2010 14:06 GMT  ·  By

Mobile phone carrier Verizon Wireless is reportedly getting ready to release a new software update for some of its users. The update is expected to arrive in the near future on the DROID Eris by HTC, the second Android-based handset the operator released on its airwaves, and seems to be the Android 2.1 update other devices already received, even if the carrier does not name it this way specifically. According to Verizon, the new firmware would come as ROM: 2.36.605.1/Radio: 2.42.00.04.12.

Among the novelties included in the upcoming software solution, we can count: - 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. - Google Maps with Navigation provides free, traffic-enhanced, turn-by-turn navigation.

Other enhancements will also be present with the software solution, including an enhanced Android Market, for a better experience when searching for applications, the possibility to log into multiple Google Accounts at the same time, support for 19 Microsoft Exchange Server policies so as to offer a more secure and business friendly device in DROID Eris, or location-based cinematic full screen weather.

According to a document published on Verizon Wireless' website, as soon as the new software update arrives, DROID Eris users will be able to enjoy Free Yahoo! Mail on their device, new power saving improvements for longer battery life, enhanced YouTube video playback, improved support for Bluetooth, support for stand-alone Wi-Fi when in airplane mode, support for Microsoft Office 2007 documents, faster power-up, and others more.

Unfortunately, no specific details on when the software might arrive were provided. Verizon says that DROID Eris by HTC will receive the firmware soon, and we can only hope that this doesn't mean it will arrive in a couple of months.