Verizon Posts Android 2.3 Gingerbread Update Details For The Motorola Droid 2

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Another day and it looks like another Android device will soon be upgraded to Android 2.3 Gingerbread. The handset is the Motorola Droid 2 and the official changelog has recently been posted by Verizon.

That being said, while Verizon has posted the details, we are still waiting on confirmation as to when the roll-out process will begin. Needless to say, while this update will bring Gingerbread — it also includes quite a few other enhancements, improvements and changes.

According to the details posted by Verizon, the update will measure in at 106MB in size and take about 20 to 45 minutes to download and another 5 to 10 minutes to install. As always, those with a Droid 2 have a few options in terms of getting the update — sit back and wait for the update notification to arrive or grab your handset, navigate to Menu -> Settings – About phone – System updates and check manually.

Otherwise, the standard warning comes as this — make sure all your data is backed up before you begin the update process. You know, just in case something goes wrong and you end up with a brick. And for our last warning, given we have seen quite a few software updates released and then pulled due to issues lately, you may want to hold off a few days and let someone else be the test case. With that, here is the complete (and rather long) changelog from Verizon;

Enhancements

• Download Manager App: New App to manage all of your downloads from web browsing, email attachments and other apps.
• App and Power Management Details: Under Manage Applications, a new “Running” tab displays a list of active applications, as well as the storage and memory being used by each.
• Multi-Touch Key-Chording: New ability to enter numbers and symbols with keyboard shortcut combos, without having to change to the numeric keyboard mode.
• Improved Word Selection and Copy Functionality: New capability to select a word via press-hold. A second press of the selected word copies the selected characters.
• New User Interface and Color Scheme: New widgets, icons and screens with refreshed colors.
• Dock Icons: Three swappable icons and the App Launcher icon are fixed to the Dock at the bottom of all home screen panels for easy and instant access. The Phone, App Launcher and Contacts icons are now within this customizable dock.
• App Groups: New App Menu allows creation of custom app groups, in addition to 3 default groups: All Apps, Recent and Downloaded.
• Security: Added Device and SD Card encryption. VPN enhancements integrate IPSec VPN clients into device security settings.

Web Browsing and Data Access

• Improved battery life while using Wi-Fi.
• Fixed issue that caused frequent data connection drops.
• Mobile Hotspot status is displayed accurately.

Email and Messaging

• Email application: Improved contact syncing from multiple accounts. Email pushes now work correctly when using Exchange ActiveSync. Exchange ActiveSync account setup will accurately present server option.
• Correct contact name is displayed when receiving SMS messages.
• Emoticons are displayed in messages.
• Forward SMS message conversations accurately.
• Notification LED will flash when new message is received.

Applications and Widgets

• Access My Verizon without any force close errors.
• Compass calibration within Google Maps syncs accurately with your location.
• Geo-tagging features available for camera applications.
• Clock widget updates time correctly.
• Callback numbers now populate in Dialer app.
• GPS apps and programs no longer cause unnecessary device resets.
• Google Books is now preloaded.
• V CAST Apps is now preloaded.
• V CAST Media Manager is now preloaded.
• Blockbuster® movie rentals license remains active after download.

Additional Improvements

• Keypad backlight turns on in darker settings.
• Improvements in screen display no longer causes display screen to turn black.
• Fixed issue that caused factory resets when the device’s mobile number is changed.
• Fixed issue that caused device reset and a black display screen after over the air upgrades.