News · 1 Apr 2010 · MTW Editorial Team
Motorola Droid & Milestone users a probably well aware of the Android 2.1 update that is being pushed out OTA since March 30th. Those who have problems with the OTA system or prefer to do it all manually can grab the update directly from Google and copy it on their Droid micro-sd card, reboot to the recovery mode screen and follow the instructions from there.
Instructions:
– Download the update package from here. Don’t unzip it! If your browser automatically unzips things (like Safari on Mac, for example), use a different browser. It MUST stay zipped.
– Rename the file from signed-voles-ESE81-from-ESD56.fa406da6.zip to update.zip. If you’re using an OS that doesn’t show the .zip extension, just rename it “update” — otherwise it’ll be called “update.zip.zip” and won’t work.
– Take the microSD card from your phone, plug it into a microSD card reader.
– Drag and drop the “update.zip” file into the main folder (otherwise known as the root folder) of your microSD card. Don’t go looking for a folder called “main” or “root” – we’re referring to the folder on your microSD card that holds all the other folders.
– Turn your Droid off, and put the microSD card back in.
– Hold down the letter “X” on the keyboard. While still holding it, turn your Droid back on. You should see an exclamation point icon appear on your screen.
– Push the volume up button and the camera button at the exact same time. If nothing happens, do it again. When you get to the bootloader screen, you know it worked. (Some folks are reporting that you need to hold the volume up button and then tap the camera button right after. It’s a bit tricky, but it’ll work eventually.)
– Use the d-pad to navigate to the “apply: update.zip” option, and choose the file you just dragged onto your microSD card.
Update info
Enhancements:
– Pinch-to-zoom is now available when using the browser, Gallery, and Google Maps.
– New Weather and News application plus widget.
– The Weather and News app pulls the information you want from the Web and brings it to your fingertips. You get weekly and hourly weather forecasts based on your location, and news headlines.
– 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.
– Live Wallpapers offer richer animated, interactive backgrounds on the home screen. Access them with a long press anywhere on the home screen. Tap Wallpapers, then Live Wallpapers.
Improvements:
– Free Yahoo! Mail is now supported—simply sign in with your Yahoo! email address and password.
– Google Maps update.
– Personalized suggestions and synchronized starring with desktop maps.google.com.
– Starred items are stored and synced automatically between Google Maps on your device and maps.google.com on your computer, making it easy to search for places you’ve searched for before.
– New night mode in Google Maps Navigation automatically changes the screen at night for easier viewing.
– Improved pattern-lock functionality.
– Improved handset audio when disconnecting a wired headset.
Source: Google via MobileCrunch
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