The LG Ally is about to receive an update to Android 2.2.2, according to a text message being sent to owners of the handset. While the update itself is mostly concerned with patching a few holes and squashing some bugs, the interesting thing to report is that in order to receive the update users will need to download the Upgrade Utility for Ally from the Android Market. There is no word on why, exactly, an application is needed to install the update, as the move from Android 2.1 to 2.2 came via a traditional over-the-air push.

Users who have installed the app so far are reporting no update is available yet, but Verizon has posted the details of what we can expect over at their support site. Head over to the source links below for more info.

Android Market Link: Upgrade Utility for Ally

[Verizon via AndroidForums]

Waiting for the LG Ally to get Froyo? Looks like your wait’s about up, as Verizon’s prepping the Android 2.2 update in short order. The update (VS740ZVD) will bring you the various improvements we’ve covered in our Froyo Features series, so check them out for the whole nitty gritty. And try not to look your friends with Fascinates in the eye. They’re a little twitchy right now.

LG Ally about to get Froyo update posted originally by Android Central

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We all knew it was coming, and now we have a bit of the details — and they aren’t as bad as anyone thought.  As you can see above, Verizon will still be offering unlimited data to 3G smartphone customers, and they have added in a very light version that should appeal to the people who aren’t using a ton of data each month — you know, the normal people.  What’s not quite as appealing is the 3G Tablet plan breakdown, but with no word from other carriers that could be as good or better than anything the other carriers are offering.  The short version for what we’re told will start Oct. 28:

3G smartphone plans

• $15 per month for 150 MB
• $15 for each 150 MB of overage
• $29.99 unlimited data

3G Tablet plans

• $20 for 1 GB (with $20 per GB overage)
• $35 for 3 GB (with $10 per GB overage)
• $50 for 5 GB (with $10 per GB overage)
• $80 for 10 GB (with $10 per GB overage)

What say you?  Better or worse than expected?  Sound off in our Verizon forum! Thanks, anonymous tipster!

Posted originally at Android Central

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Two days, seven device updates pushed or announced. If that doesn’t overload your systems and make you giddier than a schoolgirl, what will?!? From GPS fine-tuning to pulling the training wheels off a figurative muscle car of a phone and letting it’s FPS rate run free, we can agree without a doubt that its been a day chock-full of updates. Join us after the jump to check the round up!

Samsung Moment

• Samsung USB driver installation guide for Windows 7 [video]
• Moment 2.1 changes and findings

Nexus One

• Updated to Android 2.2.1

Samsung Fascinate

• Bing FAQ’s
• Non-update GPS fix

Samsung Captivate

• How is your GPS after the update?
• Current Issues
  

HTC Evo 4G

• The official Evo 4G update thread
• Evo update timing a tad too coincidental?

HTC Hero

• Maintenance update relaesed

Motorola Droid X

• Official Droid X Android 2.2 update thread
• Stuck at "M" logo after update

LG Ally

• Maintenance update released

Posted originally at Android Central

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There has been a slew of updates for various Android devices recently and the LG Ally (check out our hands-on) didn’t want to be left out. The  mid-end Verizon device started receiving a maintenance update last Friday, Sept. 17. Users will get the update over the coming weeks as Verizon continues the OTA. 

According to a Verizon employee in their forums, the update will bring:

• Enjoy preloaded applications like City ID, Skype,® My Verizon,and Corporate Directory.
• Updated Backup Assistant application.
• Enhanced ability to pair Ally with multiple Bluetooth® devices.
• Improved camera performance.
• Overall enhancement for Microsoft® Exchange email accounts.
• Improved device detection when syncing Ally to a PC via USB cable.
• Operate the Gallery application with improved speed and efficiency.
• Improved Android¿ operating system security.
• Enhanced battery life.
• Improved application responsiveness when opening from home screen.

So if you sport an Ally, be sure to look for the OTA update. For more information and step-by-step instructions, check out: Verizon’s Ally page [LG Forum] [Verizon Forum] Thanks Michael!

Posted originally at Android Central

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Google has been including features for business users for some time now, from Exchange support in Eclair to Google Calendar sync with Exchange, but Verizon is looking to take it even farther. Enter Good, which is a old-school company that offers "mobile security and control" for enterprise customers. The pair have teamed up to bring "Good for Enterprise – Android" to pretty much every Android phone on Verizon (the only phone not mentioned seems to be the Motorola Devour). The suite has two main components: 

• Good Mobile Control: Security and device management features like remote wipe and data encryption
• Good Mobile Messaging: e-mail, calendar, and contacts syncing 

This is a further sign that businesses are increasingly looking to move away from platforms like BlackBerry as Android becomes more present in the marketplace. We saw the same thing happen a couple years ago when the iPhone became a success, and now it is Android’s turn at bat. Interested business users should check out Verizon’s business page; everyone else can read the full press release after the break. 

Posted originally at Android Central

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A handful of Verizon Android smartphones appear to have their end-of-life dates hung over their heads. Phones that already have shuffled off this mortal coil are the HTC Droid Eris (June 16) and original Droid (August 6).

And a handful of phones — the Droid Incredible, LG Ally, Droid 2 and Droid X — apparently are slated for EOL on March 31, 2011. (Edit: Yes, 2011, not 2010.) That’s give the Droid Deuce a mere seven-month lifespan, which isn’t out of the question, given that the original Droid isn’t even a year old yet.

Then there’s the Motorola Devour, whose EOL date is listed as March 1, 2011. Only, we’ve already seen it listed as being under EOL, and we’d be very surprised if that March date is correct. So what does that mean? Who knows. And who knows how firm these March 2011 dates are. And either way, it’s not like your phone will stop working come next spring. [Phonedog]

Posted originally at Android Central

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Verizon has been pushing its "VCAST" video service for quite some time, and it just got a lot more desirable for NFL fans on Big Red. The new and improved "NFL Mobile" app will allow live streaming of the NFL Network and access to Video on Demand for free through the end of August, after which a $10 per month subscription to VCAST Videos will be required. Once the regular season starts, the app will allow subscribers to watch NFL RedZone, NFL Network, NBC’s Sunday Night Football, and NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football live. 

For users not willing to pay, the app will still feature live audio streams from games, along with score updates and news all the way to the Superbowl in February. Either way, Verizon Android users can get the app now via the "Verizon" section of the Market (sorry, no QR code or AppBrain links are available as this is Verizon-exclusive).

One might think that Verizon would have to keep some sort of "unlimited" data plan if they added tiers to their data pricing, if only to keep services like this viable for customers. But, only time will tell. Snag the app in Verizon’s section of the Android Market. [Verizon]

Posted originally at Android Central

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Verizon has been hinting for some time that unlimited data is unsustainable, and it looks like it may be ready to make good on that statement. AT&T went from all-you-can eat data pricing to a tiered system with the launch of the iPhone 4 last month, and Verizon looks to be ready to do the same. There is no word on what the pricing would be, but one might guess we will see more information on this story before the Droid 2 lands. [Engadget]

Posted originally at Android Central

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Verizon’s summer 2010 catalog has been leaked out, and yes, that’s a picture of the upcoming Motorola Droid 2 you see above.  Also included are the Droid X, the HTC Droid Incredible, and the LG Ally — phones we’re already familiar with.  What’s glaringly absent is the Samsung Fascinate, but don’t read too much into that just yet.  Listed specs for the Droid 2 are pretty much what was already speculated — 512MB RAM/8 GB ROM, 1 GHz processor, EVDO rev A, 5 megapixel camera, and an 8GB microSD card included.  Listed as ‘coming soon’ there’s no clue about release dates unfortunately.  Hit the jump for another pic of interest to us Android fans, and you can find the full catalog at the source link.  [BGR]

Posted originally at Android Central

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