As we all know Verizon released the 2.2 software for the Droid Incredible. The rollout was expected to take several days, but because I am impatient I searched the web for a leaked ROM. It took a little while, but I finally found it at XDA-Developers. They were hosting an official installer that had the latest code. I was a little leery about trusting them, but after reading through their forum I was convinced. So I immediately downloaded the software and started the install. It completed without a hitch and here is what I found when it started up.

2.1 Software Version

2.2 Software Version

I am going to try and cover the changes in the 2.2 software. I probably won’t be able to cover everything, so ask if there is something you don’t see and I will try and add it.

So the first thing I noticed when the phone started up is the new splash screen. The old splash screen was static but the new one is says the word “Droid” while words and numbers float around the screen.

Next is the setup screens. The install wiped out all my apps and setting so I had to save all my settings again. I don’t remember setup screens like this when I originally setup my Incredible, but I could be wrong. What surprised me the most is that in one of the first screens it gives you the option to turn off data. As many of you know I don’t have a data plan so this was nice to have taken care of at the beginning.

2.2 Setup Data

Once the setup screens were complete I was finally given full access to the Incredible. Now I had the opportunity to look at specific applications. The first one I went to was the video camera. The camera was suppose to get an upgrade and I wanted to confirm that the upgrade happened. As you can see from this screen shot the camera is now capable of recording in full 720p. This is exciting for the video quality, but if you read my previous review of the Incredible you will know that I had problems with the audio quality. The camera upgrade unfortunately does not address the audio problems.

2.2 Video Resolution

Another big upgrade for this software is the inclusion of Flash support. As you can see in the following screen shot flash is installed and it was installed by default so I did not have to go to the market and download it separately.

2.2 Flash

The last big upgrade that everyone was looking forward to is the 3G Mobile Hotspot. This feature will allow the phone to be used as a wireless access point for computers and other devices. This is a nice feature but, as you can see here Verizon has modified it to not work unless you have previously bought the feature from them.

2.2 3G Hotspot

2.2 3G Hotspot

Gmail also got a small visual upgrade. Here is a before and after screenshot.

2.1 Gmail Message

2.2 Gmail Message

The calendar also got a small upgrade.

2.1 Calendar

2.2 Calendar

Now on to the applications screen. If you read my last review you know that this screen gave me a big headache whenever I had to use it to uninstall an app. The main reason was that the apps were not alphabetized so it was incredibly difficult to find anything. In 2.2 the apps not only got alphabetized, but it also has a much better layout. I think you will agree when you take a look at the following screen shots.

2.1 Manage Apps

2.2 Manage Apps

I also noticed that there were several new apps. For the most part they are useless to me. As you can see from this screen shot the new apps include, 3G Mobile Hotspot, Flashlight, My Verizon Mobile, News, News and Weather, Skype, and VZ Navigator. There were also 3 new widgets, Data Usage, News, News and Weather. These apps are started automatically and cannot be uninstalled. So if you don’t like the apps you just have to live with them. I downloaded a task manager and I use it to kill the apps every time the screen is turned off. I have to do this because they often turn back on automatically.

2.2 New Apps

As I already discussed 3G Mobile Hotspot is a pay app, and so is the VZ Navigator. The VZ Navigator costs $9.99 a month. This is quite bold of Verizon since the phone already includes Google Navigation for free. I would be surprised if anyone actually uses it.

2.2 VZ Navigator

I was a little excited to try out the Skype app, but when I started it up I got a message that says Skype does not work with WiFi. So this is another useless app for me.

2.2 Skype

Next is the My Verizon Mobile app. For Verizon customers this my be useful for accessing their account info, but since I am not a Verizon customer it is useless. The same goes for the Data Usage widget. It would not show my data usage since I am not a Verizon customer.

2.2 My Verizon Mobile

Next are the News, News and Weather apps and widgets. I didn’t have any trouble getting them to work, but I didn’t find them very useful for me. I just don’t stare at my phone all day waiting for new news, and when I want to read news I use my computer.

Last is the Flashlight app. This is the only new app that I found useful. This app when started shows a flashlight on the screen and when you press the power button it turns on the camera LEDs. There are 3 brightness settings and repeatedly pressing the power button cycles through them.

2.2 Flashlight off

2.2 Flashlight on

2.2 Flashlight LEDs

Like I said at the beginning there are a lot of new stuff that I will not cover. Verizon has been nice enough to provide a PDF that covers more of the new features. If you didn’t find something in my review that excites you then perhaps the PDF will have something for you.

If you have a Droid Incredible you are in for a treat when you get the update. Just remember if you do it manually like I did, then make note of all your apps so you can re-download them. If you are impatient like me go ahead and manually install the update. I didn’t have any problems (no rooting, or hacking required) and I don’t think you will either.

Update 8/28/2010 12:30: Another screen that got updated is the security screen. As you can see from these images we now have the ability to set different kind of passwords.

2.1 Security

2.2 Security

The location screen was updated, but I think it is more confusing now. I don’t know if checking a box means I am sharing my location, or getting my location from Verizon, or Google. I don’t know about you, but having Verizon and Google know where I am at all times is not high on my priority list.

2.1 Location

2.2 Location

Lastly, HTC updated their Settings Widget. As you can see there are a lot more options now. I just wish there was a way to include these all in the same widget (like the power control widget) and not have a separate one for each, this would save on screen space.

2.1 Settings Widget

2.2 Settings Widget

I will continue to look for more updated screen and post them when I find them.