Like A New Phone: Android 2.1 Update Pumps up Droid Eris

When I purchased the HTC Eris back in January I made a calculated choice.

I liked the sleeker, iPhone like design of the Eris over the Motorola Droid. But there was a calculated drawback. The Eris was not yet loaded with the updated Android 2.1 OS update. It was stuck in second gear with version 1.5

At the time, HTC and Verizon were saying the update would come any day. Five months later, my phone updated on Sunday.

The difference the new upgrade makes on the Eris is like night and day.

The phone runs faster. The apps are better. And the device is made much more versatile.

One of the things I like about the new upgrade is that it is much more versatile and much more flexible. For instance, while the OS sucks down a lot of power, there are a tone of shortcuts to extend your battery life. I'm sharing a video below that provided some great tips on conserving battery life.

Another thing I really appreciate is the access to more advanced apps. This expands the phones ability to become what I need it to be.

A key favorite app I discovered quickly is the iSyncr application by JTR. This app allows you to sync your Droid phone up with your iTunes library. The app comes in a PC and a Mac version.  I loaded the Mac version on my phone ($2.99 charge), hooked my Droid to my Mac, and after a few simple clicks had synched my entire iTunes library with my Droid phone. Yes, including art.

I'm 48 hours into the new update. It's a winner...and was worth the wait.  So far.

I'll keep you posted. Maybe I don't need that iPhone after all....

Here is the video on how to improve battery life (features HTC Desire, but for Eris, you'll get the point)



I may make my own version for the Eris soon.