Motorola Droid Users Burned AgainMotorola Droid Users Burned Again

For a second time, Motorola Droid users were teased with the possibility that the Android 2.1 system update was on the way. And, for a second time, the update has apparently been put on hold, burning Droid users anxious to get the new software.Back in early February, Motorola posted a statement to its official Facebook page indicating that the Android 2.1 update for the Droid was due to arrive by February 12. It didn't happen. Turns out, Motorola's Facebook staffers jumped the gun, souring the hopes of hundreds of thousands of Motorola Droid owners.

Earlier this week, Verizon Wireless spokesperson Brenda Raney emailed me the following statement: "The Android 2.1 upgrade for the Droid by Motorola is being deployed to a small number of Verizon Wireless test users [March 18]. It is expected the broader phased rollout to all Droid by Motorola users will begin shortly thereafter-we will keep you posted."

They key aspect of that statement is the phrase "shortly thereafter." Screen captures sent to blogs from Verizon Wireless employees showed that the update was going to be rolled out in phases over the weekend. That got everyone's hopes up. Droid users figured the update was finally on its way, after being teased back in early February. "Shortly" means a few days, right? Unfortunately, that's not how things appear to be working out.

Several blogs reported yesterday that the update was going to be delayed due to a last minute bug that was discovered. I reached out to Verizon again for some clarity on the issue. Spokesperson Thomas Pica emailed me the following statement: "As per the earlier email, the Android 2.1 upgrade for the Droid by Motorola was deployed to a small number of Verizon Wireless test users as scheduled. It is expected the broader phased rollout to all Droid by Motorola users will take place, but not just yet. No date scheduled yet, we will keep you posted."

Verizon is sticking to essentially the same language, and points out that it never said exactly when the update was coming in the first place. So, does "shortly" mean a few more days, a few more weeks, a few more months?

Long story short? Sit tight, Droid owners. Android 2.1. will arrive. Eventually.