Verizon Wireless Details Android 2.1 Update For DroidVerizon Wireless Details Android 2.1 Update For Droid

Owners of the Motorola Droid have been waiting for Verizon to update the device to Android version 2.1 since January. The update must be near, because Verizon has posted a full changelog for the system update. Reports suggest Droid users will see over-the-air updates arriving as soon as March 18. Updated with statement from Verizon.The changelog is pretty long, and pretty exciting. Highlights include pinch-to-zoom in the browser, better voice-to-text support, animated wallpapers, and tons of improvements to Google Maps.

If the reports turn out to be accurate, the Droid will finally receive the update tomorrow. The Nexus One has offered these features since launch. Makers of other Android handsets have not said when their respective devices will be updated to Android 2.1. Motorola's CEO, in particular, said that the CLIQ and Backflip would be updated to 2.1, but never provided a timeframe. Many Android devices remain stuck on Android 1.5 and 1.6, which offer fewer features compared to 2.0 and 2.1.

Verizon Wireless spokesperson Brenda Raney reached out and had this to say, "The Android 2.1 upgrade for the Droid by Motorola is being deployed to a small number of Verizon Wireless test users tomorrow afternoon. It is expected the broader phased rollout to all Droid by Motorola users will begin shortly thereafter-we will keep you posted."

Here's the full changelog:

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.

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.

Email accounts no longer need to be re-entered after an over-the-air update.

Droid owners looking for more information can find it on Verizon's support page for the Motorola Droid.