Android 2.1 Eclair vs. Android 2.2 Froyo

Attribute	Android 2.1 Eclair	Android 2.2 Froyo
Version	2.1	2.2
Release Name	Eclair	Froyo
Release Date	January 12, 2010	May 20, 2010
API Level	7	8
Improved Performance	No	Yes
Adobe Flash Support	No	Yes
USB Tethering	No	Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot	No	Yes
App Storage on SD Card	No	Yes
Improved Exchange Support	No	Yes

Introduction

Android, the popular mobile operating system developed by Google, has undergone several major updates over the years. Two significant versions of Android are Eclair (2.1) and Froyo (2.2). While both versions brought improvements and new features to the platform, there are notable differences between them. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Android 2.1 Eclair and Android 2.2 Froyo, highlighting their advancements and enhancements.

User Interface

Android 2.1 Eclair introduced a refreshed user interface with a sleeker look and improved responsiveness. It featured live wallpapers, allowing users to set dynamic backgrounds that responded to touch and movement. Additionally, Eclair introduced a new app drawer design, making it easier to navigate and organize installed applications.

With the release of Android 2.2 Froyo, the user interface received further refinements. Froyo introduced a new dock at the bottom of the home screen, providing quick access to frequently used apps. It also brought improved performance and smoother transitions, enhancing the overall user experience.

Performance and Speed

Android 2.1 Eclair brought significant performance improvements compared to its predecessor, Android 1.6 Donut. It introduced a JIT (Just-In-Time) compiler, which optimized the execution of applications, resulting in faster app launches and smoother multitasking. Eclair also introduced support for more powerful hardware, enabling devices to handle resource-intensive tasks more efficiently.

However, Android 2.2 Froyo took performance to the next level. It introduced the Dalvik JIT compiler, which further improved application execution speed. Froyo also introduced a new feature called "Just-In-Time (JIT) Compilation," which allowed the system to dynamically compile parts of the application code at runtime, resulting in significantly faster performance.

Web Browsing

Android 2.1 Eclair introduced a built-in HTML5 browser, providing a more advanced web browsing experience. It supported multiple windows, allowing users to open and switch between different web pages seamlessly. Eclair also brought improved JavaScript performance, making web applications and websites more responsive.

Android 2.2 Froyo, on the other hand, introduced several notable enhancements to web browsing. It introduced support for Adobe Flash Player, enabling users to access Flash-based content on websites. Froyo also brought significant speed improvements to the browser, making web pages load faster and improving overall browsing performance.

Wireless Tethering and Hotspot

One of the standout features of Android 2.2 Froyo was the introduction of wireless tethering and hotspot capabilities. Froyo allowed users to turn their Android devices into portable Wi-Fi hotspots, sharing their mobile data connection with other devices. This feature was not available in Android 2.1 Eclair, making Froyo a significant upgrade for users who needed to share their internet connection on the go.

Enterprise Support

Android 2.1 Eclair introduced several enterprise-focused features, making it more suitable for business use. It brought support for Microsoft Exchange, allowing users to sync their email, contacts, and calendar with Exchange servers. Eclair also introduced improved security features, such as remote wipe and password policies, ensuring data protection for enterprise users.

Building upon the enterprise support introduced in Eclair, Android 2.2 Froyo brought additional enhancements. Froyo introduced support for Exchange calendars, making it easier for users to manage their schedules. It also introduced device encryption, providing an extra layer of security for sensitive data stored on the device.

App Market and Development

Android 2.1 Eclair introduced the Android Market, a centralized platform for users to discover and download applications. It provided access to a wide range of apps, allowing users to customize their devices with various tools, games, and utilities. Eclair also introduced support for live wallpapers, expanding the possibilities for developers to create interactive and visually appealing backgrounds.

With the release of Android 2.2 Froyo, the Android Market received significant improvements. Froyo introduced the ability to automatically update installed applications, ensuring users always had the latest versions. It also introduced support for installing apps on the device's external storage, allowing users to install more apps without worrying about limited internal storage space.

Conclusion

Android 2.1 Eclair and Android 2.2 Froyo brought significant advancements to the Android platform. Eclair introduced a refreshed user interface, improved performance, and a more advanced web browsing experience. Froyo, on the other hand, took performance to the next level, introduced wireless tethering and hotspot capabilities, and brought notable enhancements to enterprise support and the app market.

While both versions had their strengths, Froyo's improvements in performance, web browsing, and additional features made it a compelling upgrade for Android users. However, Eclair laid the foundation for these advancements and provided a solid user experience. Ultimately, the choice between Android 2.1 Eclair and Android 2.2 Froyo depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user.