Android 2.2 FroYo rocks!

Man, what a pleasant surprise! There I was, sitting in the office trying to wrap up few things over the weekend and at around 3:30 pm, I open up Engadget only to spoil my weekend work plans. The latest Android firmware is already available for download. I don't think I need to mention what I did next. I knew it was coming soon but never expected it to be so soon. It was not an official OTA update but who cares, it was from Google servers. I am so glad Google didn't move in to block the firmware download from their software. Waiting for a firmware update is one of the most horrible things ever

So far here are the changes/features that I love!

• Exchange calender support - About time! I've been waiting for this ever since I bought my Nexus One. iPhone always had Exchange support so not sure what took Google so long. Anyway, my calender stays in sync with my work calender. Also, I can not only view my work calender but also can accept/decline requests.
  
• WiFi hotspot/tethering - It's simple to set up and works beautifully.
  
• Flash Beta - Not that I needed this very badly but this is an important update for various reasons.
  

While Flash support was a slap on Apple's face, 3G tethering is a slap on AT&T/Apple's iPhone face. I would really like to see how Apple and AT&T responds to 3G tethering in particular.

There are lot of other changes that improves user experience significantly

• Overall performance improvements. I've always had this feeling the Nexus One wasn't performing up to its potential. There was something missing. The OS was overall quirky. But FroYo lifts the overall experience. Suddenly Nexus One looks more Applesque. You know, that smoothness and the snaziness!
• Face lift to Email client.
  
• Little Dialer and Browser shortcuts stuck to launcher.
• Setting to turn off Accelerometer. Hello, bed time reading!
• Nice little improvements on camera app
  
• Now you can select/copy text from Gmail app! Very useful. Should have been there right from day 1.

I can't wait to see what the developers will be able to do with 2.2 SDK. Expecting lot of app updates in the next two weeks. First step for the developers will be to change their app so that it can be moved to the SD card.

Boy, I am turning into a big Google fan these days. IMO, Google should continuously focus on Android. With every Android update, my interest in Apple just keeps fading more and more. Make no mistake, I still love my iPhone.. I will most probably buy the next iPhone but boy, I hate Apple's way of doing things!