Verizon Axes Online Tethering From Droid's Android Update

Aug 4 2010, 9:19am CDT | by Jordan Cressman

One of the coolest features about the newest version of Google's Android OS, otherwise known as "Froyo," is that it can create a mobile hotspot for users to connect a laptop or other device to 3G data... but not for Droid customers.
Right as Froyo is getting ready to be rolled out to the Droid, the #1 selling Android phone to date, Verizon stepped in and said that the Wi-Fi tethering will be systematically stripped out of the Droid's version of the new platform.

In an interview with Mobile Crunch, Verizon claimed that the Droid hardware cannot support such a feature. "With tethering there is no connection on the PC side that will allow you to tether the device, so the answer is: That option isn’t part of this update," said a Verizon rep.

Currently, the only phones with Android 2.2 are Google's own Nexus One and HTC's first 4G phone, the Evo. Those devices have no difficulty running the mobile hotspot feature.

Motorola and Verizon confirmed that the Droid X will be able to pull off the new feature, but that's little consolation to the millions of people who own the top-selling Droid, including new customers who have to wait years before they can upgrade.

Of course, the Droid will still get the new interface and all other functionality from Froyo, like full Flash mobile support and a better power consumption.

The Droid's update is expected to begin rolling out within the next week.

where to buy

Buy from Amazon

What Others Say about This

Colombian priests pay for own shooting

Faithful attend last year's mass in honor of the two Catholic priests killed in Bogota. Picture: Source: AP REVEREND Rafael Reatiga asked his parishioners to pray for him and gave the choirmaster a list of songs for his funeral just before he was found s ...
Full article at: Herald Sun More like this 57 minutes ago

Amazon's Digital Dilemma

The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which senior technology analyst Eric Bleeker and Chief Technology Officer Jeremy Phillips discuss topics across the investing world. In today's edition, Eric and Jeremy look at why ...
Full article at: Motley Fool More like this 1 hour ago

Waterspout seen above Auckland

A waterspout is seen near Auckland city - Source: Facebook/Mistral Photography A waterspout in the Auckland harbour. - Source: Twitter A waterspout has been seen in the skies above Auckland. TVNZ has received several photos of the twister. The waterspout ...
Full article at: TVNZ More like this 1 hour ago