The 2.2 version of the Android operating system, which is referred to as Froyo, introduces a number of extra features to Android devices, like the Samsung Epic 4G, which weren't available on earlier versions of the operating system. Additionally, the Epic 4G upgrade includes an extra feature specific to devices using Sprint service.
Flash Support
Prior to version 2.2, the Samsung Epic 4G could not display Flash animation and apps on the Web. Users who visited Web sites that utilize Flash simply wouldn't see anything. As of the 2.2 software version, the Epic 4G can fully support and display all instances of Adobe Flash on the Web using the Adobe Flash Player 10.1.
Tethering and Wi-Fi Hotspot
Tethering is the process of connecting another device, like a laptop, to your smartphone and using the smartphone's data connection to get the other device online. With the 2.2 version of the Android operating system, the Epic 4G now has native support for tethering. In addition, the smartphone can become a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling up to five additional devices to connect to the smartphone and use the Internet connection. Sprint still requires that you purchase a tethering or hotspot plan in order to use these features.
Apps on SD Card
The 2.2 version of the Samsung Epic's software includes the ability to store applications on the SD card. For people who download and install lots of apps, this new feature will free up significant amounts of internal memory, allowing the Epic 4G to run more quickly. People who only install a few apps won't see much of an advantage from this feature.
Speed Improvement
With the 2.2 version of the Android operating system, the Epic 4G will be able to utilize the just-in-time compiler. This feature works behind the scenes, but it improves the Epic's processor performance, allowing for much more complicated apps to run without slowing down the device. Additionally, apps should have a slightly quicker loading time.
Sprint ID
Sprint coupled its Sprint ID feature with the Android 2.2 upgrade for the Samsung Epic 4G. This feature enables customer to download and install up to five different packages of applications. When the user loads a specific package, they will have access to a group of applications all surrounding a certain theme. Users can flip between five different Sprint ID packs, and can choose to delete some in order to download new packages.
Tags: Samsung Epic, operating system, Android operating, Android operating system, version Android