Motorola Begins Android 2.2 Rollout

Motorola has confirmed that it has begun rolling out Android 2.2 to some of its US customers, and provided a timeline for when users of its Android-running smartphones can expect an OS upgrade.

While all eyes are on “Froyo,” or Android version 2.2, some users will have to be happy with 2.0 and 2.1 – also known as “Éclair.”

“We know you value having the latest and greatest technology on your devices. We are working very closely with Google and our carrier partners to bring you the most optimised experience on each of our smartphones powered by Android,” Motorola shared on a support forum page. “This means appropriately releasing both operating system upgrades and software maintenance updates, which enhance device functionality.”

US Gets Froyo

In the United States, Backflip owners can expect a planned upgrade during the third quarter. For Cliq and Cliq XT owners, testing is said to be underway, and a planned update to 2.1 is expected late in the third quarter or early in the fourth.

A rollout of Android 2.2 is already currently underway to some Droid owners, and Droid X owners should get a taste of the same by “late summer” – which, presumably, means any day now. To Devour owners, however, go apologies. Per Motorola, it “will not have a software upgrade to Android 2.1.”

Worldwide Timeline

In Canada, upgrades to Android 2.1 are “under evaluation” for the Backflip, Dext, Milestone and Quench handsets, and in Europe, the Backflip and Dext won’t get an upgrade to 2.1, but Milestone owners should expect a boost to 2.2 during the fourth quarter.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the upgrade to Android 2.1 evaluation is underway for the Backflip, Dext, Milestone and Quench handsets, though in Korea, Milestone, Motoroi and Titanium handsets can expect 2.2 during the fourth quarter.

Finally, in Latin America and Mexico, there’s hopeful news for Milestone owners – an upgrade to 2.2 is under evaluation – though Backflip and Dext handsets won’t be receiving Android 2.1.

“We will continue to update the information … regarding the timing and availability of software upgrades,” Motorola wrote on the forum. “We appreciate your understanding and continued support.”

In May, Motorola rival HTC said that most of its Android-running phones launched during 2010 would receive an upgrade to 2.2 during the second half of the year.

HTC told Android Central that the upgrade to Froyo was most likely to include “popular models like the Desire and Droid Incredible as well as hotly anticipated phones like the Evo 4G, MyTouch slide and upcoming models. We will announce a full list of phones and dates once we are closer to launching the upgrades.”