My Droid X is now running Froyo (Android 2.2)

As reported, Verizon has released the Froyo (Android 2.2) upgrade for the Droid X. It's about time, isn't it?

Those of you who are using the HTC Droid Eris - I'm sorry, but you won't be getting the update to Android 2.2. The Eris is a nice smartphone, but it's just simply too slow to keep up with some of the latest Android features. However, if you're open to installing a custom ROM, I'm sure the folks at XDA-Developers will release a custom ROM for the Eris that will include Froyo.

Verizon's HTC Droid Eris Android 2.1 upgrade coming soon!

The Android OS upgrade to 2.1 is coming to the HTC Droid Eris on Verizon Wireless. The Eris is a light, thin smartphone running Android and it's almost like a smaller, simpler version of the Nexus One.

Information regarding the upgrade is now posted on the Verizon website, so we know that it's coming soon! ROM: 2.36.605.1/Radio: 2.42.00.04.12 update

My favorite features found in Android 2.1 include the following:

• Voice-to-text entry
• Turn-by-turn directions via Google Maps
• Pinch-to-zoom in the Gallery and Google Maps

http://support.vzw.com/information/droid_eris_upgrade.html

HTC Droid Eris will get update for Android 2.0

According to some rumors, Verizon Wireless will be releasing an update for the HTC Droid Eris. Android 2.0 is coming! That means you'll get to run Epocrates on your Droid Eris! I hope this also means that you'll get GPS navigation with turn-by-turn spoken directions on Google Maps.

Epocrates on the Droid vs. the iPhone

Over the weekend, I had some time to pull out the Motorola Droid and play around with Epocrates (beta). I also had an Apple iPhone loaded with Epocrates Essentials and I put that next to the Droid as a I did a side-by-side comparison.

Overall, Epocrates on the Droid runs on an interface that is very similar to that on the iPhone. You won't see the horizontal black navigation bar on the bottom of the screen. Instead, you see a simple little "e" icon on the lower right corner of the screen that takes you back to the "home" section.

I also really like how I can add a drug to the "Favorites" list on the Droid. I don't believe I currently have this feature on the iPhone/iPod touch, but I'm sure it's coming soon. Assuming that's true, I'd say that Epocrates runs equally well on the Droid and on the iPhone. Right now, you can have access to more tools/resources on the iPhone (through Epocrates Essentials), but I'm sure those features will quickly come for the Droid as well.

The software engineers at Epocrates have created a very nice product for the Android OS. It's too bad that Epocrates only runs on Android 1.6 and above. The HTC Droid Eris runs Android 1.5, so you'll have to wait for an upgrade before you can run Epocrates.  Thanks to Epocrates for sending me a test Droid so that I could take Epocrates for a test drive.

Epocrates won't run on the HTC Droid Eris or Motorola Devour (yet)

If you're thinking about getting an Android smartphone and you're dying to use Epocrates, make sure to note that you must be running Android 1.6 or above. The HTC Droid Eris runs Android 1.5, so it won't run Epocrates (yet). The Motorola Devour runs Android 1.6, but Epocrates has a support statement that says: "Please note that the current beta version of Epocrates for Android is not compatible with the Motorola Devour."

I want to thank Epocrates for sending me a test Droid. It's been great testing the beta version of Epocrates on this smartphone running Android 2.0. My colleagues who are using the HTC Droid Eris are envious and are waiting for Verizon to release an operating system upgrade (what are you waiting for Verizon??).

If you can't find Epocrates in the Android Marketplace, you probably need to wait to get an OS upgrade. Be patient, or get the Droid.

Top keywords: "droid medical apps" and "medical apps for droid"

Over the past few weeks, the top keywords that have caused people to visit MedicalSmartphones.com include:

1.  droid medical apps
2.  medical apps for droid
3.  medical droid apps 

Notice a theme? All these Android users are searching for useful medical apps for their Droid smartphone. I'm sure some are using the HTC Droid Eris or a different Android device like the Nexus One, G1, Hero, or Devour.

Right now, if you type any of these keywords (phrases) into Google, you'll see that this MedicalSmartphones.com comes up as #1. Search engines are dynamic and this keyword listing/ranking could change in a few weeks. Recently, the top keyword used to be "Android vs iPhone" but I guess that debate has been answered by most people.

People are still comparing Android vs iPhone

The debate will never end, will it? Which smartphone do you currently use? Which smartphone would you get if you had to get a new one today?

The Apple iPhone is still very popular among health care professionals and medical students. Physicians and nurses love using the iPhone in the hospital and also in the outpatient setting. The interface is so easy to use and there are many apps available for the iPhone. But what if you're not on AT&T? What if you're stuck on a different carrier? Does it make sense to switch to AT&T just to get the iPhone? What about all these stories about iPhones congesting the AT&T network and causing connection problems throughout the country? Will AT&T get this fixed and will they improve their infrastructure to manage the amount of data going through their 3G network?

Google's Android continues to gain momentum as different smartphones appear on almost all the major wireless networks. The Google Nexus One made by HTC is going to appear on AT&T as the first Android smartphone on AT&T. Android users can currently choose between a thin, light smartphone (HTC Droid Eris, Google Nexus One, HTC Hero, etc.) or they can get a slightly thicker model that includes a slide-out QWERTY keyboard (Motorola Droid).

I don't have an iPhone. I have an iPod touch. Therefore, I'm not in any rush to get the iPhone. My wife is dying to get the iPhone when it comes to Verizon. I can enjoy almost all the benefits of having an iPhone without having an iPhone. I'm eager to see what other Android smartphones will get released this year. It's great to see that every Android smartphone has a user-changeable battery. I hope Apple will make that change with the iPhone 4G.

Multi-touch update comes to the Google Nexus One (pinch to zoom)

Google has released a system update for its Nexus One smartphone running the Android OS 2.1. With this update, we'll see multi-touch support including "pinch to zoom."

Now here's what I want to know: Why didn't Google release the Nexus One with multi-touch support? Why did they have to release an update? The HTC Droid Eris has multi-touch support. The Nexus One is made by HTC, even though it's branded as a Google smartphone.

Well, in any case - I'm glad that the Nexus One users can now leverage the capacitive touch screen when they're browsing the web.

Advanced Task Killer (ATK) for Android - great little utility

If you're using an Android smartphone like the Motorola Droid, the HTC Droid Eris, the HTC Hero, or the Google Nexus One, make sure you install Advanced Task Killer or ATK. It's currently listed as one of the most popular free apps on the Android Market (app store).

What's so great about Advanced Task Killer? It's a great little utility that allows you to close (or kill) apps running in the background. On smartphones running Android, if you switch from one app to another app, the first app still runs in the background. If you're not rebooting your smartphone on a regular basis, then you may notice that your device is getting slow and sluggish. Advanced Task Killer allows you to effectively close some of those apps running in the background so that you can have access to more memory for your current app.

Motorola Droid vs. HTC Droid Eris?

If you're on Verizon and you're thinking about purchasing a smartphone running Google's Android operating system, you may be asking the question: Motorola Droid or HTC Droid Eris? Maybe you're even planning on waiting for the Google Nexus One to show up on Verizon.

Here's how I would make the decision: consider the pros/cons and these important points:

• Remember that an average smartphone only lasts approximately 2-3 years. So, you're not investing in something that you'll be keeping "long-term." The Motorola Droid is $199 and the HTC Droid Eris is now only $79. The delta is $120 and I'm sure you could use that cash somewhere else. You could even save that towards your next smartphone!
  
• If you're dependent on a physical keyboard (or thumb board) to type and enter text, then get a smartphone that has a physical QWERTY keyboard. The Motorola Droid is the only Android smartphone on Verizon that currently has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.
• If you plan to watch videos, movies, and TV on your smartphone, then get the device that has the larger screen (Motorola Droid). 
• Are you a power user? Do you need a super-fast processor? Then get the Motorola Droid.
• Want a small and slim smartphone that you can easily place in your pocket? Go for the HTC Droid Eris.
  
• Plan to use your smartphone as a GPS navigator? Currently, the Motorola Droid offers turn-by-turn navigation through Google Maps and we don't know if this feature will become available on the HTC Droid Eris. (you can always purchase third-party GPS navigation software for any Android smartphone)
  

Some people spend way too much time trying to decide on a smartphone. I think it's more important to choose your operating system wisely. If you have limited finances (e.g., medical student or resident), then I would suggest the HTC Droid Eris. If you're an attending (or you have some other source of wealth), then go with the Motorola Droid. Of course, if you're a Mac lover like my wife, then you may be waiting for the Apple iPhone to come to Verizon.

Verizon HTC Droid Eris updated OS

Verizon has released an Android operating system update for the Droid Eris. No, it's not Android 2.1. It's actually a minor update unless you've been plagued by this problem. I know several HTC Droid users who were experiencing issues with this "bug."

Verizon Wireless is pleased to announce a new software enhancement for your Droid Eris by HTC smartphone. The Droid Eris software version ROM: 1.17.605.1/ Radio: 2.32.40.11.09 update includes the following update:

Rare instances where the display locked or
appeared to be in an out-of-service state when
attempting to wake up the DROID ERIS from
screen saver mode no longer occurs.

http://support.vzw.com/information/droid_eris_upgrade.html

When will we get Android 2.1? 

Pinch to zoom

One of the nicest feature of a capacitive touch screen that support multi-touch is the "pinch to zoom" feature that's found on devices like the Apple iPhone, the iPod touch, and even the HTC Droid Eris. There are several other smartphones that allow support pinch to zoom, but I have to admit that I was quite surprised to read that the Motorola Droid does not currently support pinch to zoom on its web browser. Why? It has a capacitive touch screen, so it's capable of multi-touch gestures. Why not support pinch to zoom?

I'm confident that the vast majority of future smartphones will incorporate a capacitive touch screen mainly for the pinch to zoom feature. This is such a handy function and I can't imagine using a smartphone that lacks that capability (well, OK - I can imagine since my current smartphone doesn't support pinch to zoom).

So, do you rely heavily on pinch to zoom when you're browsing web pages on your smartphone? This is one of the reasons why I really like to browse mobile web pages using my iPod touch. The pinch to zoom works really well and allows me to zoom right into a specific section on a web page.

Leaking details about the Google Nexus One (Android)

Many people are getting really excited about the Google Nexus One running Android. This looks like it's going to be a great smartphone for Android fans. Here's what we think we know:

• Will sell for $180 on T-Mobile
• Will be a rebranded HTC Bravo
• 3.7-inch, WVGA, AM-OLED display
• Trackball!
• Will run Android OS 2.1
• 1 GHz Snapdragon processor
• To be released on January 5

Are you excited? Since I'm not on T-Mobile, I'm not getting too excited because this smartphone largely resembles a larger version of the HTC Droid Eris on Verizon. It's nice to see that HTC is making even more Android smartphones, but I'd personally like to see HTC get the credit since so many of their phones get rebranded.

My HTC Touch Pro2 feels HUGE compared the the HTC Droid Eris

Wow, my current HTC Touch Pro2 feels HUGE compared to the slim HTC Droid Eris. The HTC Droid Eris has a slightly smaller screen and lacks a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, but it's still a great size for a smartphone. In fact, I think that if I were buying a new smartphone today, I'd get the HTC Droid Eris.

On that point, I just ordered an HTC Droid Eris for a family member. It's sad to see that Verizon really hasn't been promoting the Eris very aggressively. The Motorola Droid is a nice phone, but I personally think the HTC Droid Eris is a better phone for my needs. In the past, I used to prefer having a device that included a hardware keyboard. However, as I get more accustomed to touch-screen typing, I'm realizing that I don't need buttons to type.

Although I like my current HTC Touch Pro2, I don't think I'll buy another smartphone that has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard in the future unless the device is really small and thin. A device like the HTC Droid Eris is probably the "optimal" size for an average business smartphone user. My prediction is that over the next year or two, we'll see such a wide variety of smartphone sizes. Some will be quite large with 5" screens and others will have a nice 3.2" screen.

Favorite features on the HTC Droid Eris

The HTC Droid Eris has some really nice features that aren't found on many other smartphones. Allow me to highlight a few of them:

• The price! $99 is a great price for a smartphone. Plus, Verizon is offering a special "buy one and get one free" on the Droid smartphones.
  
• Rollerball/trackball is great when you're using a web browser. Even though the Droid Eris has a capacitive touch screen, the trackball is a great feature that simplifies the process of clicking on hyperlinks.
  
• HTC keyboard is much better than the standard Android keyboard.
• Slim profile, smaller screen, thin and light device.

I'm confident that this device will get the latest version of Google Android that includes turn-by-turn GPS navigation through Google Maps.

World’s Thinnest QWERTY Slider

Which smartphone is the World’s Thinnest QWERTY Slider? The DROID by Motorola. I'm sure we'll see other QWERTY sliders that are thin and light in 2010. Will the Motorola Droid maintain the title in 2010?

The Droid has the following dimensions: 4.56" (H) x 2.36" (W) x 0.54" (D)
Wow, 0.54" thick for a slider is actually quite impressive. My HTC Touch Pro2 is 0.68" thick.

At 5.96 ounces, the Motorola Droid is also fairly light compared to my HTC Touch Pro2 which weighs 6.35 ounces. Of course, the HTC Droid Eris is really light at 4.23 ounces, but that's not a slider.

My favorite smartphone on Verizon Wireless for 2009 is...

My favorite smartphone on Verizon Wireless is currently the HTC Droid Eris running Google Android. I realize that we don't have many medical apps for Android right now, but this will change in 2010. We'll see many medical apps released in 2010 and some of those on the top of list are:

• Epocrates
• MobilePDR
• Tarascon
  

Skyscape and Unbound Medicine already have Android apps. This means that free apps like Mobile MerckMedicus are already available for Android. QuantiaMD is another great free medical app for Android. I'll be writing some reviews about QuantiaMD over the next few weeks as I test this app on an HTC Droid Eris.

Android is going to gain tremendous momentum in 2010 as new phones emerge on virtually every wireless carrier in the United States. This means that you won't need to switch carriers to have an Android smartphone. Unless Apple moves quickly to place its iPhone on other carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile, it will quickly lose health care professionals to Android. I also predict that many Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, and Palm OS users will switch to Android as they recognize all the benefits associated with this great OS. 

Initial thoughts about the HTC Droid Eris (Android)

I've had the HTC Droid Eris for a few days and I've been very impressed by this thin, small device. It's a great smartphone for those who wish to have a light, touch-screen device. Android is a great operating system and I like how you can easily find and install apps through the "Market." This "App Store" feature is also found on the Apple iPhone and the BlackBerry Storm/Storm2. You can easily find and install apps directly from your smartphone. There's no need to sync your phone to your PC first.

Windows Mobile has evolved from an era when we used to download installer files to our desktops/laptops in order to install apps. I predict that Windows Mobile 7 will change all that through the development of some type of universal "app store." If this doesn't happen, then Microsoft will continue to lose its grip on the smartphone market.

If you're familiar with the iPhone interface, then you'll quickly learn how to navigate an Android device. If you've grown up on Windows Mobile or PalmOS, then you'll still learn quickly, but you'll find some refreshing changes that simplify the smartphone experience. As I play with this HTC Droid Eris, I'm more convinced that Android will quickly dominate the smartphone market and that even more consumers will switch from standard mobile phones to smartphones.

Testing medical apps on the HTC Droid Eris

I'd like to thank the folks at QuantiaMD for sending me an HTC Droid Eris so that I can test some medical apps on the Android platform. I just received the test phone and since I'm on vacation starting tomorrow, I'll have plenty of time to test medical apps, including the free QuantiaMD medical app that's currently available for the Apple iPhone, the iPod touch, BlackBerry, and Android. What can you do with QuantiaMD? Click here to find out. 

By the way, I love the capacitive touch screen on the HTC Droid Eris already. I currently own an HTC Touch Pro2 and it does not have a capacitive touch screen, so I can't use any multi-touch gestures like pinching to zoom. I use multi-touch gestures on my iPod touch all the time.

HTC Releases Widgets for Android

According to AndroLib.com, HTC has released some free widgets for its Android smartphones (HTC Droid Eris and HTC Hero). These widgets include:

• Dice
• Today in History
• Tip Calculator
• Battery

It seems a bit strange to think that Android needs a separate widget for battery. I'm still waiting to see more robust medical apps for Android. Until that happens, the medical smartphone space will be dominated by other systems like the Apple iPhone and the RIM BlackBerry. I'm sure it won't take long before Google catches up with Android and Microsoft will be left in the dust if they don't significantly revamp Windows Mobile 7.