Motorola has one of the most inconsistent records when it comes to Android device updates outside of its Verizon DROID line of Android smartphones. From freezing out its AT&T line of Android smartphones from anything higher than Cupcake/Eclair and freezing out non-DROID CDMA smartphones almost at will only to release upgraded hardware less than a year later, it gets rather difficult to recommend Motorola Android smartphones if you expect timely, consistent updates.
This is why it comes as a bit of a shock that it has released Android Gingerbread for the T-Mobile version of the Motorola CLIQ 2 smartphone, as it had been considered all but dead since it has already been discontinued from active sale through T-Mobile sales channels.
The CLIQ 2 was notable for being a more substantive upgrade from the original CLIQ by featuring a larger display at a much higher resolution (3.7 inches at 854×480) and including a 1GHz Snapdragon processor with 512MB of RAM compared to the previous version’s less powerful 528MHz processor and 256MB RAM.
The update does see an extensive changelog for the phone, however with the following features now included:
Improved Cursor Control
Now you can just touch where you want the cursor to be and then move the blue cursor arrow icon to find the exact spot you want.
Improved Word Selection and Copy Functionality
Words can now be selected via press-hold. A second press of the selected word copies the selected characters.
Number and Symbol Shortcuts
When entering text on the virtual keyboard, certain numbers and symbols shortcuts are available by pressing and holding letter keys.
Sleep Mode
New power off option puts your phone in a low power, wireless-off mode that allows for instant bootup when returning to powered-on mode.
Dock Icon Functionality
The icons at the bottom of each homescreen have been updated. The new customizable Dock includes the app launcher icon on the far right of the four icons, while the other three provide shortcuts to common phone features. These three
icons can customized via pressing and holding an individual icon or by dragging an icon on top of them.
App Groups
New App Menu allows creation of custom app groups, in addition to 3 default groups:
All Apps, Recent and Downloaded.
Rich Location App
New app from Motorola compiles thousands of the Internet’s most powerful websites, streaming only the most relevant suggestions, activities,promotions, based on your unique preference and location. You can use Yelp reviews and Facebook check-ins to find out what others are recommending.
App and Power Management Details
Manage Applications now provides improved information about what apps and services are running, how much memory and CPU time each are using, and the ability to close individual apps
and services.
Download Manager App
New App will manage all of your downloads from web browsing and other apps.
New User Interface Icons
New icon style has been introduced to refresh user interface design.
Tasks App Enhancements
The app has been enhanced to include a Task dashboard interface that lets users filter tasks in new ways and share tasks with others.
Browser Search Engine
Browser address bar search options now include Google, Yahoo or Bing.
Emergent Groups and Smart Contacts
Based on usage, participant and addressee suggestions are made in Calendar entries,emails and text messages. You can create groups instantly based on the context of what you’re doing. For example, quickly create a group based on a suggestion from a Calendar invitee list or the group of people with whom you’re texting.
Updated Calendar Options
? Calendar and event times can be displayed in your home time zone when traveling.
? Individual reminders can be dismissed, such as dismissing one meeting reminder without dismissing other meeting reminders.
? Easy conference dialing allows you to dial the conference number and the meeting code will be automatically entered directly from your Calendar.
Device Control Capabilities
Through 3LM, new device control options are available including application blacklisting/whitelisting, microphone control, and enabling/disabling enterprise applications.
Improvements
UI performance Improvements
Various fixes were made to improve stability and performance, including faster phonebook, widget, and wallpaper load times.
Battery
Fixes Improved battery performance due to several bug fixes.
Wi-Fi Calling
Implemented fixes to improve reliability.
Wi-Fi Hotspot Signal
Improved WiFi hotspot signal strength.
Visual Voicemail Greeting
Greeting can be updated from visual voicemail
application.
