Google's Android gets first update

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Google’s Android mobile operating system has received its first update.

The new 1.1 release of Android was sent over networks to consumer devices a few weeks ago, according to the Android developer blog. Now, developers can download the release, too.

The 1.1 edition fixes bugs in the alarm clock, dialpad and mail. Among other features, it adds new functionality to maps and the ability to save attachments in MMS.

Dan Morrill, developer advocate, noted in the blog post that the new version also allows developers to download some applications from the Android Market, something not possible in the first version in order to protect paid-for applications from being redistributed.

Unlike retail handsets such as the T-Mobile G1, developer phones offer unrestricted access to all files, making copy protection impossible.

The new version looks to fix that by not allowing developers to download copy protected applications. “If you choose to add copy protection when you upload your application to the Android Market, then you won't be able to test it on the ADP1's Android Market client,” Morrill added.

“Your application will always be accessible to users who have standard configurations though, and if your application (whether it is free or paid) is not copy-protected it will appear on all devices, including developer configurations,” said Morril.

The 1.1 edition of Android is backwards compatible, but the 1.0 version is still available, said Morrill.

Click here for our review of the T-Mobile G1, the first Android-based phone to hit the UK.

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