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From the start, Google’s Android smartphone software has garnered way more attention from hard-core techies than the general public. That’s mainly considering the range of handsets and carriers providing the software was uninspiring. Until now.

First, T-Mobile said a couple weeks ago it would introduce the social network-oriented Motorola CLIQ. But the real game changer is Verizon Wireless’ Oct. 28 introduction of the Motorola Droid, which is not only a very good smartphone, but throws the Verizon marketing juggernaut and its top-tier 3G network behind the fledgling Android operating system, now just by a year old. It comes as a breath of fresh air for the struggling Motorola, in desperate need of a promising handset.

I’ve only had a few hours to play with the Droid, which will be available Nov. 6 for $200 after a rebate, so consider that a first look; a more in-depth review will come in a few days. But I can

already tell that both the Droid hardware and the Android 2.0 software represent a big step forward. Droid will be an overall type name for Verizon Wireless Android-based phones, but only that model will be the Droid.

An Online Android Bazaar

The new version of Android software includes a number of major improvements. The most striking — though I’m not certain whether that is an official part of the operating system or a newly available application — is Google Maps Navigation, the long-rumored free real-time, turn-by-turn nav service. I didn’t have much opportunity to use it; my first impression is that it is far less capable than the $5-to-$10-a-month services offered on other phones. But you can’t beat the price.

Other new features include synchronization with multiple e-mail accounts, contact lists, and calendars, with messages, contacts, and appointments from multiple sources combined in individual lists, as on the Palm…

Original post by dhiram