Updating Google Android

Our mobile expert says...

Google sporadically releases free updates its Android operating system (OS), giving your smartphone exciting new features and capabilities.

Updating your smartphone to the latest Android edition is easy and, best of all, free.

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Mobile networks update Android smartphones on your behalf, sending the required files directly to your smartphone through a wireless “over the air” release.

All you need to do is accept the files and the update will install itself. Existing files, such as telephone numbers and pictures, will be saved, but you may find that some settings - like screen brightness or the background image - change.

You may also need to restart your smartphone for the Android update to take effect.

Alternatively, the Android update can be downloaded directly from the internet.

Simply transfer the files onto a memory card - provided your phone supports them - and then slot it into your mobile phone, after which you’ll be able to install the Android update.

The latest version of Google Android is edition 2.2 - aka “Froyo” - and it features:

• Homescreen shortcuts for the phone, app launcher and web browser
• Strengthened unlock password control
• Remote data wipe in case or phone loss or theft
• A camcorder flash
• Wi-fi hotspot support.