Android OS updates have a reputation for coming in thick and fast, and Android 2.2 is no exception. Google have made the SDK for 2.2 (codename: Froyo) available on their developer portal and manufacturers are already pledging support for devices in the wild. Read to see if your device will make the list.

The SDK was released last on May 20th, just a few short days ago. The SDK includes all the development and emulation tools to help developers build and test their applications on the latest version of Android. The public release of the SDK is a sure sign that the acually device update is just around the corner, and already a handful of devices are due to receive the update.

Google`s Nexus One was the first device to officially throw it`s hat into the ring. No surprises there - it only makes sense that they would be first over the line, seeing as how the Nexus One is essentially an Android reference device. Motorola have since pledged 2.2 support for the Droid (and, one would assume, the Milestone) as well as future devices. And HTC, being HTC, have said that "most phones launched in 2010" will receive the 2.2 official treatment.

Motorola slipped out an Over-The-Air update to the Milestone this week which fixes a number of issues that have plagued the handset since launch. This is the same update that Droid owners in the US have been enjoying for the last couple of months and it will resolve your camera focus issues and interface lag. Read on for our take.

The update has had a positive effect on our review unit. The first thing we noticed was an increase in homescreen and menu performance, although the lag wasn`t completely eliminated. The battery life has also improved and we`d guess that the unit now gets another 60-90 minutes between charges. The update also fixes that annoying intermittent camera focus bug.

If your Milestone is still running 2.0, there are a few ways to get this update. Firstly, you can wait while the update  automagically downloads and installs to your device. Secondly, you can force an update by navigating to the device update options ("About Phone") in the settings menu. Finally, you can also download Motorola`s Software Update Manager which will take care of the whole process from start to finish.

Google`s Developer Challenge offers cash prizes of $250, 000 to developers who can create great Android applications. This is the second such challenge issued by Google and the categories range from games to travel. Read on to check out the top three applications.

Third place went to WaveSecure, a security focused application that works similarly to Apple`s mobileMe service, allowing a user to track and remotely wipe an Android device. It can also be used to backup and restore the contents of your device so that you can be up and running when your phone is down for the count.

Real time drawing application "What the Doodle!?" took out second prize. It lets you draw out supplied phrases which others can then try to guess. Game modes include free for alls and team games, as well as a complex scoring and rating system and voice recognition.

Finally, first prize goes to SweetDreams. Have you ever been woken by a phone call late at night? SweetDreams intelligently re-routes late callers to voicemail so that you can sleep peacefully. It can also disable your phone`s bluetooth and wifi to save battery when you`re not using it.

Google`s Developer Challenges are great for Android - they encourage developers to get elbows deep in the platform and newer developers can become accustomed to writing complex applications for the Dalvik virtual machine. We`d like to see one of these every year.

Don`t forget to check out the other winning applications - hit the read link below.

Get your credit card out! Those who are keen on importing can snag the European version of the Motorola Droid from one of several UK online retailers. As you probably already know, the Milestone shares the same internal hardware as the US Droid but runs on GSM (instead of CDMA) to suit the European carriers. This also means that it will work great on Australian networks. Read on for more about the Milestone.

The Milestone shares all of the Droid components, including the massive 3.7" screen, physical keyboard, 550Mhz CPU, 5-megapixel camera and ultra-high 480x854 resolution. Software wise, it actually manages to one-up the Droid with built-in multitouch and runs the Motorola BLUR user interface.

The strong Australia dollar means you can pick this up for just under AUD$700 delivered to your door. Take a moment to think about that for a minute. In comparison, Harvey Norman will sell you the HTC Hero for AUD$799 in store. Yes, the HTC Hero (which is a great handset but admittedly last-generation) will set you back almost $100 more than a brand new Milestone. Of course, you are not getting a local warranty with the Milestone so a lot of people will consider the $99 tol be a small amount for peace of mind.

See our article on importing to help you decide if you want to import an Android phone.

Follow the read link if you want to preorder yours today.

UPDATE 27/11/2009: The Milestone has been removed from the Clove.co.uk website. If you don`t want to wait until it returns, you can pay a little more and get it from Expansys.com - http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=190234

See, now this is why we love open source software: The modding community over at XDA developers have put together a widget that allows Google Maps Navigation to be used outside of the USA. GMN is currently in beta and has not been officially released in other markets which means that Australian users are left in the cold when it comes to Google`s special brand of navigation. In other Google Maps Navigation related news, Google have back-ported the GMN software so that it will be compatible with Android 1.6 (Donut). Read on for a little more.

If you`re not already aware, XDA Developers are an 800, 000 member community dedicated to the discussion and modification of PDA`s and smartphones. Initially a source for Windows Mobile development, Android development became one of the busiest forum areas after the launch of HTC`s G1, so it should come as no surprise that XDA is the community to remove the geographic limitations on Google Maps Navigation.

Australian users have reported mixed success using the modified widget as it requires Android version 1.6 and a `rooted` phone (developer slang for operating with an adminstrative or unrestricted account). While this is all well and good, the process of obtaining root access can be intimidating for the average user so most people will simply wait until Google officially releases the product for the Australian Market.

HTC`s decision to launch the Hero and Tattoo exclusive to retail has reignited the import debate in the Australian Android community. We think that there are both positive and negative aspects to importing a mobile phone so we`ve done our best to help you make up your mind.

You should import it because you can`t get it here: New handsets are generally released in international markets before they`re available locally, so those who want the latest and greatest are forced to look elsewhere.

You should import it because nobody else will have it: If you go to the trouble of getting a brand new device shipped from another country, you can be sure that it is going to look great next to all of your friends’ phones.

You should import it because it will cost less: With the increasing value of the Australian dollar, savvy buyers are finding that they can buy the latest handsets and have them delivered to their door for a great deal less than they can buy it off the shelf here in Australia.

You shouldn`t import it because you have to pay upfront: The main benefit of purchasing a mobile through a phone contract is that the cost of the handset is subsidised and you pay for the handset in monthly instalments. If you`re buying overseas stock, you can’t buy it on contract and have to pay the full ticket price upfront.

You shouldn`t import it because you can`t get it fixed here: Unless the manufacturer provides an international warranty (and most don`t), you can`t have your new phone repaired under warranty in Australia. Yes, even if it looks identical to locally sold stock (and no, don`t try to trick the repair centre, they`ll know).

You shouldn`t import it because you need to send it back if it breaks: If you thought it took a long time to get your phone back from the local repair centre, just imagine how long it will take to get it back if you have to send it across the Pacific ocean.

You`re not sure because you heard about incompatible network frequencies: Yes, you need to find out if your imported phone will run on your chosen network. You should also be aware of the differing network types, such as GSM and CDMA. To find out if you can use the new phone, simply match the information from the manufacturers’ website with the information from the carriers’ website.

Finally, keep in mind that you will always pay a premium for cutting edge technology. If you can wait 6-12 months then you will avoid the early adopter tax and save yourself some money in the process. Of course, if you must import it now then do it safely: research your seller on the internet by checking consumer forums, emailing the seller with questions or even call them up using Skype. Above all, have fun and enjoy your new Android phone.

In a move that has surprised analysts and commentators, HTC have ignored the four main carriers and have opted to release the HTC Hero as an exclusive with Harvey Norman. This means that you must buy the phone outright through your local Harvey Norman retailer, and you can NOT subsidise the handset with a mobile contract. Read on to see what HTC have to say.

Industry insiders predicted that the Hero would ship on contract with Optus and Vodafone/Three but HTC have instead released the device direct to retail. HTC’s Director of Sales and Marketing in Australia, Anthony Petts, said "We just wanted to get these handsets out there". Anthony also mentioned that HTC were continuing discussions with operators, but wouldn`t comment further.

The Hero is expected to retail at $799 in as little as two weeks, while the HTC Tattoo will arrive a few weeks later priced at $599.

Australian Android devices won`t receive the Google Maps Navigation component with the Android 2.0 update. Currently in Beta, GMN is only available in the US and Google have stated that they do not have plans in place for a local release. We`ll probably see an Australian version in the works at some point in the future but for now Android users will have to be content with the paid-for alternative. Read on for Google`s official response to our email request.

"Google Maps Navigation is currently available in beta in the United States. We understand this service is valuable to users around the world, but we don`t have a roadmap to announce at this time. Hope this helps!"

Bada is a new mobile platform created by Samsung. While not much is known about Bada, we are told that it will have a heavy focus on rich applications and will help build an application ecosystem with a full development kit. A handset running Bada (which means `Ocean`, by the way) is due for release in the first half of 2010 and the Bada application store is expected to launch closer to the fourth quarter. Read on to see what this new operating system means for the current crop of Samsung Android phones.

The short answer is: not much, at least for now.

The long answer is that Samsung will probably move in one of two directions. The first direction involves a commitment to both Bada and Android. Under this option Samsung will make good on their plan to release more handsets running Android throughout 2010 (such as the Samsung Behold II) while simultaneously developing and releasing Bada as a competing operating system. A cynic would argue that this position is unlikely and that an organisation should always use a technology that was developed inhouse where possible (a practice known as dogfooding).

Direction Number Two involves Samsung dropping Android in favour of Bada. This is the most likely option as Sammy will naturally try to maximise return on investment after developing a mobile operating system and the surrounding application ecosystem. It also doesn`t make financial sense to hire two separate teams of developers to support both Android and Bada operating systems. Android phones will quietly take the backseat to Bada phones and eventually disappear from the Samsung line-up.

But wait! There is a hidden third direction: Peaceful co-existence. Well, it`s really direction 1.5, since Samsung did promise to support both operating systems simultaneously. This option hinges on the possibility that Bada would bridge the gap between feature phone and smartphone. If Bada tackles the `mom and dad` market and Android takes care of those who want to do a little more, everybody wins. The simple fact is that nobody really knows what it will do or how it will do it and Bada could complement your existing mobile OS just as easily as compete with it. Once we get some more information we will know how Bada fits in with the current mobile operating systems.

Whichever way this little drama plays out, one thing is for sure - nothing is going to happen right now. As the saying goes, `big wheels turn slowly` - It`s far too early to start worrying about the effect this will have your shiny new Galaxy ICON, as is the case in some forums. We`re eagerly looking forward to the release of Bada; if nothing else, it will encourage innovation and competition in a market where neither qualities would do any harm.

So you live in Australia and want to buy a killer Android phone, but you`re not sure which one is right for you? We can help with that. Read on as we tackle the three main decisions you need to make when buying a new Android handset.

Firstly, we`re going to start with the obvious one - find the phone that you want. Next you need to decide if you`re going to buy the phone outright or subsidise it on a contract. Don`t worry, we`ll point out some important things to think about before you sign a contract. Finally, find out where to buy your phone or choose the carrier that offers a plan that suits you. There, you`re done.

Step 1 - Choose your phone:
If you buy today then you have three options - the HTC Dream, HTC Magic and Samsung Galaxy ICON. If you buy next week, you will have five options - the HTC Hero and HTC Tattoo are tipped to release on contract with Optus, Three and Vodafone. We`re going to do a brief `for and against` to make it a little easier for you. Because we`re helpful like that.

HTC Dream: This is the first Android handset released, which makes it a classic. It also makes it the oldest.
For: Slideout physical QWERTY keyboard, classic look
Against: Only 192MB RAM, probably won`t support Android 2.0, no 3.5mm headphone jack

HTC Magic: The Magic hit shelves five months after the Dream and pioneered a new form-factor for Android phones.
For: Slimmer and lighter than the Dream, 256MB RAM
Against: No 3.5mm headphone jack, slow camera application

Samsung Galaxy ICON: In our (subjective) opinion, this is probably the best looking Android phone in the country.
For: Sleek design, solid build, large AMOLED screen
Against: No trackball, touchscreen can be unresponsive at times

HTC Tattoo: HTC have released a great value option for teens or anyone on a budget.
For: Interchangeable face plates, 3.5mm headphone jack, HTC Sense UI
Against: Smaller 2.8-inch resistive screen, no trackball

HTC Hero: The Hero is currently HTC`s flagship model. It improves on previous HTC handsets and introduces HTC Sense user interface.
For: HTC Sense UI, solid build, compact design
Against: slow camera application

Step 2 - Choose your spend:
While it may seem strange, choosing to buy a phone outright can be cheaper in the long run. Before you lock yourself in for 24 months, take a moment to consider if any of these pitfalls might apply to you. Again, we`ve put together a dandy list to stack the odds in your favour.

Buy it outright if you:
Travel overseas regularly - you`ll be charged at international roaming rates and a foreign prepaid SIM won`t work if your phone is locked to your home network.
Plan to change carriers - you`ll cop early termination fees for each month remaining on the contract.
Have bad Credit - you might not pass the credit check. Red faces all round.
Want the latest and greatest phones - handsets are generally available for purchase long before you will see them on contract.

If none of the above applies to you then you should consider getting the phone on contract. Of course, keep in mind that 24 months can be a long time and a contract is a legally binding agreement. Bottom line: Don`t sign if you don`t think you can honour it.

Step 3 - Choose your credit card:
OK, you decided to buy it outright? Simply follow your nose and you`ll be packing android before you can blink. Think how jealous your friends will be.

HTC Dream: Standard or Telstra NextG version
HTC Magic: Standard or Telstra NextG version
Samsung Galaxy ICON: Standard
HTC Tattoo: Standard
HTC Hero: Standard

You want it on contract? Easy, choose your phone and carrier and you`re ready to go!

Purchase the HTC Magic on Three
Purchase the HTC Magic on Vodafone
Purchase the Samsung Galaxy ICON on Virgin Mobile

Note: This article will be refreshed once the HTC Hero and HTC Tattoo devices become available on contract. The HTC Dream is no longer available on a contract with Optus. Contract prices are subject to change. Please get in contact with us if you have any questions or tips - customerservice@you-ranker.com.au.