Motorola Defy to go Android 2.2, no Froyo for Milestone XT720

The tough as old boots Motorola Defy will be sprouting an Android 2.2 update in the spring next year, according to an official support page, but there's nothing on the horizon for another recently released Moto phone, the Milestone XT720.

The original Motorola Milestone will benefit from Android 2.2 at some point, although we've been waiting for that since August. This means the Defy and the Milestone are the only currently available UK Motorola devices that will go Froyo. The Milestone 2 will be released with Android 2.2 out of the box.

While the XT720 at least stays on Android 2.1, there's nothing at all in the pipeline for the Backflip and Dext, which will stay on the ever so humble Android 1.5. When you consider that the US versions of the Backflip and Dext have already upgraded to Android 2.1, UK owners of these devices are entitled to feel a little gipped.

The Motorola Defy earned a four-star rating with Android 2.1, so the addition of Froyo next year could make it an attractive proposition, especially as it's one of the hardest phones on the market. Android 2.3 Gingerbread devices will be available by the time this update comes through, however, so you have to think: do you want to be one Android version behind, especially with devices such as the Olympus likely to come out before then?

The Milestone XT720 being permanently stuck on Android 2.1 is a bit of a liberty, especially when you consider that it's quite a new device and intended to match up with higher-end phones. We gave it a four-star review though, and those of you who bought it seem to be very happy with it, so maybe a lack of Froyo won't be a problem for some.

As for Backflip and Dext owners, there's not much we can say, other than give our condolences. It seems distinctly unfair, especially as Android 2.1 was promised for the Dext back in January. But if you're desperate for an upgrade, it is possible to root your phone and get the latest version of Android straight away.