Google has just released an OTA software update for its Nexus One handset, complete with multitouch support and Goggles. Multitouch enables pinch to zoom functionality, available in Google Maps, the handset’s gallery and browser.
The same update will include the new Google Maps 3.4, featuring starred items sync, search suggestions from the user’s personal maps history and night mode in Maps Navigation. Google Goggles can be found in the All Apps menu and the search engine giant recently announced that it’ll provide a fix for better 3G connectivity on some Nexus One units.
We expect the Nexus Two to be available with multitouch from the start and not get it as an extra…
Google has probably rushed to launch the Nexus One smartphone last month, so that’s probably the reason why it doesn’t support multitouch in its web browser, although the software is capable of it. This also happened to the early version of Moto Droid on Verizon, but we have a remedy, at least for Nexus One:
The folks of XDA-Developers are responsible for this new feat, since they’ve created an add-on, enabling multitouch functionality, like pinch-to-zoom gestures and more. In order to get this to work, you’ll need to root your Google phone, as shown in this guide here.
Next, you’ll have to download the required files for the multitouch add-on from here and add the files by running these commands:
A friend of the Engadget folks, going by the name of Tnkgrl has recently had the chance to mess with the Google Phone, Nexus One. She couldn’t take pictures of the device, or film it, but at least she brought back all the needed details. Turns out that the handset won’t support multitouch, at least in the browser or Google Maps.
Nexus One’s lack of multitouch reminds us of Verizon’s Motorola Droid, but this flaw disappears in the European version (Milestone). Tnkgrl’s test unit came with a 4GB microSD card, a 1400 mAh battery and it worked on T-Mobile’s 3G network only, so no AT&T love for now.
The tests also showed that the handset is snappy, faster than Droid and features gold contacts on the bottom edge, probably for a docking port/car accessory. Keep in mind that, although the Google apps tested on the phone don’t support multitouch, the OS and hardware do.
