New version of the Acer Liquid features Android 2.1

We reviewed the Acer Liquid last year and thought it was an impressive handset, the first Android device to have a WVGA screen and a very respectable price tag. At the time Android 1.6 was no big deal but it’s strange how quickly 1.6 (and 1.5) versions of the OS seem to have dated with 2.0 and 2.1 devices starting to become more common place.

Acer have today announced that they are updating the Acer Liquid and will release a new version, the ‘Liquid e’ soon. This new version will have the latest Android release 21 Eclair but essentially looks like much the same device.

Acer have a full press release for use (below) which goes the long way round saying ‘Same hardware, just a new OS’. I’ve asked Acer whether or not they will provide updates for existing customers but no reply as yet. Fingers crossed they will though!

Acer is proud to present Liquid e, the new version of the already well known Liquid smartphone.

Acer Liquid e features the latest AndroidT 2.1 Operating System (aka Éclair). Building on the processing and graphical capabilities of the QualcommT SnapdragonT and its high definition screen, Liquid e is the state-of-the-art for multimedia, web browsing, and social media integration. It should thrill both avid users of internet on-the-go and new users eager to experience the rich possibilities offered by this innovative device.

This appealing high definition smartphone is the ideal solution for users demanding the best from their devices and in particular for high-definition video playback or streaming, gaming and browsing smoothly rich-content internet sites.

What’s new on Liquid e with Android Éclair 2.1:
.Home screens – The new version now handles five home screens by default, allowing users to easily install more applications from the rich selection available on the Android Market, as well as shortcuts and widgets;
.Quick Contacts – a feature that lets users easily switch between the address book and the social network applications;
.Live wallpapers to customize your Liquid e on the fly;
.A new keyboard layout with an extended dictionary for predictive input;
.An updated version of the Android browser, supporting HTML5, double-tap zooming, video tagging support and geo-location API support.

With its 3.5″ high-definition capacitive touch screen, Acer Liquid e offers an unparalleled experience when watching pictures or videos, and proposes an abundance of new applications on AndroidT Smart Handhelds – games, professional applications and web applets that will enrich the end user experience.

Powered by the powerful QualcommT SnapdragonT processor, Acer Liquid e provides instant access to web pages, smooth streaming of videos or music, and instant response from popular mail, maps and search applications. The high-speed processing capabilities and high-speed internet access (HSPA) of SnapdragonT brings to life the AndroidT experience: no idle-time, almost instant uploads of web pages and downloads of rich multimedia content. The developer community can now take full advantage of these capabilities to bring to market innovative applications that demand raw computing power and superior handling of 3D graphics.