Dell Streak gets official Android 2.1 update

O2 has made the Android 2.1 update available for the Dell Streak, offering a range of extra functions on the smartphone/tablet hybrid.

Users should get an alert stating that a software update is available in the notification bar when the device is restarted.

Dell Streak owners can also check whether the update is available manually by going to the Settings menu and clicking on About Phone and System Updates.

Users are advised to back up all data on the phone, as everything that is not backed up or on the SD card will be erased. O2 has provided a step-by-step guide to the Dell Streak Android 2.1 update.

O2 recommends using Wi-Fi to avoid additional data charges, and estimates that the 97MB file will take approximately 30 minutes to download.

Android 2.1 features a revised interface, HTML5 support, pinch-to-zoom capabilities for Google Maps, an improved onscreen keyboard and the ability to record video in 720p HD.

The update will make the Streak a more enticing proposition, and is a welcome boost for Dell with the launch of the rival Samsung Galaxy Tab just around the corner.