HTC Desire Android 2.2 update landing this weekend

Users of unlocked HTC Desire handsets will be the first to receive the upgrade

HTC has confirmed that the Android 2.2 Froyo update for its Desire smartphone will be rolled out across Europe this weekend.

The software update includes HTC Sync, which will let Desire users synchronise their music with iTunes, making the smartphone an even more attractive purchase, according to HTC.

Other features will allow users to capture video in 720p HD. Caller ID and the multi-language keyboard will also be improved, and an App Share widget will be added to the device.

The phone will automatically tell users when the over-the-air update is available to download, HTC said in a statement to V3.co.uk.

Updating will not delete any of the phone's contents but, due to the size of the download, HTC advised the use of a Wi-Fi connection to avoid additional data charges.

HTC will initially roll out the upgrade to unlocked HTC Desire handsets. Operator specific models are undergoing testing and are expected to be rolled out in several weeks' time, HTC added.

Google Nexus One owners were the first to receive the upgrade. Only 3.3 per cent of Android users are on version 2.2, but this update is likely to significantly boost that figure as the HTC Desire is an in-demand device.

Apple is unlikely to be happy about the HTC Desire's new ability to synchronise with iTunes. The firm embarked on a battle of wills with Palm last year when the Pre came with this capability.

Apple continued to update iTunes in an effort to lock out the Pre, but Palm retaliated by rolling out an upgrade of its own which made the synchronising possible.