What may have felt like the longest week of your life for all those waiting for the Evo 4G was another week filled with tons of great Android-related news. Let's recap:

News

• Samsung i897 looks like the Galaxy S destined for AT&T
• Sprint Evo 4G torn down (as if you haven't been teased enough)
• The altek Leo 14MP smartphone -- possibly running Android, definitely gianormous
• Android's Andy Rubin says updates may slow to a more manageable once a year
• Android 2.1 now on 45 percent of devices
• Samsung Galaxy S goes worldwide -- coming to 110 countries
• Motorola Flipout is real, really square, and coming to Europe in Q2
• AT&T radically changes its data plans -- loses unlimited, adds tethering
• Acer Stream gets official, packs a punch
• Droid Shadow keeps looking better and better
• Evo 4G root instructions are here!
• Looks like BlackBerry's taking the hit from Evo and Android
• From Sprint to Verizon: the HTC Scorpion
• Metro PCS bringing a Motorola slider with Android 2.1 and Motoblur
• Droid gets Froyo, flash (unofficially, of course)

Applications

• LauncherPro gets a face-lift
• Android Quick App - ADW.Launcher
• Introducing the Android Central widget
• Android quick app: Audible audio book player (beta)
• Android Quick App - doubleTwist player
• Android Quick App - Aquarium Live Wallpaper
• Android Quick App - Trimble Outdoors

There's a new software update from HTC for all of us holding on to the Sprint Hero.  This updates the Android 2.1 system from 2.27.651.5 to 2.27.651.6.  To get the update, open settings and cruise to About Phone > System Updates > HTC software updates, then follow the prompts.  Not exactly sure what this is fixing, other than closing the new root exploit, but everyone running a stock Sprint HTC Hero should update accordingly.  Those of us riding the root train should hold off until the developers go over this one to see how to handle the changes.

Anyone notice any differences after updating?  Let us know in the comments and forums!

Ed. Note: The story originally was published on Feb. 14, 2010. We've updated it with new information and present it again for those of you new to Android.

Each day more and more Android handsets are being sold, and that means users are faced with a major decision: To root, or not to root. Some of us will do it simply because we can, others will decide not to do it as they enjoy the phone as-is, but the majority of us will be on the fence about the whole idea of rooting. 

Hopefully some of those questions can get answered and you’ll have a clearer picture of the process and some understanding to make the decision a bit easier.  I’m sure this won’t answer every question you’ll have when considering whether or not to root your device, but hopefully this is a good start and a basis for further discussion.

Been wondering where the Qik app -- the much heralded video chat service that was (supposed to be) a major part of the Evo 4G launch -- has gone? It's been missing from the Android Market for a little while, and those of you with earlier versions have been awaiting the update for video chat on the Evo 4G (and those premium features, too). Well, it seems that you've been the problem. From the Qik blog:

Earlier in the day we ran into a snag with Qik for HTC EVO 4G not being visible in the Android Market from the HTC EVO 4G devices – even though it was published to the market. Hats off to our great partner Google. Their Android team jumped in, found the issue and came up with a workaround that enabled us to at least get the new Qik Video client out to our users.

We had an unprecedented 20X the amount of workload on our servers. As a result, you were seeing issues connecting to our service on and off. So, our team is now out provisioning more capacity and we expect to have this in control shortly. We feel bad that not all of you got a chance to experience the new Qik Video today and truly appreciate your patience. Rest assured we are not going to rest till this is humming and you are able to video chat with your friends and loved ones.

That's a bad start for the Qik folks, and quite the leg up for Fring at this point. [Qik Blog via Android Central Forums]

That was quick!  Paul over at MoDaCo announced that he has rooted the Dell Streak (aka the Dell Mini 5).  Seems like these new devices are getting cracked as fast as manufacturers can push them out.  Not a lot of details yet, but you can bet this is another thing we're all keeping our eye on.  Thanks for the hard work Paul, now go have that beverage at your BBQ -- you deserve it.  [MoDaCo]

Let's be honest, after having Jerry and Phil break down nearly every new Froyo feature in video, all of us Droid owners have been anxiously awaiting our turn to play around with it. Looks like the folks at MyDroidWorld have ported over a nandroid install of Froyo -- aka Android 2.2 -- for the Motorola Droid. The stock kernel has been removed from this leak, to help protect the leaker's identity, so at this time wifi does not work. But that seems like a fair trade. Once you have flashed over to Froyo, they have even been kind enough to give us Droid owners a direct download to Flash so that you can play around with that as well. What an exciting day for all the Droid owners, though having an official release would be nice, too. [MyDroidWorld]

Update: And Wifi's been fixed already!

It's good to see the regional carriers staying in the Android game, it above is a Motorola phone reportedly destined for Metro PCS. It's a four-row horizontal sliding QWERTY that's a bit reminiscent of the Cliq. The home button's been moved left (and down) but still has that familiar ring around it, and the search button has returned (huzzah!). Specs are said to be Android 2.1 with Motoblur (presumably the same new Blur that's on the Flipout?), a 3.1-megapixel camera and a 600MHz processor. [Android Guys]

And so draws to a close Day 1 of your new life with the Evo 4G. Sweet dreams, everyone. See you in the morning. (Or in the forums late tonight, if you're anything like us.)

Looks like the Verizon Motorola Droid Xtreme -- aka the Droid Shadow -- is going to milk these leaked shots for all they're worth. And as such as now have a pretty clear look at its backside. You can see the 8-megapixel camera (and the words "HD VIDEO" with it) alongside dual flashes (which are all the rage these days). Looks like the speakerphone and a probably secondary mic down at the bottom, not far from a Google logo. Also looks like the battery door continues the styling of the original Droid.

Still no official acknowledgment of the phone, or when it might actually see release, so stay tuned. One more shot of the front -- with some sort of custom launcher -- is after the break. [via Droid-Life]

[YouTube link]

Dunno who DogSniffingBomb is -- who made this hilarious animated short of what we entirely expect the next iPhone announcement to be like -- but the first beer's on us, pal. Give us a call. [via Android Guys]