New Android 2.2 Information: Tethering and Wi-Fi Hotspot

While we’ve known Android 2.2/Froyo is coming, information has been pretty scarce and limited to Flash support and loads of extra speed. Today, TechCrunch got a hold of some juicy information: Android 2.2 will turn your phone into a full fledged Internet-bearing device. It will support USB tethering, enabling owners to connect up to a laptop and use their cell phone data connection. Even better, the new version of Android will turn phones into mobile Wi-Fi hot spots, providing one more way of connecting.

There’s no indication of how many devices will be able to connect via the hotspot feature or whether carriers will be able to turn it off or charge for it to protect their turf, but it definitely adds a compelling argument in favor of Android 2.2 +.

Android 2.2 is expected to launch at Google’s I/O event on May 19 to 20. [via TechCrunch]