Android 2.2 (Froyo) for Samsung Galaxy S rolls out in Asia with Singapore being first, India still waiting

Update: We have recieved information that Samsung Galaxy S customers in Malaysia are able to recieve Froyo update through KIES. We will find out more information about this and post the complete information. Check this space for more news and views.

Finally, Official Android 2.2 (Froyo) update has been released by Samsung in Singapore, the first country in Asia for now. The update is from the Android 2.1 Eclair to Android 2.2 Froyo. Froyo adds quite a number of user features, including better Microsoft Exchange support, Adobe Flash 10.1 support for the browser and improved CPU performance.

The update can be applied at home using the Samsung Kies desktop software available from the company's Web site. Those who would rather not do it themselves can also head down to the service center to get it done. Users should back up all data before performing the update to prevent data loss. This is a little troublesome when compared with HTC's over-the-air upgrade for its HTC Desire smartphone. But at least, it's still more convenient than Sony Ericsson's Xperia update, which requires the owner to visit a service center with no option for updating at home.

Those about to buy a brand-new Samsung Galaxy S will also have to perform the update as units in stores now have not been preinstalled with Froyo. However, units to be shipped later in the year will have Android 2.2 by default, and these can be identified by a sticker on the retail box.
 
We are in the process of acquiring an updated Galaxy S and will report back with our observations and benchmark results.

Indian customers need to wait for a bit longer to recieve the update. Samsung India has informed me that "there is no ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) of Froyo in India" as a reply to my question of the same on Twitter. I hope that this is not the actual case. Hope it arrives soon. We will keep you updated about this.