Motorola Droid X

Motorola Droid X users who got a nasty surprise in September when an over-the-air update to Android 2.2 deleted the Android Market icon are still waiting for resolution.

After receiving the Froyo upgrade, some users noticed issues including the disappearance of the Android Market from the Droid X's list of available programs, a glitch that left those affected unable to download new applications. Unlike the BlackBerry App World software, the Android Market is built into the operating system--you can't download it separately from Google's Web site.

Disgruntled Droid X owners have spoken out in forums operated by Motorola and Google, in addition to other online outlets for enthusiasts, including CNET.

For now, Motorola, Google, and Verizon (the Droid X's U.S. carrier) providing neither a substantial technical explanation of the update problems, nor a specific fix for the Droid X. Motorola and Google have said they're cooperating on a fix.

A Google spokesperson told CNET today that "Motorola and Verizon are working with Google to resolve the issue and restore access to [the] Android Market on all affected devices." Motorola added that "any modifications in the upgrade plans for our products as a result of this will be communicated at a later date."

Google, however, didn't respond to our inquiry about what specifically unseated the Android Market, nor other details about the application storefront in relation to the Android source code.

Starting over The vanishing of the Android Market app and other issues related to the Android 2.2 upgrade aren't isolated to the Droid X. Users of the HTC Desire, HTC Incredible, and other handsets have reported similar disappearances.

Google recommends performing a factory reset (found in the phone settings), which returns the smartphone to its unboxed state--though it does not wipe the data stored on your SD card. While a factory reset will restore the Android Market in the vast majority of cases, it will also revert the phone to its original operating system, effectively rolling back any updates.

Who's to blame Reversing the over-the-air update is an unsatisfying solution for many users, but the open nature of Android's operating system makes it difficult to point fingers. Google may have developed the OS, but once a phone manufacturer like Motorola or HTC picks Android--including an update like Android 2.2--it's up to them to perform quality control for individual models like the Droid X before passing the build to carriers to push out over the air to end users.

So for now, affected Droid X users unhappy with their lot have two choices--revert to the slower, less powerful Android 2.1, or remain in app-less limbo.