Are you a Motorola DROID Bionic owner that's been feeling a bit down ever since the arrival of the DROID RAZR? Moto and Verizon might have just the thing to get you excited about the Bionic again. Verizon just posted the details of a new Bionic software update (build number 5.5.893) on its official site, and to say that it contains bug fixes aplenty would probably be an understatement. Some of the notable fixes include improved stability of 3G and 4G data connections, an increase to the number of devices supported using Mobile Hotspot (up to 8) and improvements in the use of the Messaging app. You can find the full list of changes below.

Sounds like a pretty nice little update, no? Unfortunately, we've yet to hear a peep from either Motorola or Verizon on when the 54.5MB worth of new software will be rolling out. Normally these updates take a week or so to begin arriving on handsets after these support documents are posted, but we won't know for sure until we hear from Moto/Verizon or it actually starts hitting users' phones. We'll let you Bionic folk know more when we do, but until then, you could always go to Menu > Settings > About phone > System updates to try and pull the update manually. If anything, doing so will help pass the time until the update actually hits, right?

Email, Messaging & Data

• Improved stability of data connection on 3G and 4G.
• Fixed lockup that could occur while browsing during the handoff from Wi-Fi to 4G.
• “Data Roaming” pop-up message will display once when roaming in CDMA internationally.
• Jump to the most recent message after changing the device orientation while in message list view.

Device Features

• The number of devices supported by Mobile Hotspot has increased to 8.
• Fixes have been deployed to keep the device from becoming stuck on a black screen and requiring a battery pull to recover.
• Improvements in device stability help avoid device power cycles.
• When connected to a Bluetooth® headset or HDMI cable, the device will no longer lock up and power cycle.
• Improved cold SIM card activation speed.
• “Low memory” warnings when using the Lapdock™ have been reduced.
• An improvement to the camera’s auto focus will reduce the shutter response time and enhance the quality of captured imagery.
• During Location Based Service setup, a Location Privacy message will display.
• Fixed issue where the device would automatically power back up after being powered down.
• The following Lapdock updates were made:
  • Improved stability.
  • The display will not turn off after use.
  • The calling screen will no longer be recreated, improving performance.
  • Reduced frequency of the “Low Memory” warning message.

Call Features

• Use a wired headset without the interruption of a high pitched tone.
• Volume on the “Low Battery” alert tone has been lowered while user is on a call.
• Within the notification area, the Visual Voice Mail alert stating the server is not responding after a power-up has been removed.

Applications & Widgets

• Playback media can be heard while using a Bluetooth headset.
• Place a call to the appropriate recipient using the Contact widget.
• Improvements in the use of the Messaging application.
• After updating the contact database from the Messaging App, the Messaging UI will display the latest contact information.
• When moving applications to the SD card, shortcuts to these Apps will remain.
• Properly post and play videos to Facebook.
• Fixed issue causing apps to disappear from the app tray when moved to the SD card.
• Ringtones purchased from the Verizon media store can now be saved to the device.
• Apps can now be launched from the “Recent” menu in the app tray.

Via Droid-Life, Verizon