The Samsung Captivate can now receive an upgrade to Android 2.2, but it will not be offered through the traditional over-the-air channel.

AT&T along with Samsung have developed an optional upgrade that should be downloaded by Captivate users from the Samsung Website to a laptop that is based on Microsoft Vista, Windows 7 or XP.

It is also necessary to have a USB cable in order to connect your mobile device to a computer in order to complete the upgrade.

AT&T started to offer the Samsung Captivate last July for $199. It comes with a two-year contract. The handset features a 4-inch Super AMOLED screen. The mobile device comes from the Samsung Galaxy S line. The carrier managed to sell over 10 million units in 2010.

HTC and Motorola handsets have received Android upgrades fairly rapidly, but Android 2.2 has become a technical challenge for Samsung and its carrier partners.

Last month the Samsung Vibrant of T-Mobile became the first Galaxy S handset to receive Froyo. Now the handset is supportive to Adobe Flash 10.1, mobile hotspot capabilities as well as USB tethering.

Captivate owners can get Froyo taking advantage of the manual upgrade. It is cautioned by Samsung to back up all their Captivate data, including picture, contacts, videos and music.

Samsung and AT&T have decided that the manual practice is the most efficient upgrade path. The companies consider that it is the best experience for consumers.

The Android 2.2 upgrade has been a painful wait for owners of Galaxy S, who saw the launch of Nexus S with Android 2.3 last December.

With the Captivate and Vibrant, owners of Sprint’s Epic 4G and Verizon’s Samsung Fascinate will be anxious to receive the upgrade to Android 2.2.