After a lot of anticipations, Google today unveiled Android 4.0 i.e. Ice Cream Sandwich(code-name) at an event in HongKong.
Android Director Matias Duarte while introducting the OS said:
While people like Android, and while people need Android, people didn’t love Android. We felt a need to change the User Interface as it was not as good looking as it should be.
Following are the major changes:
- Revamped UI with the new ‘Roboto’ font throughout the OS.
- Built in Screenshot taking.
- Face Unlock, where the device will only unlock if it recognizes your face as the owner of the device.
- Android Beam: Send files, web pages, apps etc via NFC by just touching the devices together.
- Default resolution of 16:9 1280×720.
- Hardware Acceleration of the UI promises to greatly smoothen the experience.
- Data Usage Management so you don’t cross your monthly limit
- Built in Photo Editing App.
- One Operating System for both phones and tablets.
- Virtual Navigation buttons instead of physical keys.
- All new Web Browser that syncs with your Google Chrome on the desktop.
- Improved Notifications, Music Controls.
- Improved keyboard with in-line spell and grammar check.
Availability
Google has confirmed that Nexus S will be the first device with this version and soon many Gingerbread devices get an update. Also dual-core devices like LG Optimus 2X and Galaxy S II will be getting it.
Our Take
With rivals like Apple and Microsoft announcing about Windows 7 based Nokia cellphone and iOS5 respectively, this step was imminent. Although we haven’t yet tried the new OS, the features are worth giving it a try.
Ankit is Co-founder of HungryNfoolish. A student of Software Engineering. He is a passionate writer who loves writing about anything and everything related to Technology. Ankit aims to be at the top in every field he is involved in.Catch him on Twitter @techpil or Google+
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