Android 2.3 New Feature Breakdown
Android 2.3 aka Gingerbread SDK was officially announced/released today (with an OTA update coming to Nexus One users ASAP). So let’s break down the new features so you can see exactly what it is that you’ll be looking forward to:
| Better Game Development | So unless your a developer, this basically means that Google has improved things like touch control responsiveness and CPU usage and given game developers tools to better integrate their high end games into Android and give the user a better overall experience. Also, Gyroscope support has been added as well. |
| Audio Improvements | Again, a technical improvement that the average user won’t see. But you may just hear it. Google is adding support for new open audio formats and adding audio effects like reverb, headphone virtualization, and bass boost that developers can use within their apps etc. |
| Camera Enhancements | Developers now have access to multiple cameras, so the back one for better resolution and the front for video chat, etc. |
| Built In VoIP | Android now natively supports voice over IP |
| NFC | Near Field Communication – Allows developers to recognize devices (like tags for example) and use them to launch apps or events. |
| UI Changes for “Simplicity and Speed” | Google has made some minor changes to the UI to make things faster, easier to understand, and use less power. |
| Keyboard Enhancements | Keyboard has been redesigned for easier typing and faster input. Multitouch input added (i.e. so you can hold shift/alt and tap a letter instead of having to switch between modes). |
| Text Selection | You can now use your fingers to select lines of text easily. Dragging two markers allows you to select as much text as you need. |
| Better Battery Management | The system can now monitor and close apps that are consuming a lot of power (when they aren’t being used) to increase battery life. |
| Application Control Shortcut | The homescreen options menu now gives access to the Manage Applications option to make it easier to control your apps (running or otherwise). |
| New Download Manager | Allows access to files downloaded on the phone. |
And there you have it. Anyone excited for any of these features in particular?
UPDATE: Thanks to Paul at Modaco, here’s the Android 2.3 userguide.
