Google Officially Announces Android 2.0

Author Gordon Kelly
Published 28th Oct 2009
Google Officially Announces Android 2.0
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The bubble may have been somewhat burst last week with numerous leaked screenshots, but now Android 2.0 is here is all its official glory...

As previously reported, the previously codenamed 'Eclair' update brings a slick new black UI, native Exchange support (including a unified inbox for multiple email accounts), Facebook contacts integration and 'Layers' to Google Maps (Wikipedia, Google Latitude, traffic/transit overlays). It also lays down the foundations for multi-touch gesture support with the addition of two finger tapping recognition to zoom in and out of Google Maps and an updated browser.


On top of this a 'Car Home' screen brings large, relevant finger friendly buttons for users when driving, integrated haptic feedback and text-to-speech. The camera app gets far more advanced too with users now able to set white balance, digital zoom and flash support. SMS and MMS messages can now be searched as well while the virtual keyboard has had its "usability and accuracy" improved with predictive text now core and much, much more.

Grumbles? Early reports suggest the multimedia player remains depressingly familiar.

Meanwhile developers benefits from new APIs for sync and Bluetooth meaning information (including contacts) will be able to sync across different platforms and applications. Peer-to-peer connectivity is also provided for the likes of multiplayer gaming while Snow Leopard gets SDK support.

Yep, this is the update which sees Android square up to the big boys and could arguably make it the mobile OS to beat...

Link:
Android SDK

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comment Chris said on 28th October 2009

Now Gordon, I just shelled out a load of my own cash on a new Hero. When you make comments like that I get nervous. :)

Oh well, such is the wonderful world of techno... more

comment Chris said on 28th October 2009

There's some speculation that SE are going to make the X3 official on November 3rd. Actually that wouldn't bother me too much, it's too large for my uses anyway...

comment Stelph said on 28th October 2009

@Chris Such is life with cutting edge technology! :-p I would have thought that the Hero would get a 2.0 upgrade anyway

comment kdot said on 28th October 2009

apparently (and i dont know where this source of information came from - either forums or t-mobile employee) but I have heard that HTC may hold out on giving us the new update that... more

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