Just like with your computer at home, the Android OS is always being improved upon and patched so that it can offer more features and fix security holes. If you run Windows at home I'm sure that you have had to do many Windows Updates over the years. The Android OS updates can be thought of the same type of thing as service packs for Windows.
The next major release of the Android OS after Froyo is the 2.3 Gingerbread update (as of this writing). This update is not as extensive of an update as Froyo was but still has some nice features. Not all Android phones will be getting this update but many new models will be released with Gingerbread pre-installed. The Google Nexus S is the first smartphone to come with the 2.3 OS pre-installed.
One thing you will notice is the slightly different looking interface. Gingerbread has the same feel but now everything is “blacked out” looking with darker colors and backgrounds. The launcher icons have been changed to a more greenish color as well. This is all meant to make the interface easier to use. Plus there are a few new live wallpapers to choose from as well as support for multiple cameras.
Improved Keyboard
The Android keyboard has been redesigned and for faster typing and editing. The keys have been reshaped and spread father apart, making it easier to type accurately. The dictionary suggestions are also easier to read. A new multi-touch system allows you to quickly enter numbers and symbols by tapping Shift+<letter> and ?123+<symbol>, without needing to switch input modes beforehand. Selecting text to cut copy or paste is also made easier with the use of two arrows used to help you select text. There is also a one touch word selection and copy and paste features. And if you long press a letter, all the accented versions of a letter will appear above it making it easy for you to choose the one you want.
The Android keyboard has been redesigned and for faster typing and editing. The keys have been reshaped and spread father apart, making it easier to type accurately. The dictionary suggestions are also easier to read. A new multi-touch system allows you to quickly enter numbers and symbols by tapping Shift+<letter> and ?123+<symbol>, without needing to switch input modes beforehand. Selecting text to cut copy or paste is also made easier with the use of two arrows used to help you select text. There is also a one touch word selection and copy and paste features. And if you long press a letter, all the accented versions of a letter will appear above it making it easy for you to choose the one you want.
Improved power management
Gingerbread gives you a better idea of what apps are running in the background and how much memory and CPU time they are using. It also provides details on usage and power consumed by each component or app. There is also an option that allows you to kill apps that are not working correctly. This power management feature helps to ensure the best possible performance and longer battery life.
Gingerbread gives you a better idea of what apps are running in the background and how much memory and CPU time they are using. It also provides details on usage and power consumed by each component or app. There is also an option that allows you to kill apps that are not working correctly. This power management feature helps to ensure the best possible performance and longer battery life.
Internet calling
Now you are able to make SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) voice calls over the internet to other users who have SIP accounts. You can also add a SIP address to a contact and use that to make calls directly from your contacts just like with a regular phone number. You can even make call shortcuts pointing to that SIP address. To use this feature you must have an account with a SIP provider.
Now you are able to make SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) voice calls over the internet to other users who have SIP accounts. You can also add a SIP address to a contact and use that to make calls directly from your contacts just like with a regular phone number. You can even make call shortcuts pointing to that SIP address. To use this feature you must have an account with a SIP provider.
Downloads management
The Downloads management application gives you access to any file downloaded from your email, web browser, or another app all from one place. Downloads are controlled by an entirely new download manager facility within the OS that any of your applications can use which makes it much easier to manage and store your downloads. This allows you to reopen or delete downloaded files from a single location.
The Downloads management application gives you access to any file downloaded from your email, web browser, or another app all from one place. Downloads are controlled by an entirely new download manager facility within the OS that any of your applications can use which makes it much easier to manage and store your downloads. This allows you to reopen or delete downloaded files from a single location.
Application Control
The 2.3 OS now has a shortcut called “Manage Applications” which you can get to from your options menu. From here, you can view all of your applications, see how much power they are using, and be able to stop any app on the spot.
The 2.3 OS now has a shortcut called “Manage Applications” which you can get to from your options menu. From here, you can view all of your applications, see how much power they are using, and be able to stop any app on the spot.
NFC (Near Field Communication)
NFC is the future of credit card commerce on mobile devices. You would use this to touch or swipe NFC tag embedded flyers, coupons or other advertisements to be directed to a websites, send and receive money, pay at cash terminals or use as an employee ID for access to office buildings using your Android device. This technology is still a work in progress so don’t expect to see anything too exciting right off the bat.
NFC is the future of credit card commerce on mobile devices. You would use this to touch or swipe NFC tag embedded flyers, coupons or other advertisements to be directed to a websites, send and receive money, pay at cash terminals or use as an employee ID for access to office buildings using your Android device. This technology is still a work in progress so don’t expect to see anything too exciting right off the bat.
Access to motion sensors
There is now support for the 6 axis gyroscope for Nintendo's MotionPlus controller called InvenSense and there should be support the newest 9 axis gyroscope as well giving your precise measurements of linear acceleration and gravity on your Android phone. This comes in handy for games too of course.
There is now support for the 6 axis gyroscope for Nintendo's MotionPlus controller called InvenSense and there should be support the newest 9 axis gyroscope as well giving your precise measurements of linear acceleration and gravity on your Android phone. This comes in handy for games too of course.
Multimedia improvements
Gingerbread offers improved support for 3rd party video drivers which are generally used for 3D graphics acceleration. Other improvements include minimized application pauses resulting in smoother animations, and increased performance in games. Touch and keyboard events are also recognized faster while reducing CPU load.
Gingerbread offers improved support for 3rd party video drivers which are generally used for 3D graphics acceleration. Other improvements include minimized application pauses resulting in smoother animations, and increased performance in games. Touch and keyboard events are also recognized faster while reducing CPU load.
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