The next version of Google operating system for smartphones is now available for developers, who have revealed many of the new features coming in Android 2.0.
Google itself hasn't released a list of changes, but those who have been combing through the new software and its documentation has compiled a partial list.
The latest version of Android will include mutlitouch support, which allows the user to perform actions by touching the screen in multiple places at the same time, like reducing the size of an image by squeezing its corners. This was reportedly left out of Android 1.0 because Google was concerned about legal problems with Apple, who helped pioneer its use on smartphones.
Google is also apparently adding gestures, allowing users to perform actions by moving their finger on the screen in a pattern.
In addition, Android 2.0 will include a homescreen widget that will lets users easily turn on or off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the GPS, as well as set the level of the backlight
Android for CDMA CarriersBoth Sprint and Verizon are expected to release smartphones running this operating system this year, and the new version will make this possible.
Android 2.0 makes this possible, as its the first version with support for CDMA networks. Previously, this OS only included support for GSM networks, such as T-Mobile.
More details on this upcoming OS -- code-named Donut -- will certainly emerge in the coming days.
For Brave G1 Owners OnlyThose who have a T-Mobile G1 and just can't wait until the official release can already try out a very, very early version put together by a third-party developer.
Anyone interested should be aware that the version posted today by "cyanogen" on xda-developers (
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=540881) lacks many important features, like wireless networking.
