Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Google Officially Posts Android 3.0 Sneak Peak, Touts “Holographic” UI

If you were on the Internet today, you undoubtedly saw that Google accidentally posted an overview video of Android 3.0 “Honeycomb” on YouTube earlier — then quickly pulled it. Before they did, we were able to record it and grab all the key screenshot of the Tron-like overview. Now Google has officially reposted the video, as well as a brief overview of Android 3.0 on their mobile blog.
Google was clearly waiting for the OS to be previewed at CES in Las Vegas. Now that it has, here’s what they have to say:
Honeycomb is the next version of the Android platform, designed from the ground up for devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets. We’ve spent a lot of time refining the user experience in Honeycomb, and we’ve developed a brand new, truly virtual and holographic user interface. Many of Android’s existing features will really shine on Honeycomb: refined multi-tasking, elegant notifications, access to over 100,000 apps on Android Market, home screen customization with a new 3D experience and redesigned widgets that are richer and more interactive. We’ve also made some powerful upgrades to the web browser, including tabbed browsing, form auto-fill, syncing with your Google Chrome bookmarks, and incognito mode for private browsing.
We first reported on Google working on this completely revamped UI for Android back in June. At the time, they were aiming for the 2.3 “Gingerbread” release, but that was pushed — to what you see here in 3.0.
At first glance, this UI looks impressive, and an improvement over what Android has looked like until now. And that is particularly important if Google is going compete with the iPad and attempt to own the tablet space in the same way that they have the smartphone space this year.
Personally, I think I’m most excited for the true Chrome-like tabbed browsing. Obviously, Google says to stay tuned for more, as Honeycomb isn’t expect to hit until later this year.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Honeycomb is Android 3.0. Or is it Android 2.4?

For months now, it's been assumed that Honeycomb would be version 3.0 of Android, but now the evidence that the next iteration of Google's operating system will actually be version 2.4 is mounting. The rumor first popped up a couple of weeks ago when we heard that Honeycomb may arrive as Android 2.4, and that it could come as soon as February. More recently, there have been several reports of websites seeing Android 2.4 appearing in their server logs, while Android 3.0 had little to no presence on those logs.

Considering how many changes Google is making in Honeycomb, and the fact that it's said to be focused on optimizing the OS for use on tablet devices, it makes sense that Google would move on to 3.0 rather than relegate Honeycomb to a 2.x release. Plus, we have to remember that Eclair included both Android 2.0 and 2.1. On the other hand, the rumor that started all of this "Honeycomb is 2.4" talk said that Google has something major up its sleeve for version 3.0, so perhaps El Goog has an even bigger revision saved for Android No. 3. Whatever Honeycomb ends up being, though, two things are certain: the OS will bring a wave of tablets with it, and it's almost certainly going to make Android more awesome.

រាជធានីភ្នំពេញ

Nokia Does a 180 and Will Release Android 3.0 Honeycomb Tablet?

Take a peek! You know that new version of Android coming out soon, 3.0 Honeycomb? Well not only do lots of people have their hands on bits of it, they’re setting them free into the wild. Which piece will it be today? Why, a brand new music player of course. You can grab the download link below if you like, or continue to read some words about it as I type them out. I know which one I’d do if I didn’t already have it. It looks like the 3D photo gallery you’re used to and works like a charm.

Divided up into Artists, Albums, and Songs, with few options (but who needs em?) for playing the music, this player shouldn’t surprise to that much of an extent. On the other hand, is it a surprise you want or a really awesome working music player? Download the thang for yourself now!