Android

The 'NEXT' level

Android - one word is enough to convey so much without speaking anything else.
For the non geeks/enthusiasts this may seem to be just another word or maybe something synonomous with a robot or something. Well it is quite that, partly.


Android was originaly just an idea that was concieved by Andy Rubin (Designer of Android), primarily for just being a mobile system that remembers and stores user preferences. The huge change to the system was brought about by Google (after EL Goog purchased Android Inc.).This change has been regular with such immaculate precision and full of new ideas and concepts that brings about a tide of changes with each iteration. At this rate it may very well end up being a Robot.!

Those close to me know how passionately I follow Google’s products and innovations in technology. So it was inevitable that I would some day eventually be awed by Android. Then it happened. One of my close friends was courageous enough to take the risk and get an Android phone, and that was it. Now most people around me have at-least one droid with them and that makes me so happy.

Since most of you by now know everything ‘Android’ I will speculate about whats to come and can be expected from Google devs.

The previous versions have been

• ·         Android Alpha(1.0)
• ·         Android Beta
• ·         Android Cupcake(1.5)
• ·         Android Donut(1.6)
• ·         Android Éclair(2.0/2.1)
• ·         Android Frozen Yoghurt(2.2)
• ·         Android Gingerbread(2.3)
• ·         Android Honeycomb(3.0-3.2)
• ·         Android IceCream Sandwich(4.0)

Android transformation is amazing with each of these versions. Each time the devs have come up with so many new features and interfaces and gesture control, multi touch, advanced gaming engine, the huge market, music, cloud, remote access, wireless display, face unlock, zero shutter lag camera and so much more.

Now the next is expected to be called something that is sweet and starts with ‘J’ (following naming tradition mimicked from Linux distros).
 

Enter the ‘JELLY BEAN’! It is expected to come with 5.0 version badging and will be supporting multi-core processors inherently, native support (Tegra3, OMAP A15). It may even feature some revolutionary technology, or maybe some new features or even a larger image sensor support. It’s all speculation.

Android 5.0 Jelly Bean (neither the number nor the nickname is official, remember) may:

• Launch in the second quarter: Nothing is known about the "launch," but, yeah. Google IO is June 27-29. They shifted the IO conference 1 month (earlier it was supposed to be held on 23 may). And it's more than likely we'll get details on the next version of Android there. But "launch"? Maybe.

• Further optimized for tablets: It can be certainly otherwise, but what's the point? Jelly Bean (or whatever it's called) probably will be further optimized for smartphones, too. Maybe even Google TV. Now will the UI undergo some major reconstruction for tablets? That's entirely possible, and it's not a bad idea at all. Since Android has already been made universal for Tabs and smartphones a singular UI is expected.( the change happened eith ICS,Ice Cream Sandwich)

• Integrating Chrome for "dual-operating system designs": Uh, OK. The idea, apparently, is to offer manufacturers the option of having an Android/Windows 8 system, without having to shut down. Hey, why not. BlackBerry's already doing that with its PlayBook tablet. But somehow I don't think adding a full second operating system and ecosystem is going to make choosing a tablet any simpler for consumers.

• Google looking to get back into the netbook/notebook market with Jelly Bean: Sure. Why not? Android netbooks aren't new -- HP Compaq Airlife 100 at Mobile World Congress in 2010. And you have the likes of ASUS' excellent Transformer line of tablet/notebook hybrids. Or maybe Chromebooks?

• Native WebTop: Since Google has already bought out Motorola they may very well incorporate some of their technological knowhow. It’s rumored that JB will natively support a WebTop architecture. For those who don’t know, A WebTop is a simple laptop like device without any motherboard or electrical components except for a battery, display and IO ports.( so by connecting a phone to it, as a dock, you will get a laptop like environment powered by the cell phone.)

A LapDock - By Motorola

And staying with the subject of usability, the keyboard input options should also have something of a makeover come the next edition of the Android OS, in order to iron out any of the current minor frustrations that people encounter, particularly when using the smaller virtual keyboards found on-board many smartphones.

Perhaps one of the other most important tweaks could also come in the shape of better power management features, because many of the current smartphones and tablets are so heavy on battery usage that they’re actually turning some customers off from Android all together.

Of course, one thing that we pretty much know for sure is the fact that the interface will get a good old makeover as well. Although many smartphone and tablet manufacturers already produce their own custom touches that overlay the core Android features, it's more than likely that Android itself will be able to benefit from a revamp that will make it even better to look at than it is now.

So, with all of this tweaking and fine-tuning going on, when will Android fans be able to get their hands on this new and improved interface? Well, if the stories are true then Google is working hard to deliver the update at some point during the next twelve months. However, in the meantime, there is still more than enough to enjoy in the latest version of the OS. One thing is for sure though—each successive version is always an improvement over its predecessor.

So, yeah. Really not a whole lot of things there. A little patience. I've got a good feeling that Google's got something up its sleeves for 2012.


Whats your opinion.? Comment.


Adios,
HellRa1SeR