Google's Android 3.0 "Honeycomb" Makes Its Appearance on the Web

Just as Google's "Gingerbread" 2.3 Android operating system was rooting itself as the latest mainstream release, an even newer version, "Honeycomb" 3.0, has come along to make its mark on the web. In fact, the most recent CES Expo paved the introductory way for the latest Google owned OS, and just this past month alone, the Internet giant demoed the in development OS at its California headquarters while also making a preview SDK available for developers.

Android enthusiasts have been abuzz since receiving the news of this forthcoming OS. While many users still wait in anticipation in receive word of an official upgrade to 2.3 for their devices, other fans and advocates for the OS have already been hard at work preparing for the newest version's anticipated arrival. While that date may be in the distant future, this hasn't stopped users from seeing what the OS is all about right now. Xdadevelopers' forum, for example, recently posted video of the 3.0 preview OS running quite well on a Nook color.

So what can users expect to find different in the OS? As seen in the video featuring the Nook, the OS is being developed as a tablet friendly device. This means a new interface, enhanced video features, and other options that favor a screen larger than those found on popular Android powered smartphones. In a recent blog post from Andy Rubin, Google's vice president of engineering in charge of Android, he stated that Honeycomb is "...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."

While enthusiast have been kicking the tires, developers received a treat to tinker around with as well. Offering a look at how to design the enhanced features users are looking forward to, a preview version of the SDK has been made available at the Android development web site. Highlights include new multitasking and rich notifications - including a recent apps list that identifies any processes associated with an application, as well as improved home screen customizations across five screens. Applications will also be able to feature contextual options, there are more widgets, and an all new holographic 3D UI for an enhanced user experience and deeper interactivity. The soft keyboard has also been redesigned to streamline input by making it faster and easier to use.

Sources/Resources:

Android 3.0 SDK Platform Highlights

CNET: Google's Android 3.0 Honeycomb: What's inside

CNET: Android Honeycomb 'preview' ported to Nook Color