Version 2.3 of Android, codenamed Gingerbread, has just been launched on the developer site of the project. Developers can now start working with the new platform.
Most tech bloggers expect devices running the new Android version soon. Google immediately presented the Nexus S, a smartphone that has been created by Samsung. The Nexus S has a 4.0 inch AMOLED screen and a 1 Ghz processor. With these specs, the phone is in the top regions of the smartphone market. Moreover, the phone has a NFC chip, made by the Dutch company NXP. The Nexus is the sucessor of the Nexus One op, which was made by HTC. The handset can be purchased in the US starting december 16th. It's still unknown whether the phone will come to Europe.
New in Android 2.3 Gingerbread
The first new option is Near Field Communication (NFC), that's supported in Gingerbread as the first Android version. App developers can communicate with a NFC chip, if it's in the handset, off course. We expect especially banks to take advantage of this technique, and to come with their own apps.
Further improvements are for the sensors in handsets. Android now supports a gyroscope, that can very precisely register the movements of the phone. Also, app devs can use a barometer in a phone, if there is one.
Double cam
Android now also supports a double cam and has a built in Download Manager. You can call using VOIP without an extra app. It makes Android 2.3 Gingerbread a huge improvement. We can't wait to get it in our hands!
Source: Developer.android.com