Google Releases Android OS 2.0 for Developers and Manufacturers

Android 2.0 is here. That’s right, Google is bringing out its knockout punch. After Android 1.6 (codenamed Donut), Google recently released another update, the Android 2.0 – codenamed Eclair. Now, developers can download the Android 2.0 software development kit and start building applications and capitalize on the Eclair’s new features.

So what’s new with the new Android 2.0 OS? A lot! The main focus of Android 2.0 appears to be improvements to Android’s account management, contacts, and sync features. Devices running Android 2.0 will be able to log into multiple accounts and retrieve contacts and e-mail – and that includes support for Exchange accounts. Google’s also built in a new sync conduit system that allows developers to easily write software that lets Android sync information from other online services.

But what will attract customers is the new Quick Contact feature which allows users to quickly view all the different ways they can reach their contacts. For example, tap a picture of one of your friends in your Android contact list and it’ll present you with icon options for all the different modes of communication that you have for them: phone, e-mail, text, IM, etc

Other features include improvements on camera controls that would allow support for built-in flashes, digital zoom, white balance, macro focus, and more. There are also improvements to the system’s virtual keyboard to make it more accurate and efficient.

Last but not the least is Android’s browser. It now supports HTML5, has the ability to double-tap to zoom, and an improved UI, all of which are welcome changes and clearly aimed at bringing Android’s Web browsing experience in line with competitors’.

Well, right now, the Android 2.0 OS is available for developers to create applications and manufacturers to allow them to design new devices based on its new functionalities. However, it won’t be far until the OS goes mainstream for the general public. With Google’s determination and the Android’s capabilities and potential, it won’t be long until it trumps the competition.