Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich

8 Replies Christopher Roberts

Google has revealed a fair amount about the new version of Android, known as Ice Cream Sandwich. The Sandwich moniker is used since Google see the new OS as “one OS everywhere”, or a single version of Android running across all their phones and tablets. Will this unifying system be as tasty as it sounds?

In terms of release date, it looks as though some Android devices shipped before Christmas will run this OS, with some sources suggesting it could arrive as early as October. The new version is rumoured to be known as Android 2.4 Ice Cream Sandwich, which is a little mystifying since it brings together Android 2.3 and Android 3.0 Honeycomb. Wouldn’t Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich make more logical sense?


Google Android's LogoThe Ice Cream interface will bring together all the fancy features from 3.0 Honeycomb, which was designed purely for tablets and larger screen devices. This includes an updated app launcher, holographic user interface, interactive new home-screen widgets and a multi-tasking panel. Leaked shots give a positive impression of the homepage look and feel, which has a great feeling of depth and Minority Report-style futurism. This ties in with Google’s statement that the new OS is their “most ambitious release to date”.

But the Ice Cream Sandwich is about more than the UI, and will bring all the previously tablet-only Android 3.1 features to mobile phones. In real terms, this suggests compatible Android tablets and smart phones will be able to act as hubs and inputs for connecting mice, keyboards and game controllers.

There is also a 3D “headtracking” feature utilising the front-mounted camera. This determines who is speaking and focuses on them during a video call. This detection technology is apparently a key feature in the OS, and it will be interesting to see how developers can further enhance this novelty.

Google intends to make the Ice Cream OS fully open source in an attempt to make things more consistent between devices. When it becomes fully established it will doubtless prove an exciting time for Android affiliates and early adopters. In terms of reputation, Android provides the leading mobile phones; find out more on these models on the Phones4U website.

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Written by Christopher Roberts
Founder and editor of Technology Bloggers, Christopher is passionate about sustainable technology and environmental initiatives. He wants to popularise critical thinking, promote responsible innovation, and excite you about the world around us.

8 thoughts on “Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich”

  1. David@Mobile Technologies

    The competitions between Google and Apple should heat up with the release of the Ice Cream Sandwich. For us users, the dilemma of which one to buy will start again.
    After getting the iPad 2 just over a week ago, I feel like a very proud Apple user. But then it’ll surely be interesting to check out the ”Minority Report-style futurism” !

    Reply
  2. David@theOnlyCog

    Do we know if ‘Ice Cream’ will be supporting Flash? Microsoft have confirmed they will not be supporting Flash (or any other plug-ins) in Metro (Windows 8 for Tablets).

    The penny has finally dropped for MS as they concede that it is not good for battery life!

    Reply
  3. Alan Tay@IT Security

    I am neither the Apple or Android user but it is good to see competitions there. Just like computer graphic card, ATI vs nVidia. Tough competition makes the product more robust and in this case, Android has one disadvantage is there is not control over the hardware. As a result, they will not be able to release a super power OS as the hardware might not able to cope. Apple on the other side is getting this advantage. Whenever new Apple product released, they will features the hardware part as well.

    Reply
  5. Mandeep@ShergillGames

    I’m still waiting for some integration between ChromeOS and Android. Imagine a ChromeOS mode for Android tablets and a touch input optimized version of Chrome, or the ability to run Android apps on a ChromeOS device. Since Android will have a proper x86 version at some point, something like this should happen.

    @David – Android already supports Adobe Flash, since version 2.2 “FroYo” and that support should continue on.

    Reply
  6. UK Tablet PCs

    Ice Cream Sandwhich will also bring the Android Honeycomb features to 7-inch tablets. Currently Android Honeycomb is only available for 10-inch tablets so this update should re-align Android. It scales Smartphone apps much better for tablets too so this makes the Android eco-system more compelling for users.

    Reply
    • Christopher (admin team)

      I look forward to the launch!

      Thanks for the comment, welcome to the community 🙂
      Christopher – Admin Team

      Reply
  7. Jarrod Frenzel@The Woodlands Texas

    What’s nice about this OS is that it enables connectivity of other devices such as USB mouse or Xbox controller particularly for Android games. This can be attributed to the Android Open Accessory program. Another great feature is its facial recognition that keeps your device secure.

    Reply

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