Google has brought its Linux-based operating system for mobile devices to version 2.0, with corresponding developer tools on hand.
Android 2.0 is considered a major release for smartphones with Android. The Android folks give November as the start date. Users and developers should find an assortment of enhancements. Developers will get a new API that is installable as of the Android 1.6 SDK. The Android developer website provides some guidance.
Among the enhancements in Android 2.0 is the possibility to add multiple accounts for synchronizing email and contacts, including Exchange accounts. Developers can also create sync adapters for additional data sources, whereby users can be provided bypasses to bottlenecks for synchronizing with services other than Exchange or Google Mail. Another new feature is Quick Contact, a widget that allows instant access via phone, SMS or email to a contact by clicking a photo or icon. Even the typing function was improved: the virtual keyboard should improve typing speed thanks to a new layout, including multi-touch support to prevent errors in two-finger mode.
Bluetooth 2.1 and its accompanying Object Push Profile (OPP) and Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP) promise improved wireless connections for Android 2.0.
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