Google Fleshes Out Details for Android 2.2
WiFi tethering, full Flash support and improved performance among features highlighted in demonstration.
Google officially unveiled the details for Android 2.2, codenamed "Froyo" today at their I/O Conference on May 20. Vic Gundotra, the Vice President of Engineering debuted the updated operating system, championing it as truly open.
Among the key features in the newest build of the Linux-based open source OS were WiFi tethering, Microsoft Exchange Server support and enhanced communication with the cloud. But one of the biggest announcements for consumers was that Android 2.2 will feature full support of Flash 10.1 both as a video container and in user interfaces.
"It turns out, people use Flash," Gundotra said, taking one of many jabs at Apple.
"Froyo" is now a requirement to run Flash on an Android device, as the APIs necessary are only available in 2.2. The 10.1 beta is available now, with the final version on track for June. Flash will be available in the Android App store.
Also demonstrated was a cloud-to-device API that pushed, not only data from one device to another, but was also capable of triggering Android intents. The demonstration given during the keynote showed a Google mapped trip route in the desktop version of Chrome. The user then clicked a button in-browser, which then sent the trip information to the mobile device, triggering the Google Map app to launch with the trip information preloaded.
Android 2.2 also uses the cloud to autoupdate apps, backup application data, and transfers of downloaded items from browser to device. Music or apps can be downloaded on a laptop or PC and will show-up on the Android 2.2-enabled mobile device soon after.
Google's acquisition of Simplify Media debuted its first Android implementation, as the ability to stream your home music library through a mobile phone was integrated directly into the Android 2.2 music player. Whether or not this feature will be limited to WiFi or available over 3G wasn't discussed.
Other app love included a bug report function that allows users to look at the bug history of any app, including full stack traces. It's also possible to save or move apps directly to an SD card. Finally, app data is indexed, so that not only names of apps show up in quick searches, but also accounts or other information associated with an app.
Google also demoed the V8 JavaScript Engine in Android 2.2 running on an Nexus One against another Nexus One running Android 2.1 and an iPad. Android 2.2 won the benchmark test and Gundotra touted it as the fastest mobile browser.
Gundotra also touted Google's advertising experience. Admob, AdSense, Doubleclick and Analytics will all work in Android 2.2. Rich advertisements available include drop-downs, location based custom ads, and click-to-calls, which allow potential customers to dial directly to a business or promotional offer.
The SDK for Android 2.2 is available now.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
AlmaLinux 10.0 Beta Released
The AlmaLinux OS Foundation has announced the availability of AlmaLinux 10.0 Beta ("Purple Lion") for all supported devices with significant changes.
-
Gnome 47.2 Now Available
Gnome 47.2 is now available for general use but don't expect much in the way of newness, as this is all about improvements and bug fixes.
-
Latest Cinnamon Desktop Releases with a Bold New Look
Just in time for the holidays, the developer of the Cinnamon desktop has shipped a new release to help spice up your eggnog with new features and a new look.
-
Armbian 24.11 Released with Expanded Hardware Support
If you've been waiting for Armbian to support OrangePi 5 Max and Radxa ROCK 5B+, the wait is over.
-
SUSE Renames Several Products for Better Name Recognition
SUSE has been a very powerful player in the European market, but it knows it must branch out to gain serious traction. Will a name change do the trick?
-
ESET Discovers New Linux Malware
WolfsBane is an all-in-one malware that has hit the Linux operating system and includes a dropper, a launcher, and a backdoor.
-
New Linux Kernel Patch Allows Forcing a CPU Mitigation
Even when CPU mitigations can consume precious CPU cycles, it might not be a bad idea to allow users to enable them, even if your machine isn't vulnerable.
-
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.5 Released
Notify your friends, loved ones, and colleagues that the latest version of RHEL is available with plenty of enhancements.
-
Linux Sees Massive Performance Increase from a Single Line of Code
With one line of code, Intel was able to increase the performance of the Linux kernel by 4,000 percent.
-
Fedora KDE Approved as an Official Spin
If you prefer the Plasma desktop environment and the Fedora distribution, you're in luck because there's now an official spin that is listed on the same level as the Fedora Workstation edition.