Android 2.0 demo shows device-wide search
updated 03:55 pm EDT, Wed May 27, 2009
Android 2 Demo
Google at its I/O keynote today demonstrated the first major revision of its Android mobile OS. Nicknamed "Donut" but likely to be rebadged 2.0, the upgrade centers on a new ability to search the entire device for information. Similar to the upcoming iPhone 3.0 update, the addition will let users start typing a search tat can find apps, contacts, media and other content on the phone itself; it can also search online. Google Voice Search will also be embedded for speaking out searches where the spelling isn't familiar.
Search will also run deeper through the apps themselves and should allow for Voice Search within third-party software. A new text-to-speech API will supply the reverse for turn-by-turn GPS and other apps. Within certain apps, such as the media player, Android will recognize gestures to speed up internal searches. Drawing the first letter of a song will scroll the index to that letter, for example.
Other APIs haven't been documented but should include stronger media and social networking.
When Donut will ship hasn't been clarified, though unofficial leaks have hinted it may be ready by late this year. Sony Ericsson has already said that its first Android phones will use Android 2.0. [image via Engadget]
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Still waiting for Cupcake
I'm still waiting to get the OTA of Cupcake. I know that I can do it manually, but would rather do the OTA.