Notion Ink hints Android 2.3 unveil at D Mobile

Notion Ink's weekend update has strongly hinted that Google could launch Android 2.3 as soon as tomorrow. CEO Rohan Shravan said December 6 would be "another big day for Android" and that his company could be ready with an adaptation of its custom Eden tablet interface for the Adam in short order. "You will find out how fast Notion Ink can work," he said.

The timing would coincide with Google's Android lead Andy Rubin taking the stage at the D: Dive Into Mobile event the same day and suggests that he may use the speaking engagement to formally debut the new release. Chief executive Eric Schmidt had shown the Nexus S using Android 2.3 briefly in November and had promised Android 2.3 would ship in a matter of weeks. Whether or not the Samsung-made phone would ship at the same time is unknown.

The release should bring support for video chat with front facing cameras as well as near-field wireless, visual changes and a slew of minor feature additions, such as WebM video through the browser.

Along with the hints as to the next OS, Shravan mentioned that progress through the FCC was good and had avoided a Wi-Fi patent dispute. The Adam's software was also being designed in four areas to avoid patent lawsuits likely to stem from Android, although the CEO didn't say whose patents might create problems or what changes had been made. Microsoft is widely considered the most litigious, although Oracle has also made accusations of its own.

The exact release date still hasn't been settled, but much of the software has just entered the beta testing stage and could take time to complete. Notion Ink had originally planned to ship the Adam before Christmas if possible, but without a very quick beta phase is more likely to see its tablet arrive in early 2011.

By Electronista Staff

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