Google unveils Android 3.1, promises Google TV 3.1, apps
updated 01:00 pm EDT, Tue May 10, 2011
Android 3.1 official with Google TV helps
Google at Google I/O 2011 unveiled its previously promised Android 3.1. The new update now has a more advanced multitasking system that shows all recent tasks, even ones that have been shut down to save memory. USB host device is also finally new: catching up to Apple, Android devices can now import photos from a camera, rely on a gamepad, or other hardware input.
Widgets have also been made resizable and can use XML code along with finger dragging to expand windows. Gmail is one example and would let users check much more e-mail even from the home screen.
Google TV will be part of the major upgrades, the company said. It too will get Android 3.1 and will finally get its promised Android Market app support. Twitter, Flixster, TNT, and CNBC are some of the known app providers.
Android 3.1 will be on tablets like the Xoom and Galaxy Tab 10.1 within the next two weeks. Both Android 3.1 and Android Market are coming to Google TV this summer and will get extra hardware support in the future, including devices from Samsung and Vizio along with favorites Logitech and Sony.
