Android 2.0 released; more features and improvements for developers

Google launched the newest version of the Android 2.0 SDK today to the public for development purposes. The new release offers a significant amount of tools for developers to help with app development along with increased support for the various phones that are being released in anticipation of the holiday season.

For users there are plenty of new features that will be used in their new high-end phones from HTC, Samsung, and Motorola. As a result, the attraction for Android phones will most likely sky-rocket and developers can create more sophisticated and detailed apps.

Below is a list of new features for users:

Contacts and accounts

· Multiple accounts can be added to a device for email and contact synchronization, including Exchange accounts. (Handset manufacturers can choose whether to include Exchange support in their devices.)

· Developers can create sync adapters that provide synchronization with additional data sources.

· Quick Contact for Android provides instant access to a contact’s information and communication modes. For example, a user can tap a contact photo and select to call, SMS, or email the person. Other applications such as Email, Messaging, and Calendar can also reveal the Quick Contact widget when you touch a contact photo or status icon.

Email

· Exchange support.

· Combined inbox to browse email from multiple accounts in one page.

Messaging

· Search functionality for all saved SMS and MMS messages.

· Auto-delete the oldest messages in a conversation when a defined limit is reached.

All of these new features are important considering that many of the phones are now the equivalent of personal media devices that plays multimedia files, surfs the Internet, doubles as Personal Digital Assistants and function as phones as well.

The Exchange support is vital for business users who often need to sync with secure company email servers to access their email. In addition, the improved support will help developers with business productivity apps to increase their customer base since companies will most likely require apps that secure connections and provide customized email support. The improved synchronization support helps cement the concept of phones being personal digital assistants and small netbooks that are capable of handling the demands of business professionals.

Improved phone contacts are necessary when most individuals have close to more than a hundred or so detailed contacts in their phones. Especially those that are in the business world often have detailed business cards dedicated to their contacts.

Camera

· Built-in flash support

· Digital zoom

· Scene mode

· White balance

· Color effect

· Macro focus

Camera support is important considering that many of the new Android phones have powerful cameras which require improved support as the phone cameras are slowly becoming acceptable means of capturing photos. Considering that the iPhone received camera support very late, it is good to note that Android has strongly started committing support to the camera features on its phones.

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