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Compiling the information we found on the internet, it is already possible to have a good idea of how the new Ice Cream Sandwich – the version 4.0 of the system Android – will behave on smartphones and tablets. See our impressions below:
1. Will my device receive this update?
According to Google, in addition to the Galaxy Nexus, “theoretically” all smartphones and tablets that already run the operating system 2.3 (Gingerbread) or higher, will be able to receive the update to the 4.0 version. The “theoretically” comes to exclude two points:
- Devices that got version 2.3 through custom roms are not included in this . That is, if originally your Android could only be updated up to version 2.2, it will not be updated to version 4.0.
- As the update is totally dependent on the telephone manufacturers and operators (if your device is not retail/unlocked), it is good to confirm that both have already guaranteed an update for your current or future device.
A Sony Ericsson, for example, has already promised that all its smartphones in the 2011 line will be updated to the Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS, for short). already the Motorola, which launched the day before the announcement of the Android 4.0 a smartphone with Android 2.3 (terrible, huh?), begins to give indications that at least his tablets, Motorola XOOM, will be updated with the ICS. According to the same, the Motorola Droid Razr also receive the update.
2. Will Android 4.0 be the same for smartphones and tablets?
Yes, one of the big changes in this version is the unification between small and large screens (if you can call the 4.6 inch screens of the new Galaxy of small). Discounting the customizations that may be created by the manufacturers, both systems will work in a similar way, with resizable widgets and web browsers with tabs.
3. End of Mandatory Apps (Bloatware):
One of the annoyances of smartphones Android, especially those purchased from carriers, are those pre-installed apps that cannot be removed. They are usually not used by the device owner, and only cause visual annoyance or unnecessary system delay. At the ICS it will be possible to disable them, making them no longer appear in the app drawer. The only rule is that the application is not part of the ICS. For example, who does not use the gmail, you can disable it. already the Gtalk, which for some unknown reason is part of the operating system, cannot be removed.
4. Layout inspired by Honeycomb version (3.0):
Full of novelties such as animations and translucent menus, the ICS is clearly inspired by version 3.0 of Android (Honeycomb). Features that previously only existed on tablets, such as virtual buttons and the vertical list of open applications, are now also part of the smartphone world. THE button virtualization, by the way, it was a long wish of many s, since smartphones with 3 or 4 physical-front buttons, like the Galaxy SII and Motorola Atrix, for example, do not always use them. You may have already noticed this, for example, when using an application that does not use a key. On the old Android system, you would have to find out that it doesn't work by clicking it. In New ICS, if the function does not exist, the key does not exist either. sensible.
The creators of ICS also drank from other sources. Small influences of the UIs from other manufacturers (TouchWiz, Sense), Custom ROMs (Cyanogen), successful apps that have already been through Android Market, and even other operating systems, such as iOS and Windows Phone 7. See, for example, how some information is presented in large squares with images, à la WP7, Is not it? The camera application, for example, has several filters (Instagram?).
The interface emphasizes open spaces and large text and images, like a magazine. Even a new source, dubbed “Roboto“, was developed for the ICS. On the home screen it is now possible to create folders with your favorite apps or s, which can also be added to a “However,".
5. Screenshots are now allowed by default:
A basic function – much required by many s, but commonly overlooked in previous versions of Android – the possibility to save screen images (screenshots) is now allowed by default in the new ICS.
6. Improvements in the internet browser (Browser):
The browser or browser Internet service also underwent a revamp. In addition to bug fixes and inclusion of abas, it is now possible to save pages for offline reading and change the view to “Desktop Mode”. Also, favorites can now be synced with Google Chrome.
7. The camera gained speed:
Besides the auto focus, in this new version there is no longer the well-known “shutter lag” from the camera (speed between the click and the moment the device actually captures the photo). This detail comes in handy so that those “unique moments” are not lost when taking pictures. Anyone who deals with photos on their smartphone knows how important this is. Furthermore, a series of filters were also incorporated, in addition to “panoramic” and “time-lapse” modes.
In video recording, which can be done even in high resolution Full HD (1080p), the focus is adjusted automatically and continuously according to the scene. It is also possible to use the zoom and even capture photos without interrupting the video recording, in which the Google calls “Video Snapshots".
8. Face and Voice Recognition:
The new ICS presents a new way of unlocking the device: the face recognition. This is a function that attracted a lot of attention during the presentation of the system. But it's the kind of thing that needs to be tested live so we can confirm that it's as useful as it is practical, isn't it?
About the voice recognition, present in other versions of the Android, it is noted that it has improved a lot. As reported by those who have already tested the ICS, it is faster and even more efficient, instantly transcribing what you say. When we do our own tests, we'll go into more detail on both functions.
9. System Monitoring:
The functions of system monitoring gained a lot from the ICS. It is now possible to analyze the consumption of data e battery of the device through graphics that are very easy to manipulate. Furthermore, the system allows setting limits, protecting the against high bills at the end of the month.
10. Notifications:
The notification system has been improved: applications have more control over how they are presented, they can be accessed even in lockscreen and “discarded” individually with a gesture. O notifications it also houses music player controls, which can now be accessed from anywhere on the system.
11. Android Beam:
Taking advantage of technology NFC present, the ICS promotes a new way of sharing information: placing two devices next to each other. Thus, it is possible to transfer information, links, images, files, etc.
12. s and Social Networks:
On the social issue, the Ice Cream Sandwich was designed and built to take advantage of the Google+ Project and other social networks, bringing photos and updates into s stored on the device.
The s app has been revamped, renamed “People“. It is a hub with your s, having you in the spotlight. You can view them in the traditional form of a list or on cards (similar to Windows Phone 7).
to a 's profile, and you'll access their social media profiles, latest updates, etc. It's basically what TimeScape e MotoBlur they have been doing for a while, only much more integrated into the system. Touching a 's photo anywhere, for example within the gmail, causes a menu of options for ing her to be presented – via SMS, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
When you receive a call, a high resolution photo fills the entire screen in the background. It is possible to ignore the call, immediately sending an SMS if you cannot answer at the moment. And Ice Cream Sandwich has open APIs to integrate visual voicemail directly into the outgoing call list, although it's unclear if this will work in Brazil.
13. Other features:
- Widgets are displayed in a new tab, listed in a list similar to applications;
- Creating folders using drag and drop;
- New visual voicemail that lets you speed up or slow down messages;
- Swipe left or right to switch between Gmail conversations;
- Improved keyboard bug fixes;
- Ability to access apps directly from the lock screen;
- Improved copy and paste; and
- New photo gallery layout, organized by location or person.
- Gmail offline, with emails from the last 30 days.
14. Photo Gallery:
15. Galaxy Nexus intro video, with ICS:
16. Ice Cream Sandwich Hands-on:
