Though its name has been known for some time, Google used its I/O conference in San Francisco to shed more light on the next version of Android, Ice Cream Sandwich.
Rather than splitting the platform between smartphones and tablets, however, Ice Cream Sandwich will be the first version of Android specifically designed to run across both sets of devices, also offering support for notebooks.
OS for all
"We want one OS that runs everywhere," said Android engineer Mike Claren.
"Let me tell you how we're going to make that happen: by taking a 'state of the art UI' and bringing it to phones. We're investing heavily in the application framework... and it will all be open source."
Little else was revealed about the new version at the event, though some new features such a head tracking and a visual camera director did make an appearance.
Taking control
Google also detailed the latest version of Honeycomb (3.1), which is being made available to Xoom customers on Verizon 3G immediately.
From a gaming perspective, its biggest advance is support for additional controllers via USB.
In short, this means that everything from keyboards, mice and game controllers can be plugged into the tablet's USB port to take control of apps and games.
Said feature was demoed on stage using Silvertree Media's Cordy, with an Xbox 360 controlled plugged into a Xoom.
News
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
Top Stories
News
1 hour, 30 minutes ago
Niantic celebrate Earth Day success with 3.4 million players taking part
as
News
May 15th, 2024
Nexon banks on $22bn IP Dungeon & Fighter being a mobile hit in China as Q1 revenue declines
Feature
7 hours, 37 minutes ago
Behind the scenes: How adding sandwich offers to an idle merge game boosted three metrics at once
as
Feature
9 hours, 4 minutes ago
Honor of Kings set for June 20th global launch after $15 billion+ revenue in China
Feature
May 14th, 2024
Matej Lančarič's Squad Busters deep dive: Under the skin of 2024's biggest launch yet
Events
Mobidictum Meetup Berlin May 2024 | Europe | May 16th |
Valencia Indie Summit 2024 | Europe | May 16th |
Digital Dragons | Europe | May 19th |
GamesBeat Summit 2024 | North America | May 20th |
Mobidictum Meetup Tallinn May 2024 | Europe | May 21st |
Nordic Game Spring 2024 | Nordic | May 21st |
Impact 2024 - Indie Games | May 23rd | |
MomoCon 2024 | North America | May 24th |