7 key features of project Honeycomb

Google launched Android 3.0, codenamed Honeycomb.

The latest version of Google’s mobile operating system introduces a new user interface for tablet devices and brings a number of other compelling features such as pervasive hardware accelerated rendering and stronger support for multicore processors. Google demonstrated the new version of the operating system on Motorola’s upcoming Boom tablet. The 10.1-inch Boom showcases Honeycomb’s unique “holographic” user interface shell. Google described how various elements of the Android user experience have been adapted for tablets in Honeycomb.

The company also emphasized its \ commitment to offering richer APIs for developers. Google regards the home screen as a part of the platform, not just a dumping ground for application icons. The home screen widget system has been greatly enhanced to enable the development of more interactive data-driven widgets. The notification system also got an overhaul for Honeycomb, making it possible for developers to expose more information and interactive functionality in notifications.

Honeycomb is the latest version of the Android platform which has been developed for use on tablets, such as the Motorola XOOM. This version carries many of the features of Android which users has come to know and love but is optimised for a tablet so items look better and operates more efficiently on the larger screens of a tablet.

Key features are as follows:

i. Smarter widgets:

do more with a widget

ii. Improved notifications:

Notifications pop up as opposed to appearing in a drop down notification bar. These notifications too provide more content and actions available, meaning less taping and more getting things done.

iii. Improved graphics – More powerful processors allow richer content, so we can expect better apps and games with more polished graphics.

iv. Improved camera interface:

A new camera interface, with a rotary dial enables settings to be manipulated with ore ease.

v. Video chat in Google Talk:

Chat to friends with video like you would on a desktop or laptop.

vi. Simple multitasking:

Access used and currently running apps with more ease.

vii. Purchase Apps in local currency:

Another feature of the improved Android Market is that you can purchase apps in your own currency with no need to worry about the exchange rates.