Today, at a scheduled press conference, Google, Inc. provided the world with additional details about its Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) mobile operating system. From a new notification bar area, to a new graphics engine, along with several new APIs, it is very obvious that Google and its team of engineers have put in a ridiculous amount of time and effort into this tablet optimized version of Android. Andy Rubin and host of others gave demos of a fluid eReader, the music player, a redesigned and intuitive digital camera interface, Google Maps, and a host of other applications. A rebroadcast of the event will be live on Google’s Android YouTube site in the coming hours. In the mean time… we’ll continue to update this post with any new information provided. We’ve also setup a gallery of Android 3.0 screen shots to hold you over. Enjoy!
- Google is emphasizing the video prowess of Android 3.0. They’ve demoed video chat using GTalk; complete with a botched cameo from “Lady Killer” Cee Lo Green. They’ve also had CNN on stage showing off a new application that features live streaming video from CNN and its affiliates around the globe.
- Google detailed the Android Market Web Store. This function will allow users to discover and browse the entire catalog of Android applications from their computer’s web browser. Applications can also be pushed directly to a linked device right from the browser. The site’s URL is: market.android.com.
- Addressing how users purchase applications: Google announced that “buyer currency” support will be coming to Android Market. Developers can enter explicit app prices for supported currencies allowing for region specific pricing.
- In-app purchases will also be coming to Android Market. The only timetable given was “soon”, but this is a feature that developers have been clamoring for. Currently, in-app purchases are being testing with several developers including Disney Mobile.
