Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

With the impending release of the Verizon Droid, we already know that Android 2.0 is on the way.  There have been some leaks regarding what’s going into the next version of the mobile OS, and now Google has made them official.  The new version will add a lot of interesting features that could lead to some interesting new devices, as well as better functionality.

Among those new features is support for a larger variety of screen sizes, which will allow for the Verizon Droid’s massive 845 x 480 pixel display.  The new screen sizes will allow all apps to work on all phones, but larger screens will obviously see more than smaller screens.  The biggest improvement aside from allowing for larger screens, which should make most users of stock Android rejoice is an improved virtual keyboard with multitouch support.  No more typing too fast for the keyboard by using two fingers, finally.  It would make sense for multitouch to also come to the now improved browser, but sadly Apple has the patents on that is seems.  Instead, the new browser will feature double-tap to zoom, as well as HTML 5 support and an improved UI.  Other improvements include a combined inbox, Quick Contact to easily select just how you want to contact someone, and a host of camera improvements among others.

Android 2.0 looks to be the Android version we’ve all been waiting for.  Sure, the platform, like all platforms, will never please anyone, but it’s certainly improving a lot.  The SDK was just released today and the consumer version should be ready by November by the looks of it.  It might not have the app selection or the brand that is associated with the iPhone, but for those who don’t want to be stuck with AT&T or Apple, Android is becoming a more viable option.  With 2.0 and the upcoming Droid, it might finally be Android’s time to show off what it can do.

Read [Android Developers]