Google Android 2.3 Gingerbread has a new UI, better keyboard, typing auto-correct, multitouch key chords, power consumption tools and downloads management. Android 2.3 Gingerbread, called the the fastest version of Android yet, also features support for Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi hotspots and Internet calling (VoIP/SIP support).
The user interface is refined in many ways across the system, making it easier to learn, faster to use, and more power-efficient.
The Android soft keyboard is redesigned and optimized for faster text input and editing. The keys themselves are reshaped and repositioned for improved targeting, making them easier to see and press accurately, even at high speeds. The keyboard also displays the current character and dictionary suggestions in a larger, more vivid style that is easier to read.
The application now lets the user access multiple cameras on the device, including a front-facing camera, if available.
The keyboard adds the capability to correct entered words from
suggestions in the dictionary. As the user selects a word already
entered, the keyboard displays suggestions that the user can choose
from, to replace the selection. The user can also switch to voice input
mode to replace the selection. Smart suggestions let the user accept a
suggestion and then return to correct it later, if needed, from the
original set of suggestions.
New multitouch key-chording lets the user quickly enter numbers and symbols by pressing [Shift+]
without needing to manually switch input modes. From certain keys,
users can also access a popup menu of accented characters, numbers, and
symbols by holding the key and sliding to select a character.
It features one-touch word selection and copy/paste
The Android system takes a more active role in managing apps that are
keeping the device awake for too long or that are consuming CPU while
running in the background. By managing such apps - closing them if
appropriate - the system helps ensure best possible performance and
maximum battery life.
The system also gives the user more visibility over the power being
consumed by system components and running apps. The Application settings
provides an accurate overview of how the battery is being used, with
details of the usage and relative power consumed by each component or
application.
A shortcut to the Manage Applications control now appears in the
Options Menu in the Home screen and Launcher, making it much easier to
check and manage application activity. Once the user enters Manage
Applications, a new Running tab displays a list of active applications
and the storage and memory being used by each. The user can read further
details about each application and if necessary stop an application or
report feedback to its developer.
An updated set of standard applications lets the user take new approaches to managing information and relationships.
The user can make voice calls over the internet to other users who
have SIP accounts. The user can add an internet calling number (a SIP
address) to any Contact and can initiate a call from Quick Contact or
Dialer. To use internet calling, the user must create an account at the
SIP provider of their choice - SIP accounts are not provided as part of
the internet calling feature. Additionally, support for the platform's
SIP and internet calling features on specific devices is determined by
their manufacturers and associated carriers.
An NFC Reader application lets the user read and interact with
near-field communication (NFC) tags. For example, the user can "touch"
or "swipe" an NFC tag that might be embedded in a poster, sticker, or
advertisement, then act on the data read from the tag. A typical use
would be to read a tag at a restaurant, store, or event and then rate or
register by jumping to a web site whose URL is included in the tag
data. NFC communication relies on wireless technology in the device
hardware, so support for the platform's NFC features on specific devices
is determined by their manufacturers.
The Downloads application gives the user easy access to any file
downloaded from the browser, email, or another application. Downloads is
built on an completely new download manager facility in the system that
any other applications can use, to more easily manage and store their
downloads.