Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich unveiled

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich unveiled

Last night, Google unveiled the latest iteration of the Android OS platform, version 4.0, code named Ice Cream Sandwich.

According to Google; Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich brings an entirely new look and feel to Android. The lock screen, widgets, notifications, multi-tasking and everything in between has been rethought and refined to make Android simple, beautiful, and beyond smart.  

Here’s a quick video preview of the new Samsung Galaxy Nexus phone, the first device to support Ice Cream Sandwich.

Google is highlighting the following as the primary features of Ice Cream Sandwich

Face Unlock

Android 4.0 supports facial recognition phone security! Now this is pretty cool. Using the front facing camera on the Galaxy Nexus, you can unlock your phone with a mere smile.

Android Beam

Using NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, Android phones will now be able to “beam” information to one another quickly and easily when in close proximity. You’ll be able to share contacts, websites, apps, media, just about anything with another Android phone, no cables or network connectivity required.

Voice Typing

Google’s innovation with voice input and voice recognition continues. The new voice typing feature will allow you to “type” emails, blog posts, or any other text just by talking.

Google +

Google’s social networking service is getting another big push thanks to tight integration in Android 4.0. The Android app will offer easy sharing options, a messenger app that allows you to communicate with groups of friends and a video chat feature.

The debut device

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus smartphone itself will feature a dual core 1.2GHz processor, a 720p HD display, single motion panoramic camera, zero shutter lag, “top notch” low light performance, 1080p video recording AND editing!

Booyah! This is what I’ve been waiting for. I’ve actually be considering the purchase of an iPhone 4S lately, primarily due to the video editing capabilities. Now that the Galaxy Nexus is set to arrive in November, it’s looking like it will be my next phone.

For more deets, check out the Google blog post on Android 4.0 and the Galaxy Nexus website.

Are you looking forward to getting your hands on Ice Cream Sandwich?

About Wes Novack

Wesley Novack is a Technologist working in the software industry, with extensive experience building and managing highly available applications, services, and systems in the public cloud. He has a breadth of experience in online publishing, the consumer electronics industry, and building internet communities. Wes enjoys hanging with his family, skateboarding, hiking, the vegan lifestyle, and a good cup of tea. You can find him on Twitter @WesleyTech.

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