Android Gingerbread is about UI and maybe 3d?
I am glad to see that the first news about the next version of Android(dubbed “Gingerbread”) is already in the works. Currently pencilled in for release in Q4 of 2010, many users have been asking just what they can expect to see.
Luckily someone at Google has been chatting to Techcrunch and has dropped some juicy hints about what to expect from its Google insiders.
Google seem to be quite content with the features and although there will be some more tweaks, the primary focus on Gingerbread appears to be improving the user experience in Android.
Google getting Apple’s Secret Sauce?
The key success factor in making the Apple Os such a success is that each object in it whether it be a photo, video or email is treated as though it is the same as its physical counterpart.For example, When you take a picture and email it, the photo is stuck into the body of the message. This trait is something that is very easy to understand for the user as they have a physical frame of reference.
The forthcoming UI improvements in Android, I assume will be a product of its recent acquisition of “Bump Top” which will hopefully mean we will have more gestures, lasso control, application piles and hopefully 3d integrated within the OS.
Google is also hoping that this will mean an end to the manufacturers creating custom skins to the OS. My guy instinct is that in a competitive market, every manufacturer is going to pour resource behind improving and distinguishing itself from the competition. I seriously would be surprised if they manage to eradicate custom UIs, but best of luck with that Google.
Am looking forward to seeing some of the improvements over the next few months.
Original Post: Android Team “Laser Focused” On The User Experience For Next Release.