Google has released the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich source code through the Android Open Source Project (ASOP). This release comes ahead of the first Ice Cream Sandwich device, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, which launches on the 17th of November.
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is designed to run on both tablets and smartphones, marking a significant milestone in the Android ecosystem. This is the first time that Google has released an open-source version of Android for tablets, as they didn’t release Android 3.0 Honeycomb as open source. The decision to unify the operating system for both tablets and smartphones under a single version is aimed at providing a more cohesive and streamlined user experience across different device types.
This is actually the source code for version 4.0.1 of Android, which is the specific version that will ship on the Galaxy Nexus, the first Android 4.0 device. In the source tree, you will find a device build target named “full_maguro” that you can use to build a system image for Galaxy Nexus. Build configurations for other devices will come later.
Key Features of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich introduces a host of new features and improvements designed to enhance the user experience. Some of the key features include:
1. User Interface Enhancements: The new Holo theme brings a modern and visually appealing design to the Android interface. The revamped UI includes a new typeface called Roboto, which is optimized for high-resolution screens.
2. Improved Multitasking: The recent apps button allows users to switch between apps quickly and efficiently. The new multitasking interface displays a list of recently used apps with thumbnails, making it easier to navigate.
3. Face Unlock: This innovative feature allows users to unlock their devices using facial recognition technology. While not foolproof, it adds an extra layer of convenience and security.
4. Enhanced Notifications: The notification system has been improved to provide more information at a glance. Users can now swipe to dismiss individual notifications, making it easier to manage alerts.
5. Data Usage Management: Android 4.0 includes built-in tools to monitor and manage data usage. Users can set data limits and receive alerts when they approach their data cap, helping to avoid overage charges.
6. Unified Contacts and Social Networking: The People app integrates contacts with social networking profiles, providing a unified view of your contacts’ information and updates.
Developer Opportunities and Community Impact
The release of the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich source code through the Android Open Source Project opens up numerous opportunities for developers and the broader Android community. By providing access to the source code, Google enables developers to create custom ROMs, modify the operating system, and contribute to its ongoing development.
This open-source approach fosters innovation and collaboration within the community. Developers can experiment with new features, optimize performance for specific devices, and share their improvements with others. The availability of the source code also allows manufacturers to tailor the operating system to their hardware, ensuring a better user experience.
You can find out more details about Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich over at the Android Open Source Project.
Have a look at our Samsung Galaxy Nexus Review to see what we thought of Google and Samsung’s first Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich smartphone.
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