Enhanced web browser
Android's WebKit-based web browser has been enhanced with a new anonymous browsing mode, better interface for organizing bookmarks and history, bookmark sync with Google Chrome, automatic sign-in to Google sites via your Google Account. Expect new multitouch controls and improved zooming and panning. Multiple tabs support rounds up the impressive list of subtle, but noteworthy improvements in Android 3.0's web browser.
Richer multimedia
Android 3.0 introduces new multimedia features catering to content owners like Netflix aiming to copy-protect their media with digital-rights management (DRM). It supports HTTP Live streaming protocol found on Apple's iDevices.
Widgets in Android 3.0 offer higher interactivity with 3D stacks, new multitouch gestures and more.
As a result of HTTP Live streaming, apps are able to deliver music and videos behind most firewalls and routers while dynamically optimizing streaming quality to your given network connection and throughput.
Nicer-looking apps
Like Apple, Google rewrote core applications to take advantage of the larger form factor and portrait or landscape orientation. The revamped Gallery app features full-screen album viewing with new controls for quick access to individual photos in an album.
You will appreciate the updated Camera app that works full screen and offers handy controls for exposure, focus, flash, zoom, front-facing camera and more.
The new-look Contacts app boasts a two-pane interface and has fast scrolling and automated phone number formatting.
The enhanced Email app packs in a brand spanking new home screen widget that offers an at-a-glance preview of incoming messages. It also supports offline attachments and has a two-pane interface for easier email organizing plus group copy, move and delete operations.
Nice-to-haves
Other Android 3.0 perks include drag-and-drop in supported apps, a new system-wide clipboard, an improved cut, copy and paste designed around touch-holding a word and using a loupe (like on iOS). Android's virtual keyboard has been redesigned and now includes bigger keys.
It also adds a new TAB key and handy buttons for switching between text and voice input and for accessing additional characters by touch-holding keys. An improved Bluetooth support paves the way for a greater headset control, wireless audio streaming to Bluetooth devices, Bluetooth modem tethering and the ability to use external USB or Bluetooth keyboards with your device.
© 2009 - 2013 Bright Side Of News*, All rights reserved.
