Android 2.0 and SDK
Google has brought its Linux-based operating system for mobile devices to version 2.0, with corresponding developer tools on hand.
Android 2.0 is considered a major release for smartphones with Android. The Android folks give November as the start date. Users and developers should find an assortment of enhancements. Developers will get a new API that is installable as of the Android 1.6 SDK. The Android developer website provides some guidance.
Among the enhancements in Android 2.0 is the possibility to add multiple accounts for synchronizing email and contacts, including Exchange accounts. Developers can also create sync adapters for additional data sources, whereby users can be provided bypasses to bottlenecks for synchronizing with services other than Exchange or Google Mail. Another new feature is Quick Contact, a widget that allows instant access via phone, SMS or email to a contact by clicking a photo or icon. Even the typing function was improved: the virtual keyboard should improve typing speed thanks to a new layout, including multi-touch support to prevent errors in two-finger mode.
Bluetooth 2.1 and its accompanying Object Push Profile (OPP) and Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP) promise improved wireless connections for Android 2.0.
| Gallery (4 images) |
|---|
|
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Mint 22.2 Beta Available for Testing
Some interesting new additions and improvements are coming to Linux Mint. Check out the Linux Mint 22.2 Beta to give it a test run.
-
Debian 13.0 Officially Released
After two years of development, the latest iteration of Debian is now available with plenty of under-the-hood improvements.
-
Upcoming Changes for MXLinux
MXLinux 25 has plenty in store to please all types of users.
-
A New Linux AI Assistant in Town
Newelle, a Linux AI assistant, works with different LLMs and includes document parsing and profiles.
-
Linux Kernel 6.16 Released with Minor Fixes
The latest Linux kernel doesn't really include any big-ticket features, just a lot of lines of code.
-
EU Sovereign Tech Fund Gains Traction
OpenForum Europe recently released a report regarding a sovereign tech fund with backing from several significant entities.
-
FreeBSD Promises a Full Desktop Installer
FreeBSD has lacked an option to include a full desktop environment during installation.
-
Linux Hits an Important Milestone
If you pay attention to the news in the Linux-sphere, you've probably heard that the open source operating system recently crashed through a ceiling no one thought possible.
-
Plasma Bigscreen Returns
A developer discovered that the Plasma Bigscreen feature had been sitting untouched, so he decided to do something about it.
-
CachyOS Now Lets Users Choose Their Shell
Imagine getting the opportunity to select which shell you want during the installation of your favorite Linux distribution. That's now a thing.