Google Fleshes Out Details for Android 2.2
WiFi tethering, full Flash support and improved performance among features highlighted in demonstration.
Google officially unveiled the details for Android 2.2, codenamed "Froyo" today at their I/O Conference on May 20. Vic Gundotra, the Vice President of Engineering debuted the updated operating system, championing it as truly open.
Among the key features in the newest build of the Linux-based open source OS were WiFi tethering, Microsoft Exchange Server support and enhanced communication with the cloud. But one of the biggest announcements for consumers was that Android 2.2 will feature full support of Flash 10.1 both as a video container and in user interfaces.
"It turns out, people use Flash," Gundotra said, taking one of many jabs at Apple.
"Froyo" is now a requirement to run Flash on an Android device, as the APIs necessary are only available in 2.2. The 10.1 beta is available now, with the final version on track for June. Flash will be available in the Android App store.
Also demonstrated was a cloud-to-device API that pushed, not only data from one device to another, but was also capable of triggering Android intents. The demonstration given during the keynote showed a Google mapped trip route in the desktop version of Chrome. The user then clicked a button in-browser, which then sent the trip information to the mobile device, triggering the Google Map app to launch with the trip information preloaded.
Android 2.2 also uses the cloud to autoupdate apps, backup application data, and transfers of downloaded items from browser to device. Music or apps can be downloaded on a laptop or PC and will show-up on the Android 2.2-enabled mobile device soon after.
Google's acquisition of Simplify Media debuted its first Android implementation, as the ability to stream your home music library through a mobile phone was integrated directly into the Android 2.2 music player. Whether or not this feature will be limited to WiFi or available over 3G wasn't discussed.
Other app love included a bug report function that allows users to look at the bug history of any app, including full stack traces. It's also possible to save or move apps directly to an SD card. Finally, app data is indexed, so that not only names of apps show up in quick searches, but also accounts or other information associated with an app.
Google also demoed the V8 JavaScript Engine in Android 2.2 running on an Nexus One against another Nexus One running Android 2.1 and an iPad. Android 2.2 won the benchmark test and Gundotra touted it as the fastest mobile browser.
Gundotra also touted Google's advertising experience. Admob, AdSense, Doubleclick and Analytics will all work in Android 2.2. Rich advertisements available include drop-downs, location based custom ads, and click-to-calls, which allow potential customers to dial directly to a business or promotional offer.
The SDK for Android 2.2 is available now.
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
-
New Steam Client Ups the Ante for Linux
The latest release from Steam has some pretty cool tricks up its sleeve.
-
Gnome OS Transitioning Toward a General-Purpose Distro
If you're looking for the perfectly vanilla take on the Gnome desktop, Gnome OS might be for you.
-
Fedora 41 Released with New Features
If you're a Fedora fan or just looking for a Linux distribution to help you migrate from Windows, Fedora 41 might be just the ticket.
-
AlmaLinux OS Kitten 10 Gives Power Users a Sneak Preview
If you're looking to kick the tires of AlmaLinux's upstream version, the developers have a purrfect solution.
-
Gnome 47.1 Released with a Few Fixes
The latest release of the Gnome desktop is all about fixing a few nagging issues and not about bringing new features into the mix.
-
System76 Unveils an Ampere-Powered Thelio Desktop
If you're looking for a new desktop system for developing autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle solutions. System76 has you covered.
-
VirtualBox 7.1.4 Includes Initial Support for Linux kernel 6.12
The latest version of VirtualBox has arrived and it not only adds initial support for kernel 6.12 but another feature that will make using the virtual machine tool much easier.
-
New Slimbook EVO with Raw AMD Ryzen Power
If you're looking for serious power in a 14" ultrabook that is powered by Linux, Slimbook has just the thing for you.
-
The Gnome Foundation Struggling to Stay Afloat
The foundation behind the Gnome desktop environment is having to go through some serious belt-tightening due to continued financial problems.
-
Thousands of Linux Servers Infected with Stealth Malware Since 2021
Perfctl is capable of remaining undetected, which makes it dangerous and hard to mitigate.