Database Users

android 2.3 feature :)

1. Tweaked UI
It doesn’t sound like the Android UI is getting a complete overhaul till Honeycomb, but Gingerbread will include some small tweaks. The notification bar at the top of the screen has gone from white to black, the launcher buttons are now green instead of translucent, and many of the native app icons have received a makeover.
Most of the existing native apps will also look slightly updated thanks to tweaks with the styling of menus, check boxes, and radio buttons as leaked in the last Google Maps update. Other small tweaks include new animations when you swipe across the desktop and when you power off the display (as reported by Phandroid).
2. Near Field Communications (NFC)
We first reported back in October that Samsung’s Google experience phone would support MasterCard PayPass, and then last week Eric Schmidt confirmed that Gingerbread would support Near Field Communication (NFC).
NFC is a short-range, high frequency wireless communication technology that only operates when two devices are about 4 inches apart. It is basically just another form of electronic identification except the ID is tied to a bank or credit card company. All the user needs to do is just setup their account then tap their phone to a wireless payment pad and complete the transaction.
Eric Schmidt said that in the future your phone could replace your credit card, so you can see how important this is to Google and their partners.
Opponents of NFC say it might fail because it is too complex and big companies will fight over who owns the point of control for the transaction, but if Google is going to make this a standard feature on all future Gingerbread phones then we think that ensures it will at least move the mobile payment standard forward.
MasterCard has not been confirmed as a NFC partner, but I think there is a good chance they are on board in addition to some other payment companies like PayPal.
3. New Motion Control APIs
True 1:1 motion processing is coming to Gingerbread thanks to InvenSense, the company behind the MEMS gyroscope sensor found in the Nintendo Wii MotionPlus controller.
Gyroscope sensors have already appeared in some phones like the Samsung Galaxy S, but Android 2.3 will add new sensor fusion APIs including quaternion, rotation matrix, linear acceleration and gravity. These new tools will open the door to all kinds of motion controls for augmented reality apps, games, navigation systems, and camera improvements like image stabilization.
See our previous post for a video with several real-world demos.
4. Native Video Chat
In his last interview, Andy Rubin hinted that native video chat was coming to the next version of Android. “We support video chat today, with Google Talk Video. It works on the desktop. Whether that can be repurposed and made appropriate for sipping bandwidth for mobile, it’s an exercise that’s underway.”
If Mr. Rubin is willing to admit that it’s underway, that tells me the project could be nearing completion and already in the testing phases.
It looks like all the high-end phones coming in the next few months will include front-facing cameras so this is another sign that Android is ready for a native video sharing app to connect all these devices.
5. New Android Market
Google has been telling us for awhile that a new Android Market was coming and recently said new features could appear in the next few weeks. The Android Market can be updated separately from the operating system, but the timing tells us the new Market could be tied to the release of Gingerbread.
Confirmed features for the new Android Market include YouTube video previews, parental controls, PayPal payments, and new high-res promotion graphics that sound like they will be used on the desktop browser version of the Market.
At the Google I/O Developer Conference we attended back in May, Vic Gundotra demonstrated the browser version of the Market that was being tested. See the video below for an idea of what to expect.
6. Google Music
As you can see from the video above, Google is also working on a music streaming service for Android. They launched a music search service earlier this year and hoped to get their music store opened before Christmas, but the latest reports say it might be delayed till 2011. Apparently the music labels are still negotiating with Google on how their “digital locker” will store purchased music, but maybe they come to an agreement this year.
This is coming sooner or later so if it doesn’t make it into Gingerbread then I expect we will see it early next year when Honeycomb tablets are revealed.
7. Support For More Large Screen Devices
On the Android Device Dashboard there is a report where Google displays the different screen sizes and densities of devices that access the Android Market. The Large category is currently blank, but look for more big screen devices like tablets to be officially supported in Android 2.3. This means we could see more 7-inch tablets like the Galaxy Tab (1024 x 600) get certified and maybe a few other resolutions for the new smartphone displays that are rumored to be coming.
We have also heard that Google might relax the rules of their Compatibility Definition Document and allow non-3G devices to be certified. No WiFi-only devices have been certified to use the Android Market yet, but Android 2.3 should hopefully change that.
In a somewhat related note, I believe this is the reason the WiFi-only Galaxy Tab was delayed till next year so that Samsung could make sure that Google allowed them to ship it with the Android Market.
8. Virtual Keyboard Enhancements
Google recently acquired hot startup BlindType to improve their virtual keyboard and we are hearing the enhancements might be coming as soon as Gingerbread. The old company website is now down, but you can still see a demo of their technology on YouTube.
What is BlindType? It is a revolutionary system that:
Eliminates touch typing frustrations
Allows for super sloppy typing
Helps you type easier and faster
Constantly adjusts to the user’s “perceived” keyboard and typing style
Just type the way you are used to – no gestures, nothing new to learn!
9. Support for WebM and VP8
We know that support for WebM and the VP8 video format are coming to Gingerbread because Google and the WebM team have told us this.
WebM is defined on the official project page as, “An open media file format designed for the web. WebM files consist of video streams compressed with the VP8 video codec and audio streams compressed with the Vorbis audio codec. The WebM file structure is based on the Matroska media container. Though video is also now core to the web experience, there is unfortunately no open and free video format that is on par with the leading commercial choices. To that end, we started the WebM project, a broadly-backed community effort to develop an open web media format.”
YouTube now offers WebM videos as part of its HTML5 player experiment. Logitech and Skype are also working with the format for future video calling services.
10. New YouTube With Broadcasting
As we get near the end of the list some of these possible features might be a stretch, but there are still hints that new YouTube features are coming. Phandroid reported that Gingerbread will have a new YouTube app and we know that they are also testing their new live broadcasting platform.
If you look at how important video will be to the upcoming Gingerbread experience, then it is not too hard to imagine that YouTube will allow live broadcasting from your phone similar to Qik or Ustream.
The next generation of superphones will include dual-core processors that support 1080p video streaming and also have speedy 4G connections, so the hardware is definitely going to be there to make it happen.
11. Google Me or Social Gaming Network
Google recently denied the reports they were working on a Facebook competitor called Google Me, but all the signs are there that Google is working on a way to bring together all their social services. TechCrunch reported that Google’s master pitchman Vic Gundotra was being placed in charge of the project, so we expect big things from him.
Andy Rubin hinted that Gingerbread would include improvements for gaming in a previous interview. “I think gaming is an area that I think is underserved right now. If we were to carefully look at what new features and functionalities in the platform that we would need to support all forms of gaming across the entire spectrum, I think that would probably be an interesting thing to pay attention to.”
A number of recent acquisitions and partner agreements might also play a role in this social gaming platform. In the last year Google acquired LabPixies for $25 million (an Israeli startup that made web games), Jambool for $70 million (makers of a virtual currenty platform), Slide for $182 million (Facebook games developer), and invested $100-200 million in Zynga (makers of Farmville).
Apple’s Game Center and platforms like Open Feint have really raised the bar for social gaming, so Google will have to release something soon if they want to catch up.
12. Flagship Phone – Nexus S
Finally, what good is a brand new operating system unless you have a flagship product that can show off all the new features. That device is the Samsung Nexus S which is widely expected to be released alongside Android 2.3. Google’s CEO recently demoed the phone to show off its NFC capabilities, so hopefully we see the device soon.
The Nexus S was originally planned to launch at Best Buy on November 11th, but then TechCrunch reported a serious hardware issue had caused a delay. One of our tipsters said the original Samsung Nexus S was scrapped for a newer dual-core version, which shocked many people because they did not expect Samsung to have a dual-core phone this year, but another trusted source also confirmed that Samsung had such a device in testing.
Conclusion
In the next few weeks we should hopefully get an official list of new Android 2.3 features from Google, but don’t be surprised if Andy Rubin doesn’t announce anything on December 6th.
Google and Samsung already missed the rumored launch date, so they could delay this project till next year in order to iron out all the launch details. Some would say that Samsung has rushed their recent Android products to market without properly testing them (aka GPS issues), so I have no problem with them taking as long as they need.
I would love a taste of Gingerbread for Christmas, but if waiting till next year gets me a fully functional dual-core Nexus S then I’m all for waiting.
How do you think Android 2.3 is shaping up so far? Does this sound like a worthy update, or do you hope that Google is packing in even more exciting features? What other types of improvements would you like to see included with Android 2.3?
If you think I’m leaving off any confirmed features, please leave a comment and I’ll gladly add them to the list.
ANDROID AND ME

You should quote the source:
http://androidandme.com/2010/11/new...at-andy-rubin-might-announce-on-december-6th/

1) Has nothing to do with the X10, since a bunch of those new features are unsupported hardware wise by the phone.
2) NFC for payments is already around, and nearly every new Android phone in Japan includes it, plus Infrared and a TV Tuner.
3) Stock UI is absolute garbage, and from the leaked Nexus S shots, looks to have gotten worse.

iead1 said:
1) Has nothing to do with the X10, since a bunch of those new features are unsupported hardware wise by the phone.
2) NFC for payments is already around, and nearly every new Android phone in Japan includes it, plus Infrared and a TV Tuner.
3) Stock UI is absolute garbage, and from the leaked Nexus S shots, looks to have gotten worse.
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Actually, Japan has had NFC for many years. NTT's FOMA been promoting it LONG LONG LONG time ago. People in Japan r using it like its something normal for their lives now. Unlike us, where we all are still reluctant whether to use it or not when it comes...

Yeah, I was really sad when I changed to the X10 and lost my abilty to pay for McDonalds and the train via cellphone. At least smartphones are catching up, finally.

Honycomb games & apps to take advantage of the screen size? like the ipad?

is there going to be honeycomb 3.0 apps & games to take advantage of the screen size? like the ipad?

hope it will be

well this confirms it..it does..
In a statement posted Tuesday on the Android developer blog, Google announced the official release of the Android 3.0 SDK. Third-party developers can now publish Honeycomb-compatible applications for the upcoming Android tablets—including the Motorola Xoom, which is expected to debut this week.
Google released a preview of the 3.0 SDK last month, giving third-party developers an early look at the platform's new tablet user interface and an opportunity to get a head start on application development. The new APIs were still subject to change, however, so developers were blocked from publishing their Android 3.0 applications until the official SDK release.
Google says that the APIs are now in their final form and that developers are free to start making their Android 3.0 applications available through the Android Market. As we discussed in our recent look at the SDK preview, the new version of the platform introduces some compelling features that will make it easier for third-party developers to build tablet-friendly Android applications.
Thanks to the early availability of the SDK preview, some developers could already have tablet versions of their applications ready to go for the Xoom launch.

But will the apps from 2.2 work on 3.0 and scale automatically, as they did on the SGT?

I own the Xoom. As for games and all apps. It kind of depends. I can play anything I had before, but some games are designed for tablets and some are not. Those that are not have horrible graphics, slow response, off resolution, etc.

What about productivity software?
- Touchdown for Exchange (for Exchange e-mail). Short question here: does Xoom support Exchange, as in Calendaring, accepting, declining meetings and all that through ActiveSync?
- Office Talk Free -> does it scale up well on the screen? This is for Office Communicator and is essential for me.
- Word processing - how is it?

No one using this software?

n.vasiliu said:
What about productivity software?
- Touchdown for Exchange (for Exchange e-mail). Short question here: does Xoom support Exchange, as in Calendaring, accepting, declining meetings and all that through ActiveSync?
- Office Talk Free -> does it scale up well on the screen? This is for Office Communicator and is essential for me.
- Word processing - how is it?
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I would like to know also since my company uses TD for Exchange & I use Office Talk Free.

HC 3.2 coming :D brace yourselves.

Hi there, just been reading about this after I found it on a gadget website this morning . hopefully it'll ship to tablets soon..... or if the devs in here, mdj and dexter are feeling generous they may buy one of the new tablets and port it over perhaps??
http://2dayblog.com/2011/06/23/android-3-2-coming-this-summer/
quick quote if you aren't allowed external site access and youre reading from your xda app.
"Yesterday we saw the launch of the world’s first Android 3.2 tablet, Huawei’s MediaPad. However, it seems it won’t be long until we see more tablets running 3.2, as the build is set for release this summer.
Android 3.2 doesn’t offer much in the way of features. This is my next reports that it does contain some bug fixes and improved hardware acceleration, but the biggest thing is that it will bring support for Qualcomm processors as well as Nvidia’s popular Tegra 2 chipset.
The Motorola Xoom will reportedly get Android 3.2 in the next few weeks, but Qualcomm support could mean that current 7-inchers (like the HTC Flyer) may also get the update. Fingers crossed!"
So seeing as the Xoom is getting it in the next few weeks, lets give support to our devs and maybe the A500 may get it also.

HC 3.2 is just 3.1 optimised for 7" tablets. Of no real relevance to Acer Iconia A500 users. It really should have been called 3.11 but then that might have recalled some scary memories for seasoned Windows users.

tonyblack said:
HC 3.2 is just 3.1 optimised for 7" tablets. Of no real relevance to Acer Iconia A500 users. It really should have been called 3.11 but then that might have recalled some scary memories for seasoned Windows users.
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I remember those days, LOL

daswahnsinn said:
I remember those days, LOL
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Yeah, trying to get a Windows 3.11 PC connected to a novell netware network using thinnet cable, made even Linux administration seem easy.

tonyblack said:
HC 3.2 is just 3.1 optimised for 7" tablets. Of no real relevance to Acer Iconia A500 users. It really should have been called 3.11 but then that might have recalled some scary memories for seasoned Windows users.
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I got nostalgic for my first Windows PC, so I'm running my old "friend" Windows 3.11 on my Iconia using DOSbox.
In relevance to the thread though:
"Tech site This Is My Next, however, reports that Android 3.2 Honeycomb will be the last in the Android 3.x series and that it has several new features:
- optimized for 7-inch devices,
- expands support for more mobile processors such as NVIDIA Tegra 2 and Qualcomm’s processors,
- fixes some bugs and improves hardware acceleration, and
- provides updates to widgets and apps (e.g., Movies, Movie Studio, Music, etc.)."
http://www.androidauthority.com/google-brings-out-quickie-android-3-2-honeycomb-update-17253/

Good news for CM fans!

From the official CM blog:
It’s been awhile since the last update and I just wanted to let everyone know about our progress with CM9. As I mentioned in the previous update, Android 4.0 contains many internal changes that require updated graphics drivers. Unfortunately, these drivers are almost always closed-source and don’t appear until a device or devkit is released with them. For many devices, our hands are tied. Some very clever workarounds have gone into CM9, but we’re still blocked on some subsystems like the camera.
Since Android 4.0 is such a major change from 2.3, we started with a fresh codebase from Google and have been forward-porting features from CM7 with an eye on design and better integration. This is a somewhat time-consuming process, but it allows us to rethink everything. We’ve eliminated the CMParts app, instead choosing to add our custom features directly into the main settings. We are also taking a “just works” approach when it comes to configuration- CM7 had too many options that just weren’t widely used. We hope to achieve a good balance between tweakability and a great out-of-the-box experience. I want your phone or tablet to feel like it should have come with CM9.
Currently, you can compile CM9 for a small number of devices- notably the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (Wi-Fi and T-Mobile versions), the HP Touchpad and Motorola Xoom. The next devices to show up will likely be a whole array of Samsung phones (Exynos chipset), with devices based on the Qualcomm MSM8660 and 7×30 chipsets to follow. It’s still unclear if we can provide support for the QSD8x50 family of devices (Nexus One, HTC Evo, etc), but the answer almost always turns out to be “yes” for these kinds of things.
As our hardware support improves, I’ll keep this blog updated. As much as we’d like to stay ahead of the manufacturers, it may be a tie this time Thanks for the continued support, and please consider dropping us a buck or two using the link at the bottom of the page if you enjoy CyanogenMod.
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While it doesn't say specifically, it looks like we'll be getting official CM9 support!

The day that is released (stable) will mark the day of my first non-stock flash of the Note.

[Q] Will the ICS update wipe my data?

Please, I want a confirmed answer from someone who has updated to ICS from stock HC.
Will the update wipe all my data? I've seen answers here stating that it will, and that it won't. So, what's going to happen, FOR REAL??

No.
Sent from my A500 using xda premium

CaH9 said:
No.
Sent from my A500 using xda premium
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Beautiful answer, exactly what I wanted! Thanks!
Can't wait for the update

I got the OTA update yesterday, My tab is stock btw, i did the update and everything was there afterwards, no issues at all , no data loss and all the apps work fine. but no Ring like was promised. Oh well, it does work a bit faster and smoother.

danc135 said:
Please, I want a confirmed answer from someone who has updated to ICS from stock HC.
Will the update wipe all my data? I've seen answers here stating that it will, and that it won't. So, what's going to happen, FOR REAL??
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Apps are definitely not wiped.
I personally recommend you factory reset after though, just in case you end up one of those with issues after the upgrade. I factory reset mine even though I had no problems. So, backup whatever is on your internal storage that you want just in case you do end up having to wipe it.

F2504x4 said:
but no Ring like was promised.
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Could you please post a source for that?

gammaRascal said:
Could you please post a source for that?
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Sure,
http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer...ndroid-ice-cream-sandwich-upgrade-iconia-tabs
http://www.androidtablets.net/forum...ics-update-happened-morning-5.html#post204252
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5547/acer-updates-iconia-tablets-to-android-40
Copy of the stated Acer Press release
http://www.ijailbreak.com/android/acer-america-a500-a100-android-4-0-update/
ACER ICONIA TAB TABLETS UPDATED TO ANDROID 4.0
Acer Transitions Popular Iconia™ Tab Line to Android 4.0 to Give Customers More Features and Capabilities
SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 17, 2012 – Acer America is now updating its award-winning Acer Iconia™ Tab line of tablets with the latest version of Android 4.0 OS (Ice Cream Sandwich).
The update is being pushed to Acer Iconia Tab A200 customers over-the-air now in the United States and will be completed over the following week. The Acer Iconia Tab A100 7-inch tablet and Acer Iconia Tab A500 10-inch tablet will both be updated in April.
With Android 4.0, the Acer Iconia Tab line will provide new features to give customers more usability and enjoyment from their tablets. Customers will notice the improvements right away – including the faster browser, enhanced app and folder management options, more intuitive navigation, and a completely reimaged design that is more polished with enhanced holographic effects. Plus, customers can more easily customize their Acer tablet and will enjoy improved multitasking and switching between tasks. They will also appreciate improved integration with Gmail’s email and calendar functions.
“The many enhancements in Android 4.0 OS complement the sleek, powerful and well-designed Acer Iconia Tab tablets to give customers an all-around first-rate experience,” said Paul Tayar, Director Product Marketing – Connected Devices, Acer America. “Customers will experience greater entertainment and productivity with the new capabilities and features on their tablets.”
Features and Enhancements Unique to Acer Tablets
The new update of Android 4.0 also includes several new features that are unique to Acer tablets. The updated tablets will now feature the highly-customizable Acer Ring, making it incredibly natural and easy to get instant access to favorite apps and features. The Acer Ring can be launched with a single touch and lets customers have quick and easy access to apps, surf the web, capture screen images, post photos and status updates to their social networks, and more.
Customers will also enjoy an improved weather widget and will be able to access their favorite apps even when the screen is locked.
Photos and Video Enhance Memories
Acer Iconia Tab customers will be able to do more with their photos and video thanks to the Android 4.0 update, including improved zoom and the ability to take snapshots while recording video. Customers will also be able to capture better still images and do more with them due to greater image stabilization and improved integration with third party apps. Both video clips and photos can be enhanced on the fly, stored and searched for based on various tags, and conveniently stored on Google+.​
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Awesome thanks.
It does say "The updated tablets will now feature the highly-customizable Acer Ring..."
I wonder if it will come with an update later.

I dont have a source but i did read it will be in an update later on

bassdroid said:
I dont have a source but i did read it will be in an update later on
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I hope so I actually wanted to play around with that feature.

Guys I updated My galaxy Note from Android 2.3.6 to ICS 4.0.3. Data located in usbStorage were not available after the update eventhough the space is still used??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Apps, photos and Music were intact
Any idea please???

yma981 said:
Guys I updated My galaxy Note from Android 2.3.6 to ICS 4.0.3. Data located in usbStorage were not available after the update eventhough the space is still used??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Apps, photos and Music were intact
Any idea please???
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You should ask this question on galaxy note forum.