Ice Cream Sandwich Release Date: Breakdown of Some of the Top New Features
Google and Samsung hosted a joint media event on Wednesday called “Mobile Unpacking” in which the companies unveiled the new Galaxy Nexus smartphone and its operating system, Ice Cream Sandwich OS.
Ice Cream Sandwich, also known as Android 4.0, includes many new upgrades and features.
Here are some of the systems most interesting aspects.
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UI
Roboto, the new graphics foundation, allows the user of the system to enjoy a super clean typeface on Ice Cream sandwich. Samsung and Google promise that Roboto will give the OS’s display the appearance of a professional magazine layout. The system also features a new target sensing lock screen unlock. It also allows the user to add whatever apps they wish to their favorite’s tray.
Widgets
Widgets can now be piled on top of one another with the introduction of scrolling stacks. The Gmail widget app differs from Honeycomb’s version by allowing the user to scroll through their emails without clicking in.The addition of folders also helps the user to organize apps by simply clicking and dragging them into a desired destination.
Screenshot
One of the most simple, yet interesting features on Ice Cream Sandwich is the new screen shot capability. By simultaneously holding down the power and volume down button the user can capture a still of any particular screen they want others to see and it will immediately be added to their photo gallery.
Facial Recognition
Ice Cream Sandwich allows the user to unlock their phone using facial recognition technology. What this means is that the device’s interface can be accessed by the phone scanning the users face with its camera. This makes locking more efficient on the smartphone since it blocks access to anyone without the users face from getting into the smartphone.
Panorama
Panorama allows Ice Cream Sandwich users to create an image which is stitched together using footage taken of a certain area. In other words, the camera can scan an entire desk and include the entire piece of furniture in an image if scanned properly.
Android Beam
This may be one of the most useful features which can only be accessed through smartphones that are NFC (near field communications) ready. The Galaxy Nexus will be able to use Android Beam to transfer media, web pages and articles by simply touching two Android handsets together back to back. This system can also be used to pay for products at supermarkets and scan concert tickets at events.
