google_android_sdk_2.0_eclair

There have been rumors surrounding the Android 2.0 SDK for a while now, but it had not yet been released to developers. We knew this would be coming soon, since the Verizon Droid would be launching next month and is reported to run Android 2.0. Well, the wait is now over.

In a post on the Android Developers Blog, Google announced that the Android 2.0 SDK is now available to developers. Much like the announcement of the Android 1.6 SDK, the features being announced now will soon be making their way to new and some existing Android handsets. Major new features include:

  • Contact improvements, including the ability to add multiple accounts for contact synchronization, including Exchange support. Developers can also create sync adapters to synchronize with other data platforms.
  • Quick Contacts feature, which allows for instant access to the various ways to interact with a contact by clicking on a contact photo or icon.
  • Exchange Support including email and contacts (calendar not mentioned, so, unsure if it is available). (Although handset manufacturers can choose to include or exclude Exchange support).
  • Email support for a combined inbox for multiple accounts and Exchange.
  • Search functionality within SMS and MMS messages on device.
  • Enhanced camera functionality including: built-in flash, digital zoom, scene mode, white balance, color effects and a macro focus mode.
  • Improvements to the Android Virtual keyboard to increase accuracy and typing speed. This is accomplished via revamped multi-touch support.
  • Browser enhancements including double-tap zoom (like the iPhone), support for HTML5 (including database support), and the <video> tag.
  • Calendar enhancements include support for infinite scrolling in agenda mode (so you can see more than a few weeks of appointments), event status for each invitee, and the ability to invite guests to events.
  • Bluetooth 2.1 support, including Object Push Profile (OPP) and Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP) profiles.

More information, including an introductory video, can be found on the Android 2.0 Platform Highlights page on the Android Developer site.

Android 2.0 Platform Highlights (via the Android Developers Blog)

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