Android 3.0 “Gingerbread” Will Kill Off OEM UI “Skins”
New operating system will be for high end handsets only, will scrap third party shells (Motoblur, HTC Sense)
Android 2.2 seemed pretty cool, bringing Flash 10.1, a Davlik JIT compiler for faster apps, and the ability to run apps off a memory card. But Google’s recently unveiled Android 3.0 operating system, codenamed “Gingerbread” may make Android 2.2 “Froyo” look downright pedestrian.
First and foremost, not all Android phones will get Android 3.0 when it launches in Q4 of this year. Only high end handsets, and potentially tablets, will get the top of the line operating system. Laggard models (also known as “entry level” smartphones) will still run either Android 2.1/2.2, which will be kept alive by minor updates.
For those who experience Android 3.0, the taste will be sweet. The minimum spec calls for 1 GHz processors, 512 MB RAM, and a 3.5″ display. Resolutions of 1280×760 will be offered on displays 4″ and larger, surpassing the iPhone 4′s fancy “Retina Display”. And some phones are rumored to have 2 GHz processors (hopefully they’ll come with a hearty battery or employ significant die shrink power savings).
Another drastic change in Android 3.0 is that Google is killing off third-party user interface shells like Motorblur and HTC Sense, by offering a faster, superior alternative. The new built-in UI is reportedly similar to that seen in the Gallery app in this clip, with fluid animations and a photobook sort of feel to it.
The wealth of information was leaked by Mobile-review.com’s Eldar Murtazin in his Russian language/locale podcast “Digestiv.” This podcast has been translated by Unwired News.
In the podcast, Murtazin claims that the new OS will air to developers and tinkerers in mid-October 2010. That will be followed by a November/December series of hardware launches, just in time for the Christmas season.
Category: Software
Unfortunately I don't foresee Google taking a hard stance on this issue like Apple. I really wish Google would:
1) Require that, if a carrier/manufacturer insists on customizations, they are apps that can be easily removed. Don't like it? There's always Windows Mobile (I think I just threw up a little in my mouth).
2) Require that handset manufacturers provide the same specs across all models of a given phone. The new Samsung Galaxy S is a prime example of what _not_ to do. I understand that the carriers want to differentiate, but I think this is the wrong way to do it. Differentiate by offering _better_ features instead of adding/removing features. If the phone has a front facing camera, then they all should, but feel free to add a better one — just don't remove it.
3) All phones should be unlockable. As an Alaskan I am stuck with the lame offerings from the local carriers (Hey! At least they _have_ Android, and I admit they are getting the Desire) and what AT&T has, which is why I _still_ have a crap WinMo phone (although Android sort of works on it).
But I digress…
As a user I should have the choice to accept or decline the carriers/manufacturers offerings. Google just doesn't seem to have the guts to stand up to the likes of AT&T like Apples does and tell them if they don't like it then they can go somewhere else. On some level I have to assume that Google doesn't actually care about the user and simply cares about grabbing market. Hasn't the market already spoken and demonstrated that people want Android? Carriers should _want_ to sell Android phones, so Google should now have the ammunition to and stop letting the manufacturers/carriers fragment the market.
Unfortunately I don’t foresee Google taking a hard stance on this issue like Apple. I really wish Google would:
1) Require that, if a carrier/manufacturer insists on customizations, they are apps that can be easily removed. Don’t like it? There’s always Windows Mobile (I think I just threw up a little in my mouth).
2) Require that handset manufacturers provide the same specs across all models of a given phone. The new Samsung Galaxy S is a prime example of what _not_ to do. I understand that the carriers want to differentiate, but I think this is the wrong way to do it. Differentiate by offering _better_ features instead of adding/removing features. If the phone has a front facing camera, then they all should, but feel free to add a better one — just don’t remove it.
3) All phones should be unlockable. As an Alaskan I am stuck with the lame offerings from the local carriers (Hey! At least they _have_ Android, and I admit they are getting the Desire) and what AT&T has, which is why I _still_ have a crap WinMo phone (although Android sort of works on it).
But I digress…
As a user I should have the choice to accept or decline the carriers/manufacturers offerings. Google just doesn’t seem to have the guts to stand up to the likes of AT&T like Apples does and tell them if they don’t like it then they can go somewhere else. On some level I have to assume that Google doesn’t actually care about the user and simply cares about grabbing market. Hasn’t the market already spoken and demonstrated that people want Android? Carriers should _want_ to sell Android phones, so Google should now have the ammunition to and stop letting the manufacturers/carriers fragment the market.
That's because Google is all about freedom. That is why their platform is open-source. Most devices are unique in their own ways, meeting the needs of the person that buys it. Many of us, especially the older folk, don't want or need a front-facing camera. Some just want a smaller phone, while others want the latest and greatest. Variety + freedom is the key, which is what Apple lacks.
That’s because Google is all about freedom. That is why their platform is open-source. Most devices are unique in their own ways, meeting the needs of the person that buys it. Many of us, especially the older folk, don’t want or need a front-facing camera. Some just want a smaller phone, while others want the latest and greatest. Variety + freedom is the key, which is what Apple lacks.
I love HTC's phone, but not a fan of sense, and really not a fan that they force me to use it, and really really not a fan of how long it takes to get updates from google because they have to customize the rom to make sense work.
I hope the rumours are true and sense will die with 3.0. HTC should focus on continuing to make great phones and provide some cool widgets with the phone, that's it. Enough with the custom UI that takes 6+ months to update to the newest version of Android. I will not be getting another HTC phone if they continue to force sense, but will go with another android phone that uses googles native UI.
I love HTC’s phone, but not a fan of sense, and really not a fan that they force me to use it, and really really not a fan of how long it takes to get updates from google because they have to customize the rom to make sense work.
I hope the rumours are true and sense will die with 3.0. HTC should focus on continuing to make great phones and provide some cool widgets with the phone, that’s it. Enough with the custom UI that takes 6+ months to update to the newest version of Android. I will not be getting another HTC phone if they continue to force sense, but will go with another android phone that uses googles native UI.