Google splits Android for Tablets

The new version 3.0 of Android is only for tablets. Smartphones get later an own minor version of Google's mobile operating system.

Android 3.0 (codename Honeycomb) is optimized for tablets and only for that type of mobile computer.Smartphones don't get Android 3.0, they have to wait for Android 2.4 (codenamed Ice Cream). Google has this confirmed by the public unveiling of Honeycomb last week.

Transfer

Minor version 2.4 do get some features of the tablet variant of Android. It is not known what those features are.Google has stated that later may be an alternate version of Honeycomb comes for smartphones.

That would then be a later version or a variant, such as version 2.4 with some 3.0 features. A recently spotted Sony-prototype probable don't use Android 2.4, but just the current 2.3 (Gingerbread).

Summer 2011

Previous month Google said Android 2.4 's coming up for release next summer. It is expected that the new smartphone-version first will be unveiled at the Google i/o Conference in May this year.

When Android 2.4 than really on phones is available for end users, is unknown. It is also the question of whether – and which –  Current devices are upgradeable to the new version.

Google wants to boost sales paid apps

Google Apps

Google is not satisfied with the number of paid apps that are deducted in the Android Market. The company would like to make some adjustments to push that number up. So it should be possible worldwide to checkout with the Telecom provider.
The number of sales paid applications is not what Google expected. That Eric Chu, Google's Android platform manager let know in a question and answer session of the Inside Social Apps conference.

There are a number of things that Google wants to pick it up. Paying via the Telecom provider can already at AT & T. The user charges using the phone bill instead of another payment. This should also be possible in other countries. Although working together with Telecom operators for Google can be a time-consuming task, it is for the user, so considers Chu, a valuable service. The user would easier purchase in the application store.

The algorithm which applications in the Android Market are ordered, must be improved. Thus, the user can easily find the best applications.
To let the Android Market a more social event to be meaningful, the address book on the Android phones will be accessible to developers. This links are collected from various sources, not just the user's address book to Google.
It should also be possible to pay within an application, in addition to the existing possibility to pay for an app itself. That's going to happen this quarter. At Apple this is already possible.

Android 2.4 in summer 2011?

The latest version of Android, 2.3, runs only on 0.4% of all Android smart phones, but the rumours machine on the successor is already at full capacity. In the smart phone world won't Android 3.0, but Android 2.4 the successor. Android 2.4 with the name ' Ice Cream ' on board. Google focuses sight with Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) on tablets.

Anonymous sources have reported that the new version in June or July 2011 will emerge. There is currently much unclear. A few days ago a new Sony Ericsson Android phone appeared, which according to the screen shots uses Android 2.4. Sony Ericsson confirmed this, but later denied this. The error was depreciated on the configuration of the phone.

It remains so far so to speculate. HTC is currently still preparing its smart phones for Android 2.3, so Android 2.4 still seems far away.

HTC wants smartphone sales double in Q1 2011

Taiwan's HTC has established that they will in the first quarter of 2011 sell twice as many units compared to the previous year.

To realize this HTC have to sell worldwide approximately 8.5 million (smart) phones. HTC has recently gained significant market share, and still battle with Apple, Nokia, Samsung and BlackBerry. By using especially Google's Android, HTC has gained much.

Samsung Galaxy S2, successor of the Galaxy S?

Samsung

Some leaked messages that the Samsung Galaxy S2 the successor will be of the very popular Samsung Galaxy S, of which there are already more than 10 million sold.

Despite the quality specifications of its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S2 impresses thanks to some nice improvements. So will this phone have a Super AMOLED Plus display. This is a new type of display that provides sharper images and better in sunlight to view than the Super AMOLED screen of the Galaxy S. Moreover, it is expected that the Galaxy S2 will run on Android 2.3 and will feature a dual-core processor. This processor delivers better and faster performance from your phone while he asks of you battery less.

The expectation is that the Samsung Galaxy S2 is officially presented in February and in the second quarter of this year can be ordered.