Android 1.5 "Cupcake" arrives

By Eric Brown
2009-04-14

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The Google-sponsored Android mobile Linux project has released a rough-hewn "Early Look" version of the Android 1.5 SDK, says our sister publication, eWEEK. Code-named "Cupcake," Android 1.5 offers faster Gmail conversation list scrolling, as well as UI refinements to the browser, says the story.

(Click for a larger view of HTC's Android-based Magic)

The open source Android 1.5 includes new and enhanced APIs and developer tools, including new frameworks for UI (user interface), home screen, media, input methods, and speech recognition, says the story by Nicholas Kolakowski. Other features are said to include accelerometer-based application rotations, as well as enhancements to SMS and MMS messaging, the browser, Gmail, calendar, email, application management, and "a UI polish for in-call experience," says the story.

As we detailed in our previous Cupcake coverage, Android 1.5 is expected to include an updated Linux kernel, and the latest WebKit browser, which offers the new Squirrelfish Javascript engine. Additional features are said to include a virtual keyboard, cut and paste, stereo Bluetooth support, video and voice recording, and MMS attachment support. The release is said to provide a page that shows which third-party applications are currently running, as well as a settings dashboard for adjusting animation speed, font size, and button behavior.

This cupcake still needs some frosting ...

The "Early Look" SDK (software development kit) is said to have a different component structure than earlier Android releases, so it will not work with older Eclipse plugins (ADT 0.8). In addition, tools and documentation are incomplete, says eWEEK. Since the APIs may change before the final release later this Spring, developers are warned against compiling applications for distribution using the release.

For now, Android appears to be commercially available only on the HTC G1 sold by wireless carrier T-Mobile, but that should soon change. For starters, Vodafone and HTC are expected to release the second-generation HTC Magic phone (pictured at top) in the second quarter. Although the Magic will be sold exclusively by Vodafone, according to the carrier, Cupcake will also supercharge the existing G1 sold by T-Mobile. The release should have a much farther reach than that, however. It will see action on a number of Android smartphones due later this year, as well as on other devices, including possible Android netbooks.

Availability

The eWEEK story by Nicholas Kolakowski, "Google Android 1.5 Early Look SDK Has Cupcake, Eats It Too," should be available here.

The announcement and download page for the early-look Android 1.5 SDK may be found here, and a change list should be here.

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