Android 2 3 is here and what does it bring

Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) has been released on the 6th of December 2010. While it is still a minor release, Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) would probably bring greater surprises. Atleast I am hoping that there would be the "Wow" factor with it.

Here are a few features of the Gingerbread version:

• Updated user interface design
• Support for extra-large screen sizes and resolutions (WXGA and higher)
• Native support for SIP VoIP telephony
• Support for WebM/VP8 video playback, and AAC audio encoding
• New audio effects such as reverb, equalization, headphone virtualization, and bass boost
• Support for Near Field Communication
• System-wide copy–paste functionalities
• Redesigned multi-touch software keyboard
• Enhanced support for native code development
• Audio, graphical, and input enhancements for game developers
• Concurrent garbage collection for increased performance
• Native support for more sensors (such as gyroscopes and barometers)
• A download manager for long running downloads
• Improved power management and application control
• Native support for multiple cameras
• Switched from YAFFS to the ext4 filesystem
• An Integrated task Manager

Alongside the new platform, Google is also releasing updates to the Software Development Kit (SDK) tools (r8), Native Development Kit (NDK) and Android Development Tools (ADT) plug-in for Eclipse (8.0.0).

The new features are simplified debug builds, integrated ProGaurd support, HierarchyViewer improvements and a preview of new UI Builder.  For a few of the reviews you can go here:

Gizmodos Review - Android 2.3 Gingerbread Review: Better Than Fruitcake

Techworlds review - Google Android 2.3 Gingerbread review

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