Ice Cream Sandwich source code released, custom ROMs inevitable
The Google ice cream truck hit neighborhoods early, handing out tasty ice cream sandwiches to everyone! That’s right, the Ice Cream Sandwich source code was made available and modders couldn’t get the wrapper off quick enough. AOSP Software Engineer Jean-Baptiste Queru broke the news yesterday and stated that it was “actually the source code for version 4.0.1 of Android, which is the specific version that will ship on the Galaxy Nexus.” He also made it a point to let everyone know that while this release includes the full history of the Android source code tree (Honeycomb included), everyone should try and focus on Ice Cream Sandwich (since Honeycomb was a little incomplete).
Well, I’m sure all the modders, developers and hackers are hard at work and we should start seeing those custom ROMs in no time. I can already smell CM9 (smells like bacon flavored ice cream) coming and hopefully this is also a sign that the Galaxy Nexus is right around the corner. Also be wary of anyone pushing out the “first” Android 4.0 custom ROMs, as they may end up being for notoriety purposes only and not too stable. Anyone interested can go ahead and grab the source along with all the instructions at the link below. Happy modding!
via Ice Cream Sandwich source code released, custom ROMs inevitableAndroidGuys.
HTC Ville detailed: HTC Sense 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, thinner than iPhone
We just got the scoop on another brand new HTC handset, which will be part of the company’s Mobile World Congress announcements alongside the HTC Edge we detailed yesterday. The HTC Ville (codename) is set to launch in April with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and, for the first time, HTC Sense 4.0. The smartphone will feature a 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display, and is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon Series 4 processor. In addition to those specifications, the HTC Ville will house an 8-megapixel backside-illuminated camera, just like the one on the HTC Edge, with 1080p HD video capture support. We’re told the handset won’t feature NFC due to the metal construction of the case, and it will be less than 8mm thick, we understand. Lastly, it will be a HSPA+ device powered by a 1,650 mAh battery, and of course Beats audio processing will be included as well.
via HTC Ville detailed: HTC Sense 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, thinner than iPhone.
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich now official, includes revamped design, enhancements galore
Google has taken the stage in Hong Kong to make the next version of Android OS, nicknamed Ice Cream Sandwich, a thing of reality. Better known as Android 4.0, the update offers a massive redesign to the user interface and adds a plethora of new features. Some of the highlights include an NFC-enabled feature called Android Beam, offline search in Gmail, new lock screen features and a fancy unlocking method called “Face Unlock,” which uses facial recognition to ensure strangers cant use your phone without permission. Ice Cream Sandwich also includes enhancements in almost every native app within Android itself. The SDK is already available for Android 4.0, and the update itself will make its first public appearance on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, also unveiled tonight. After the break, well cover all of the nitty gritty details, along with some excellent screenshots below. So come along, why wont you?
Here’s some of the enhancements found in Ice Cream Sandwich:
- Option to use virtual buttons in the UI, instead of taking up capacitive touch buttons
- Widgets are in a new tab, listed in a similar list to apps
- Folders are much easier to create, with a drag-and-drop style similar to iOS
- A customizable launcher
- New phone app with visual voicemail functionality that lets you speed up or slow down voicemail messages
- Pinch-to-zoom functionality in the calendar
- Gmail has offline search, a two-line preview, and new action bar at the bottom
- Swipe left or right to switch between Gmail conversations
- Integrated screenshot capture by holding power and volume down buttons
- Improved error correction on the keyboard
- Ability to access apps directly from lock screen (similar to HTC Sense 3.x)
- Improved copy and paste
- Better voice integration
- Face Unlock, a facial recognition service
- New tabbed web browser, allowing up to 16 tabs
- Browser now automatically syncs your Chrome bookmarks
- Modern “Roboto” font
- Data Usage section in settings lets you set warnings when you reach a certain amount of use and disabling data when you go over your limit
- Ability to kill off apps that are using data in the background
- Camera app: zero shutter lag, time lapse settings, zoom while recording
- Built-in photo editor
- New gallery layout, organized by location and person
- Refreshed people app with social network integration, status updates and hi-res images
- Android Beam, a NFC feature that lets you exchange websites, contact info, directions, YouTube, etc.
- Don’t like some of those preloaded carrier apps? Disable ’em. Android Engineer Dan Morrill mentions that, among other new features, any app can be disabled, and while it will still take up space in ROM, it won’t be snatching any of your precious resources or clock cycles again if you
Softbank Announces Sharp Aquos, First Announced Ice Cream Sandwich Device due Next Year
Soon Google will be launching the first ever Ice Cream Sandwich powered device with Samsung and we can’t wait! But if you want to check out the first ever announced Ice Cream Sandwich device, then behold — the Sharp Aquos Phone 104SH. Obviously this one wouldn’t be the first ICS device to hit the market, but we can say that it’s the first one to be announced as an Ice Cream Sandwich device. No doubt the device is very sexy and good looking, not only from the outside, but it also has a lot of amazing goodies on the inside. It will be launched by Japanese network Softbank and they are planning to launch it somewhere in spring of 2012. Don’t know when or if it will be hitting other countries but I’m sure by then, we will have a huge number of ICS powered phones to choose from. Have a look at the spec sheet:
- Dual-core TI OMAP 44601.5-GHz processor
- 4.5-inch touchscreen (1280×720 resolution)
- 12.1-megapixel primary camera (capable of 1080p video capture)
- 2 GB storage
- microSDHC expansion slot
- dust-proof and water-proof build
- compatibility with WCDMA and GSM networks
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0 support
- physical dimensions of 65 mm × 129 mm × 8.7 mm
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