The countdown for Google IO has started and with that next version of Android. Android Froyo named after Frozen Yogurt will be the next version coinciding with Google IO.
After the ultrafast Apple iPad release; Android’s focus will be on a more faster and consistent user interface.
To make the platform faster Foryo will have JIT option added in Dalvik and Linux kernel version 2.6.32 in base. JIT compilation, also known as a dynamic compilation, converts a code at runtime prior to executing it natively. For example, it makes code compile natively for its architecture after its compiled using Dalvik dx tool. This will increase speed up to 3 times faster. Newer version of Linux uses less ram which will boost performance.
The next big features which Google would be aiming at will be consistency of user experience on Android platform. Presently there are 12 different hardware platform in market with 3 dominant version of Android; Cupcake 1.5, Donut 1.6 and Éclair 2.x. To make consistent user behavior Google is separating Core application from platform. So core application updates will be pushed by Google without depending on telcos and device manufacturer.
Also it is building a unified OTA provision tool, which will help with automatic app update from market. Presently you have to update app manually. With this once you have given approval, apps will get updated automatically whenever a new version is available. This will be a huge boost for developer and users.
One of the most awaited features would be Flash support on Android. Google has promised adding Flash support natively from Froyo. This will take Apple vs Google fight to next level with each trying to build better devices for users. It will open plethora of opportunities for application developers to use flash and make more interactive user application.
Also on cards is enhancement in OpenGL support and better performance for touch screen. Presently using touch event take so much CPU power that it is effecting performance of games on Android. With better OpenGL and touch screen support Android will bring many game developers to platform who stayed away last year.
Foryo will feature lots of small update which will impact overall user experience. A colorful trackball for Nexus One is one of them. It will allow to different color blinking for each notification.
As Google is taking time to release update this version will have many bug fixes and will be more stable than previous versions.
There are already photos of Dell phones with Froyo running on it. No doubt that it will be Dell’s turn now to be the first company to showcase latest Android version.
Come on Froyo, we are waiting..