Android: Tale of a 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

No, not a smart dessert- Android has previewed its new platform, taking another giant leap for smartphones. Clearly, Android Honeycomb played its influence on tablets so well, that the Android team at Google decided to take the next step and place the flexible platform on its phones. Every single feature on Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) has been revamped from the original Froyo, beginning with the boot and lock screen.

The purported similar boot, featured in a Youtube video, makes use of improved graphics and loading time. Flexibility is the highlight of Android phones, and is also the feature which sets Google and Apple apart. Ice Cream Sandwich will most likely debut on Verizon, as the company had a head start ever since it debuted the Samsung Galaxy II this fall. Planned by Google, ICS is meant to run on the coming Galaxy Nexus, which will reportedly have a 1,280 x 720 pixel resolution viewed through a curved glass screen. After Google retracted the original due date of both ICS and the Galaxy Nexus, the new release date has been scheduled for October 11 during CTIA 2011.

Galaxy Nexus Hardware Specifics

The Galaxy Nexus features a TI OMAP 4460 Dual-Core 1.2 GHZ processor, allowing for better graphics and faster response. Also improved is the RAM size, now increased to 1 GB. Internal storage is satisfying enough, featuring 32 GB. Although storage may not be enough for some users, remember that Google is big on cloud computing, allowing users to place several files online via programs such as Google Docs. A 5-MP camera, although not as great as the iPhone 4S, is still capable of capturing 1080 HD. Other phones also running Android ICS will most likely have higher megapixel counts. For video chatting and conferences, a 1.3-MP camera has been added in the front. Required Google Wallet hardware (NFC), will also be enabled on this model. A 1,750 mAH battery supplies long-term battery life; Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth services are also included. The suspected phone width will be 9 mm thick.

Google Wallet

From coins, bills, to plastic cards- our evolving methods of payment just haven't stopped yet. Now, Google's in charge of the next change - where else can our money go? Also compatible with Android 4.0 ICS, Google Wallet is designed to completely replace your wallet and convert it into a virtual wallet. If Google Wallet works on a virtual platform, how is money transferred to your payments? New hardware, featured on the proposed Galaxy Nexus, will allow the user to tap a Google phone on the payment reader at a store. The phone will then send the user's payment, and Google will report offers and loyalty information to get you the latest coupons and discounts. This technology will allow a large increase in savings, giving discounts to you instead of you searching for them.

Google+ 2.0

In ICS, the well-known Google+ application will be updated again, allowing newer features which are more compatible towards Google Phones. Unlike Apple, Google does not particularly limit their operating systems to their own products- the company merely makes their utilities more compatible with their programs. The new application may include an improved photo upload system and sharing settings. As Google's newer phones debut, Google+ will also update to match improved features with newer hardware.

Overall, Google's new platform will be a total change from its past platforms, taking Android Honeycomb's ancestry roots along with it. To Google, the definition of "smartphone" is now "smartlife."