14 DAY TRIAL // Android 2.0, the latest version of Google's operating system, is almost here. Today is the day when the first mobile phone to run under it is expected to make an official appearance, namely Motorola Droid, and Google has already announced that the new flavor of the OS, also known around the world as Eclair, is now supported in the Android SDK.
The Android Developers team has also announced that some changes have been made in the Android SDK, and that those who would like to build applications for the new Android 2.0 OS won't have to download a new SDK, as the older one already has the necessary tools, but only a set of additional components. Those who already have the Android SDK should use the SDK Manager both to add Android 2.0 support to the existing SDK and to update the SDK Tools to revision 3. Those who are new to the area should download the Android SDK and then use the SDK manager to add platforms.
“Android 2.0 brings new developer APIs for sync, Bluetooth, and a few other areas. Using the new sync, account manager and contacts APIs, you can write applications to enable users to sync their devices to various contact sources. You can also give users a faster way to communicate with others by embedding Quick Contact within your application. With the new Bluetooth API, you can now easily add peer-to-peer connectivity or gaming to your applications,” is how the Android Developers team describes the new OS version.
Developers who would like to build applications for the Android 2.0 platform should know that the Android SDK Tools, revision 3 is a required component. It comes with support for code coverage via the Ant build system, and also includes Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) support. Developers using Eclipse should download ADT (Android Development Tools) version 0.9.4.
A series of screenshots with the new Android 2.0 as well as a video presentation of the platform are available below for your viewing pleasure. According to the Android Developers, future Android-based handsets will run either Android 1.5, 1.6, or 2.0, which means that developers have three platform versions to build for. Moreover, it seems that Android 2.0 should see a minor update before the end of the ongoing year, the last update before 2010. One other thing that should be noted is that Android 2.0 handsets sporting WVGA (800x480) and FWVGA (854x480) resolutions are expected to soon emerge on the market.
Download the Android SDK with Android 2.0 support for Windows Download the Android SDK with Android 2.0 support for Mac OS Download the Android SDK with Android 2.0 support for Linux
