Android Gingerbread

Feb 14, 2011

Android OS 2.3 Gingerbread
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Ah, yes, the age old question; to buy now or wait! The beauty of the Android OS is that it's free (i.e. open source), and upgrading should largely be possible.

However, the challenge is that not all smartphones will have the necessary hardware to support newer operating Android operating systems like Android Gingerbread. For example, while most smartphones are capable of upgrading to Froyo (Android OS 2.2), some older handsets with slower processors, less memory, etc., are not. Even if you get a newer model, there are plenty of lower cost Android smartphones being launched that have slower/cheaper processors, less memory, etc., to help keep costs, down. i.e. It's never really guaranteed.

Also, keep in mind that once Google releases a new version, the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer like Samsung, HTC, Sanyo, etc.) must take the baseline Android OS and tweak it to work on their phones. This can take time, and depending on the sales volume and other factors, manufacturers may or many not spend the resources to create and distribute the newer OS.

In terms of what's included in Android Gingerbread 2.3 versus Froyo 2.2, here's some notes:

- User interface improvements making it easier and faster to use

- An improved virtual keyboard that makes text entry easier, and corrections also easier, including better access to numbers and symbols using the shift key instead of having to switch keyboards

- Improved power management with how open applications are handled, including the ability for the user to see what apps are using power. This is available currently by 3rd party applications, however, having Google build it in is much preferred

- Internet calling

- NFC (Near Field Communication) application that allows NFC equipped phones to interact with retail systems to make payments, read posters in stores, or restaurant info postings, etc.

- Better download management

- New camera application allowing for access to both front and rear-facing cameras

There's a bunch of other features that are more geared towards Developers, but this is a decent summary of the user-facing features.

I have no doubt that Android Gingerbread OS 2.3 will be a good improvement over Froyo 2.2. Should you wait? You know, once 2.3 is out, Honeycomb 3.0 will be just around the corner; so will you want to wait for that?! I think if you buy a newer device with the latest specs (ex. 1GHz processor, you should be able to upgrade. Particularly if it comes with 2.2, you should be safe. If it comes with 1.6, you're highly likely to be out of luck. Anything in between that is potentially unknown. If it were me, if I could get something I like now that comes with 2.2, I would just get it, but that's just me. I hope this helps; good luck!

Android Gingerbread

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Android Gingerbread

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