Gingerbread SDK is released! Update: Video

Android 2.3 Gingerbread

Gingerbread is finally here, folks. Google has just released the SDK -- that's the software development kit, the building blocks for the OS.

We're about to dive headfirst into this guy, but here are the big strokes:

  • UI refinements
  • Faster, better keyboard
  • Better power management
  • Task manager is easier to get to.
  • Internet calling -- SIP support!
  • Near-field communications (NFC) for purchases and the like
  • Better downloads management.

And that's just the stuff for us end-users. There are a bunch of changes behind the scenes for developers. Stay tuned, folks. We'll have more in a bit. [Android Developer Highlights]

 Update: Google's video walkthough is after the break!

Phil Nickinson