We got our first look at Android 3.0 Honeycomb at CES in January 2011. Later that month, Google released the SDK preview, and we really got into the OS. Honeycomb is Google's version of Android that is specifically for large screen devices like tablets and Google TV. It remains it's own special code branch until the platform is unified by adding feature support for smartphones in Ice Cream Sandwich sometime in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Honeycomb brings a feature-rich Android experience to tablets, and ushers in a major change in the way Google controls Android. Rather than make the Honeycomb version of Android available to everyone, Google is holding OEMs to stricter hardware and software standards. Some may argue that this goes against the open philosophy we're used to from Google, but it affords them a tighter control and focuses development.
Android 3.0 highlights
- A new "holographic" user interface and interaction model -- what we've seen on the Motorola Xoom.
- UI framework for creating great apps for larger screen devices.
- High-performance 2D and 3D graphics.
- Support for multicore processor architectures.
- Rich multimedia: New multimedia features such as HTTP Live streaming support, a pluggable DRM framework, and easy media file transfer through MTP/PTP, give developers new ways to bring rich content to users.
- New types of connectivity: New APIs for Bluetooth A2DP and HSP let applications offer audio streaming and headset control. Support for Bluetooth insecure socket connection lets applications connect to simple devices that may not have a user interface.
- Enhancements for enterprise: New administrative policies, such as for encrypted storage and password expiration, help enterprise administrators manage devices more effectively.
Android 3.1 Honeycomb was announced at Google IO in May, and the Motorola Xoom started receiving updates within a day or so.
Android 3.1 highlights
- Support for the new Android Market movie rentals service with thousands of titles available for immediate viewing on the Motorola XOOM’s high-resolution display or on a larger screen via HDMI
- Full support for the final release of Adobe® Flash® Player 10.2, delivering significant performance enhancements when viewing rich Flash content on the web
- Resizable widgets to enable further customization of home screens
- Support for USB-connected peripherals and accessories, such as keyboards, mice, game controllers and digital cameras
- Expanded Bluetooth features to support Bluetooth headsets in Google Talk™ video chats and Bluetooth mouse support in addition to additional shortcut keys with the Bluetooth keyboard
- Picture Transfer Protocol Feature support to enable easier transfer of photo files to your PC without the need for drivers
More Honeycomb stories
Article
by Chris Parsons
Sep 20, 2011
We've recieved a few more tips about the Motorola XOOM WiFi and now, a 3G version receiving a mysterious 1.5MB OTA update that bumps the device up to software version HTK55D.
I've personall...
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by Jerry Hildenbrand
Sep 19, 2011
With the release of Ice Cream Sandwich looming on the horizon, Android lead tech writer Scott Main has taken some time to talk to developers about how to get Honeycomb-only apps ready for the smalle...
Article
by Richard Devine
Sep 15, 2011
Following up on their introduction of the G9 range of Honeycomb tablets back in June (see our hands-on) , Archos has announced that the devices will be available starting September 20. The big news is...
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by Jared DiPane
Sep 15, 2011
If the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 was not for you, and you have been holding out for the 8.9-inch version you will be happy to know that Best Buy has begun the pre-order process for the device. The Samsu...
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by Phil Nickinson
Sep 14, 2011
If you've yet to pick up a Lenovo IdeaPad K1, you're definitely in remiss as far as Honeycomb tablets goes. Lenovo's 10.1-inch consumer-friendly (as opposed to the more business-oriented ThinkPad tab...
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by Chris Parsons
Sep 14, 2011
It was just last month we saw a beta build Android 3.1 Honeycomb leak out for the Logitech Revue and here are now, mid September and another build has leaked out. This time, it's a user debug build a...
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by Richard Devine
Sep 13, 2011
When you think of Italy, you think of Ferrari, Pasta, beautiful architecture. You might not think of Android and with good reason. However, Italian company Olivetti has set out to change all tha...
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by Richard Devine
Sep 12, 2011
Even though we still don't have an official release date, the Asus Eeepad Slider has showed up for pre-order on Amazon.com starting at $479 for the 16GB version, with the 32GB variant hitting you...
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by Chris Parsons
Sep 12, 2011
With Rogers getting ready to light up more LTE areas as the months pass on, they did make note an LTE tablet would be coming eventually though, they didn't however mention which tablet it would ...
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by Chris Parsons
Sep 12, 2011
No doubt about it, Football is back in full swing. Last week the NFL released its official app for tablets and now DirecTV has gone ahead and launched its NFL Sunday Ticket app for Honeycomb tablets. ...
Article
by Phil Nickinson
Sep 12, 2011
AT&T today announced it will sell the Acer Iconia A501 Android Honeycomb tablet. The Iconia 501 is the same as the 10-inch Iconia a500 you've come to know and love over the past few months thanks...
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by Chris Parsons
Sep 08, 2011
Both Rogers and TELUS have brought the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 to Canada, with the device now being available across retail locations today. Much like the US launch -- the WiFi only equipped Galaxy Ta...
Review
by Joshua Munoz
Sep 07, 2011
YouTube link for mobile viewing I'm a huge fan of Honeycomb. I think Google developed something really cool with the TRON-like aesthetic, plus all of the bee-related imagery appeals to me. By d...
Article
by Alex Dobie
Sep 07, 2011
With the worldwide launch date of its Honeycomb-powered Tablet S and Tablet P fast approaching, Sony UK is giving potential customers the chance to ask a few questions in a live Q&A sess...
Article
by Richard Devine
Sep 06, 2011
The IFA show in Berlin has brought a wealth of devices this week, and Germanys own PC maker Medion decided they'd like to get in on the act by launching their own Android tablet. They've been quiet se...
Review
by Phil Nickinson
Sep 05, 2011
What would you give up to pack more features into an Android tablet? Would you be willing to sacrifice thinness? Accept a little more weight, or a design that's not quite as svelte as another tablet?...
Article
by Alex Dobie
Sep 05, 2011
Last Friday we reported that a RUU (ROM update utility) containing an early beta build of Android 3.2 Honeycomb for the Flyer tablet had leaked out online. Over the past couple of days, An...
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by Phil Nickinson
Sep 04, 2011
The HTC Jetstream 10-inch Honeycomb tablet and LG Thrill 4G Android smartphone are available today on AT&T. The Jetstream's going for a rather ridiculous $699 with a two-year contract, a...
Article
by Jerry Hildenbrand
Sep 02, 2011
The Google Voice app just received another update this evening, bumping it to version 4.2.34 and bringing a very short (but welcome) change log -- tablet support. We've seen just how easy it is ...
Article
by Jerry Hildenbrand
Sep 02, 2011
Google has just released the latest set of Android version numbers, and the overall trend of legacy version numbers dropping continues. There's no drastic changes, but a quick look at the chart ...
