Details Emerging on the Next Android Update

Significant details are now available on an upcoming update to the Android OS. These are coming from unofficial sources, as neither Google nor T-Mobile -- maker of the only Android-powered device on the market -- is willing to officially talk much about it. When this update will be released is an open question, though.

There have been reports for at least a month now about an Android update code-named "cupcake".   From the beginning, all of these have agreed that the most significant new feature will be an on-screen keyboard. This will allow users to enter text with the T-Mobile G1 in portrait mode. Currently, users of this device have to rotate it to landscape mode and open the keyboard to enter text.

Other Changes

In addition, there will reportedly be a number of smaller changes to the operating system. Among these is a new, simple notepad application.

There's also supposedly an easier way to pull up a list of details on currently running applications. However, this doesn't seem to include a way to close these apps from this window.

Also, there will be new ways to control how the user interface works. This will allow users to set font size, the speed of the transition animation, and more. 

Coming When?

According to unconfirmed reports, the T-Mobile G1 could get the cupcake update before the end of this month. However T-Mobile flatly denies this.

A statement from this wireless carrier says:

According to the Android team, "Cupcake," which is the code name for an Android software build, is still a work in progress that is considered to be a development branch and not for general availability.

 via AndroidTapp