Google Still Says Android OS 2.3 Upgrade for the Nexus One Is Coming Soon

When Android OS 2.3 debuted on the Samsung Nexus S in December, most users of the Nexus One thought they'd be getting an upgrade in short order. A month later, they are still waiting.

This has caused some speculation in the Android community that there is some kind of problem with the upgrade to the new version, which also goes by the code-name Gingerbread. There have been a number of complaints about serious bugs in the Nexus S, including one that causes the device to crash during phone calls. Some have starting wondering if Google is waiting to release the upgrade for the Nexus One until all the reported issues have been cleared up.

Users of this device have a right to expect special treatment -- the Nexus One was the only phone ever sold by Google itself, and last year was designated the official phone for developers to use. That's why the company has a habit of releasing operating system upgrades for it as quickly as possible. It was the first with Android OS 2.1 and OS 2.2, and Google promised it would be one of the first with OS 2.3.

A beta of OS 2.2 for this device was out just a couple of days after this new version was announced last spring, which is why the month-long wait for OS 2.3 has caused concern that problems have emerged.

However, a member of the Android team assured Computerworld that they have run into no unexpected problems when creating the OS 2.3 upgrade, and that this will be sent out to users soon.

What's New in Android OS 2.3
Google's main goals in the latest version of its operating system for smartphones were improving the user interface, adding support for new types of communication, and fostering games development.

Google says that Gingerbread is the fastest version yet. Plus, Google has tweaked the user interface a bit, and given it an on-screen keyboard that many think is easier to type with.

The process for cut-and-paste has been enhanced by a set of movable bounding arrows (see image at right).

Support for multiple cameras has been built into Android OS 2.3 for video conferencing, and the new version also has support for VoIP/SIP software.

The enhancements made to improve gaming are intended to bring smoother animation and increased responsiveness.

Source