Android 4.0, nicknamed Ice Cream Sandwich, is the most delightful OS yet from Google. The OS has been redesigned and refined to fit into the emerging lifestyle of the modern man.
After several speculations, the OS is finally in the hands of users; and interestingly, most people are still fascinated by the technology that created the Android 4.0 ICS. The OS came along with the latest Samsung Galaxy Nexus smartphone in December 2011.
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich has a refined interface with great features plus huge enhancements over the previous versions of the Android OS.
1. The Less Cluttered User Interface
Android 4.0 is designed such that all buttons are touch-screen; and the direction of the buttons change when the phone is flipped. The interface is much less cluttered compared with previous versions. On a first look, the interface appears very simple and bland.
Basically, Android 4.0 ICS comes with a new navigation path, customizable home screens (5 home screens), translucent notification tray and new network icons.
The major navigation buttons are Home, Back and Recent Apps. These buttons immediately shrink to the barest minimum when you are watching videos or browsing the Internet. A Google search bar appears on top of the home screen with the text ‘Google’ on the left and a microphone on the right. Also, the app launcher interface has been nicely revamped.
2. Resizable and Transferable Widgets
There are different sizes of widgets which can be added to the home screen very easily. The widgets come in sizes of 3×1, 3×2 and 2×2 and can be resized. Also, you can select any of the widgets and set them on any of the home screens. Widgets like Gmail, Calendar and Reader have been made not to require opening the main app to see updates.
3. Multitasking Made Easy
Now, switching between apps that are running is very swift. Usually, the home screen would display the list of apps that are running. To remove any of these items, all you have to do is tap and hold, then swipe your device to the right or left. The same goes for notifications.
4. Easier Messaging with Better Keyboard
The layout of the Android 4.0 ICS keyboard makes typing easier, and the inbuilt dictionary predicts words very smartly Also, wrongly spelt words are automatically corrected and words not present in the memory are immediately underlined. This makes messaging and emailing much easier and faster.
Furthermore, the Contact App has been changed to People App. It now has a tidier interface and offers three different views. There is a new Google view that includes more details of your contacts that have Google accounts.
5. The Revamped Camera app
Android 4.0 ICS camera app offers enough setting options to take very good pictures. The camera requires only about 3 to 4 seconds to load properly; and you are given options to share taken pictures on the preview pane.
6. The Uncluttered GTalk and Gmail Interfaces
The Android 4.0 comes with a less cluttered GTalk interface that features larger avatars and allows only 6 users on the basic screen. Also, the new GTalk supports the use of multiple accounts. Moreover, Gmail now looks very light and operates swiftly
For a new user, you need a couple of days to understand the new interface. However, once you have crossed this stage, the Android 4.0 or ‘Ice Cream Sandwich’ is truly the most delightful Android you have ever seen.
Android 4.0 Accessibilty: Turning on Accessibility
Android 4.0 Accessibility: Exploring the Launcher
Android 4.0 Accessibility: Using the On-Screen Keyboard
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