This month, Google introduced the Ice Cream Sandwich – the fourth version of its Android operating system – with the release of Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus smart phone. Since the ICS was first previewed in May, Android news sources everywhere have been speculating about what new features Google has decided to include in its attempt to compete with Apple’s iOS. Now that the wait is over, is the Ice Cream Sandwich a delicious dessert that lives up to its hype or is it a melted mess?
The ICS represents Google’s attempt to place tablets and smart phones under the same operating system umbrella by combining the best features of Android 3.0 Gingerbread with the Honeycomb tablet OS. As a result, Android news sources are claiming that the software no longer feels like something “tacked on” to their devices, but it is an integrated system that captures more of what the iPhone offers in terms of smoothness and ease of use.
In addition to interface improvements, the ICS has several other new features. For example, it uses facial recognition software to lock the device, which gives users easier access to their phones by not requiring them to type in a password. Also, the ICS offers an improved camera app with lightning-fast shutter speed, panorama mode, time lapse, and a zoom function that works while recording. ICS also includes several photo editing tools that can be used to reduce red eye and create distorted pictures for amusement.
Another new feature of the ICS is Android Beam, which takes advantage of Near Field Communication (NFC) to enable users with Android phones in close proximity to share data at much faster speeds. The ICS also includes a data usage app to help users avoid going over their limits. Lastly, Google Chrome and Google+ social networking have been fully integrated into the ICS, enabling users to fully enjoy these programs without having to touch their computers.
Even with all these new features, did the Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich live up to users’ expectations? Most Android news sites seem to think so, claiming that the changes the ICS brings to the table have been desired by users for a long time. The main problem that Android still suffers from is the lack of hardware and software integration found in Apple devices. Like Windows-based operating systems, the hardware that uses it varies greatly, which may negatively affect users’ experience with the ICS if it’s on a less-than-stellar phone.
Even though Google takes a major step forward in bring Android devices together with the ICS, they still have not attained the level of seamlessness found in Apple’s hardware and software “ecosystem.”
Brandi Tolleson is an avid follower of the latest technology news and a prolific freelance writer.
