Google has given the first public preview of a version of Android designed specifically for tablet devices.
Codenamed ‘Gingerbread’, Android 2.3, is an attempt to address shortcomings in the current 2.2 ‘Froyo’ version.
‘The unsuitability of the Android OS and its apps have been one of the chief criticisms of early Android tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab [pictured], the Toshiba Folio 100 and the ViewSonic ViewPad 10,’ notes Barry Collins for PC Pro.
Key areas in which Google says it has made improvements include text input and selection and copy and paste, power management and application and memory management.
Andy Rubin, ice president of engineering, said that Google is also working to improve Android’s interface.
‘You’ll see the fruits of that investment in the tablets first, and then the phones. We’re aware of the problem and we’re going to do better.’
Android is Google’s operating system for mobile devices, including the company’s new Nexus S phone.
