Android 2.3 is here and what does it bring?

Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) has been released on the 6th of December 2010. While it is still a minor release, Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) would probably bring greater surprises. Atleast I am hoping that there would be the "Wow" factor with it.

Here are a few features of the Gingerbread version:

• Updated user interface design


• Support for extra-large screen sizes and resolutions (WXGA and higher)


• Native support for SIP VoIP telephony


• Support for WebM/VP8 video playback, and AAC audio encoding


• New audio effects such as reverb, equalization, headphone virtualization, and bass boost


• Support for Near Field Communication


• System-wide copy–paste functionalities


• Redesigned multi-touch software keyboard


• Enhanced support for native code development


• Audio, graphical, and input enhancements for game developers


• Concurrent garbage collection for increased performance


• Native support for more sensors (such as gyroscopes and barometers)


• A download manager for long running downloads


• Improved power management and application control


• Native support for multiple cameras


• Switched from YAFFS to the ext4 filesystem


• An Integrated task Manager

Alongside the new platform, Google is also releasing updates to the Software Development Kit (SDK) tools (r8), Native Development Kit (NDK) and Android Development Tools (ADT) plug-in for Eclipse (8.0.0).

The new features are simplified debug builds, integrated ProGaurd support, HierarchyViewer improvements and a preview of new UI Builder.  For a few of the reviews you can go here:

Gizmodo's Review - Android 2.3 Gingerbread Review: Better Than Fruitcake

Techworld's review - Google Android 2.3 Gingerbread review