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Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Preview

Posted: , by Victor H.

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Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Preview
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) has made its debut and it’s every bit as exciting as we thought it would be. It’s probably the biggest redesign of Android for smartphones after the platform saw the light of day on the first Android handset, the T-Mobile G1, three years ago. For phone interfaces this is a huge leap, but compare it with Honeycomb tablets, and you'll see a gradual evolution. 

Let's also mention that ICS brings a single unified version of Android for both smartphones and tablets. Honeycomb was the "emergency landing" solution for tablets when it launched, only there to stop somewhat ridiculous attempts of tablet makers to put stretched out Froyo, which was made specifically for smaller screen, on the bigger tablet display. Now, we're back to a single solution for tablets and smartphones, but this time - it's optimized for both. Moreover, it's open sourced, so everyone will be able to lift the code. 

What gives? This will probably lead to Chinese manufacturers busting out even more phone and tablets, this time stuffed with Android 4.0. Google has also urged developers to optimize their applications for both phones and tablets, or exclude certain devices from seeing the app in the code. Older phone apps are also likely to receive a facelift benefitting from the new interface, so it definitely seems like a well-thought out move from Google.

Tron-ified user interface:

To understand the changes in ICS, we have to first understand what lies beneath them and beneath them is a huge change in the design team. If anything in ICS bears resemblance to webOS, it’s because Matias Duarte, the design brain behind it, has now taken over at Google. Duarte’s works at webOS show his keen affection for simplicity and enthusiasm for gestures, and that’s the direction Android ICS is slowly moving to. Slowly, because Android has grown Titanic-huge and even the slightest change in route requires some time. And that whole route, Duarte says, has been thought over, focusing around three priorities: enchanting, easy and smart.

Borrowed straight from Honeycomb, but slightly humanized with warmer tones than the rigid robotic feel of the tablet platform, the new interface underwent some changes. It actually looks somewhat similar to the redesigned Google web apps in terms of cleanness and simplification, but there's more to it. 

Navigation has been overhauled with the introduction of virtual buttons. There are three nearly omnipresent virtual buttons: the back, home and recent apps keys, which dim out only in certain apps like when watching movies or in the camera. Familiar on Honeycomb tablets, but unseen on Android phones up until now. Now this brings the question about what happens with the capacitive buttons on pre-Galaxy Nexus phones. Those capacitive buttons basically double in function with the new virtual buttons, so our guess is that those handsets will just have two sets of buttons. Not very pretty, as those new virtual buttons occupy space as well. We also guess newer Androids will look just like the Galaxy Nexus, e.g. no capacitive buttons on the bottom. 

Visual multitasking

Visual multitasking

Probably one of the biggest UI and functional changes is visual multitasking, which is now accessed by a single tap on the recent apps key. It’s visual because you can see the state of an app where you left it, tap on it - and you’re right back where you left off. It also supports swiping motions a la webOS, so that flicking an app to the right gets it out of the list, but doesn’t kill it. This has its roots in Google's tablet version of Android.

The notification dropdown has remained, but overall notifications have improved, as now they can be swiped away one at a time. They are also accessible from the lock screen. The virtual keyboard comes equipped with better error correction and spell checking.

The visuals are pumped up with nice animations added across the system. In addition, new homescreen folders are created in an iOS-like fashion by just dragging an icon onto another one.

Photo widget

Photo widget

A particular area of the UI coming straight from Honeycomb is the widgets. Everything from the way you access them to resizable widgets has been added to Android 4.0.

All of those changes are united under the umbrella of the new Roboto font, which replaces the previously used Droid Sans. It’s much better looking than the old one, but also bears some resemblance to Helvetica.

Changes in basic functionality, improved apps:


The new People app
The new People app

The new People app

The higlights of the new UI start with the brand new People app. This replaces the contacts app and is a much cleaner, visual solution to showing your contacts. Visual because the person’s image occupies a much larger space, and cleaner because it gets rid of all boxes, many delimiters leaving some nice blank spaces between fields, so you don’t feel in a clutter. Contacts images borrow a magazine-style UI in Google’s words, but the Windows Phone community cried foul that ICS is borrowing Metro UI elements. The Phone app has also been redesigned allowing you to call contacts with a single tap.

The Calendar has been swipe-enabled. You can now use gestures in the Calendar. Here, though, by swiping you switch between days, weeks and months. You can also pinch-to-zoom for a more detailed view of your agenda.

Gmail
Gmail

Gmail

Google Apps are among the biggest incentives for picking up an Android handset, and now the apps look even better. Overall, Google is moving to a simplistic interface, just as the one it launched on its web services. First on the list is the new Gmail, with swipe gestures. Now, it’s even better as Google has improved auto-completion of recipients, but also added quick responses and support for swipe gestures.

Second comes an overhauled Browser. We could argue that the average user would spend as much if not more time in the smartphone browser rather than calling, and that's why the change here is of paramount importance The browser now includes a “Save for offline reading” option and redesigned tab switcher looking much like the vertical multitasking list.


Improved Browser
Improved Browser

Improved Browser

Google has also published some benchmark results showing significantly improved JavaScript and overall performance due to a new version of WebKit used along with other enhancements. 

The browser now also allows you to switch to desktop versions of websites instead of getting stuck in the mobile one. Oh, and it has Incognito mode. And Flash. You know why.

The Camera app stripped off shutter lag and comes with facial recognition and image editing. In addition, there’s a new panorama mode baked right in the application allowing you to take panoramic shots with a single motion. Live Effects are added to the video capture, so you can fool around with the Silly Face effect or change your background to a custom image.

The new Gallery
The new Gallery

The new Gallery

When looking at the simplified Gallery, all focus is on images. Similarly to the People app, the gallery app is now just a collection of tiles. Cough, Metro UI, cough. The similarity is striking. The Gallery can also group pictures in albums by location and faces.

New features in Android ICS:


Incoming calls
Incoming calls

Incoming calls

The list of new features is pretty long but we particularly like the option to quick text responses to incoming calls. Now, that’s a really useful addition, a timesaver - whenever you get a call you can’t answer for some reason, an option instantly appears on the screen allowing you to select one of predefined text messages to answer and end the call.

You can now finally take screenshots without the need for additional apps, to the great joy of your fellow reviewers, but we can imagine users would also appreciate it. Face Unlock on the other hand will be widely appreciated by users. The name speaks for itself, you just need to look at the phone to unlock it.

After the Siri announcement on the iPhone 4S, Android's voice input system suddenly started looking a bit dated. No wonder - Siri uses 40 years of DARPA research, but we'd think Google will come with an answer. The first step to that is the new voice input engine in Android ICS. Hello, Siri, you might think. But it's rather: “Hello, long monologues,” as the new feature allows you to dictate text with longer pauses using not just English but other supported languages as well. No artificial intelligence or hot tempered answers. 

When we speak about Siri we should also note that ICS comes with much better accessibility. You can navigate without looking as the system gives you audio feedback for everything you press on the screen if you enable the option in Settings. The browser can also read text and put you to sleep with robotic lullabies. It will only read them, though, if that's what you want.

Network data stats
Network data stats

Network data stats

Android Beam on the other hand compensates with awesomeness. It is an NFC-enabled tap to share service allowing you to “beam” websites, directions and files. We're looking forward to testing the Beam, but it looks like a very, very big incentive for phone makers to finally start adding NFC to their phones. Just as a reminder, it's been a year since the NFC-enabled Nexus S launched, and there are hardly any other devices shipping with the chip pre-installed.

Android 4.0 gets a big productivity boost as now you can actually control network data. ICS gives you all the tools pre-baked in the system. And that’s seriously useful when we start going massively into LTE territory where tiered data rules supreme and overage fees could make you cry. In the settings, you have access to data usage by network (mobile or Wi-Fi), but also by each app. Impressive.

Expectations:

Overall, there's a feeling of solidity with Ice Cream Sandwich. It's a big update not because it brings a lot of new features (it does come with a few, but many we've already seen on Honeycomb), but because it's a statement by Google that it wants to see tablet and phone looks unified. ICS brings clarity and a healthy sense of control by Google, after the somewhat chaotic bi-directional, unclear path taken with Gingerbread and Honeycomb. Moreover, the feeling of a raw, beta product is now almost gone. It fine tunes the elements that needed to be improved, and introduces important usability improvements. 

One thing we're not so clear about is the way it will handle pre-Galaxy Nexus device updates. If it manages to live up to users' expectations for quick updates on a lot of devices, it will definitely gain traction. Hopefully, the newly announced DROID RAZR, and heavyweights like the Galaxy S II will get updates soon. But now it's back to you, do you like what you see in Ice Cream Sandwich? Chime in with your impressions in the comments below.



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1. mctcm posted on 19 Oct 2011, 06:13 1

I'd really wish this would come to the RAZR. I like the appearance of that phone much more than the Nexus S but I dont want to go with dated software that is wasted on stronger hardware.

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3. ledbetterp3 posted on 19 Oct 2011, 06:22 3

The RAZR will get this, you just have to wait longer because Motorola will be adding their custom UI to it, and eventually release it. You'll just have to stick with gingerbread in the mean time, and knowing Motorola, you will probably get your update before most other phones.

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5. ayephoner posted on 19 Oct 2011, 09:14 3 2

i dont think it will happen all that soon. and what happens to the physical buttons on older devices that get ICS?

and i see the design of the razr being more attractive, but over all they are very similar devices. if you want ICS, just go with the galaxy nexus.

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8. ledbetterp3 posted on 19 Oct 2011, 09:20 3

Im pretty sure older devices that get ICS will have the virtual buttons removed from the bottom of the screen, its common sense, or there will be an option to have them there or not.

And the update for ICS to the RAZR will probably come pretty quick, my guess is early 2012, which a contract is 2 years, so you will spend the majority of your time with ICS on it anyways...

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40. MpowerSkills posted on 19 Oct 2011, 19:59

I hope that is the case for the older devices, if not that would really ruin things.

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13. taz89 posted on 19 Oct 2011, 09:33

remember the the 1st ICS video leak that was on the nexus s which did not show any virtual buttons and used the capacitive buttons

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17. protozeloz posted on 19 Oct 2011, 10:05

according to the nexus S leak with ICS devices with "physical buttons" will not have the touch buttons

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30. vantenkiest posted on 19 Oct 2011, 13:32

i dont know i just saw that the nexus doesnt have an sd card slot.. thats way not cool

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50. Mario1017 posted on 21 Oct 2011, 00:44

It does have an SD Card slot, its behind the battery cover (like on every android)

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21. mctcm posted on 19 Oct 2011, 11:29 1

will you be able to flash cyanogen ICS (if that ever exists) over the stock RAZR?

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49. Mario1017 posted on 21 Oct 2011, 00:42

cyanogen has never been available on a moto device

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36. NVPMOTHAF posted on 19 Oct 2011, 18:39 2 3

Oh nobody comments on the steals from IOS like folders and take screenshots withouth third party apps. Finally google gets smart with features integrated. Hopefully they will fix the issues with Gingerbread and I wont have to take calls on the mess ups of Android.

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42. vantenkiest posted on 20 Oct 2011, 01:49

Folders arent apples property.. they have been in MANY MANY Operating Systems.. Most likely in the one you are using to type that.. linux mac osx windows unix even DOS in a manner uses folders directories.. are you really going to complain about it? if so then you got some research to do so you can point the finger at all but the one who started it.. EVEN the crap os Microsoft BOB had folders.. talk about a pos. anywho do your homework.

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46. NVPMOTHAF posted on 20 Oct 2011, 18:46 1

I was talking about on mobile phones JA. Now as quoted in the forum "In addition, new homescreen folders are created in an iOS-like fashion by just dragging an icon onto another one." Now......like I was saying, nobody wants to say anything when Android copies IOS. And no S*&% computer OSs have folders......but again nobody was talking about computer OSs and nobody was talking about folder directories, I was talking about the look of the folders and how you organize and create them.,

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51. L3610n posted on 21 Oct 2011, 00:57 1 1

WTH?? My Cingular 8125 windows mobile had folders and that was YEARS ago.. get over it.

I guess it's even though. iOS takes the notification bar while Gingerbread and up have the screenshots.

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47. ztkells posted on 20 Oct 2011, 22:17

To add. The friends app definitely reminds me of the exact one on the Windows Phone.... Just sayin.

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48. NVPMOTHAF posted on 20 Oct 2011, 23:41 1 2

I second that. Like I said Nobody says anything when Android steals ideas but everybody was on Apple for putting notifications.

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53. mattpp31 posted on 22 Oct 2011, 12:32

I've been able to take native screen shots with my HTC Sensation 4G ever since I first got it...

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2. abdane posted on 19 Oct 2011, 06:14 4

EPIC ! i just want the ICS on my S2 ! ^^ CANT WAIT :)

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4. arcq12 posted on 19 Oct 2011, 09:04 5 4

Based on Android's history for Official Software Updates, we'll probably see an official ICS on other phones Q2 as the earliest.

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6. remixfa posted on 19 Oct 2011, 09:15 2

umm google updates the software quickly and regularly.. think your talking about manufacturers and carriers.

the nexus is on 2.3.7.. if your phone isnt, thats not google's fault :)

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9. ledbetterp3 posted on 19 Oct 2011, 09:22

Yeah, im guessing Q2 at the latest and that will probably be for devices with heavier customizations to android(like htc devices)

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23. arcq12 posted on 19 Oct 2011, 11:55

yeah i'm talking about non nexus phones..

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29. dwd3885 posted on 19 Oct 2011, 13:20

It didn't take all too long after Gingerbread source code dropped that Samsung updated the Unlocked S2. Sure, the US carriers took forever, but at least the unlocked got it quickly.

Again, this is a reason to buy a pure Google device.

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7. Slammer posted on 19 Oct 2011, 09:19 8 1

I'm very impressed with this news. Google's Android has implemented some very nice features. In particular, I have always been a huge supporter of WebOS multi-tasking operation. It is second to none. To have a similar version added to Android, is great news!

John B.

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10. mukrenol posted on 19 Oct 2011, 09:23

i see 'mediascape' O_O from SE
hahahahha

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22. vu2ikl posted on 19 Oct 2011, 11:42

i think SE has learned it's lesson. The 2.3.3 in new xperia range is though SE skinned is not thaaat heavily altered. SE arc will definitely get update fast this time. call me optimist :p

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11. networkdood posted on 19 Oct 2011, 09:27

If I can run 2.3.7 with a CYNOGEN MOD ROM on my Captivate, then I am sure this will be out for most phones that can handle Gingerbread. The visual multitasking has been seen on CM already....looks really nice, this 4.0.

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12. DigitalMD posted on 19 Oct 2011, 09:32 5 2

Yawn... pretty much rebaked Honeycomb. 6 months for the hardware vendors to adapt and 8 months for the apps to work right.

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37. NVPMOTHAF posted on 19 Oct 2011, 18:59 1 1

I second that

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14. kcombs posted on 19 Oct 2011, 09:43 2 5

Oh wow you will be able to take screen shots.. took them long enough.

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16. dirtydirty00 posted on 19 Oct 2011, 09:59 6 1

o wow... didnt the iphone last year just get a flash for the camera... yawn... took em long enough.

and o wow... didnt the iphone just get 4G... took em long en....o wait...

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43. kcombs posted on 20 Oct 2011, 10:43 2

how do you like push notifications?.. oh wait you only have them for gmail..

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24. chuckyoo posted on 19 Oct 2011, 11:56 2 1

actually we have had screen shot from android 2.2. SMH!

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34. cramos posted on 19 Oct 2011, 15:01 2 1

you had to download an app for it, SMH TO YOU

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35. Cwebb posted on 19 Oct 2011, 17:53 1

Or you could just get HTC Sense 3, which came with it...

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44. kcombs posted on 20 Oct 2011, 10:44

that's on HTC not any other phone, you have to download an app or root the dam thing..

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38. NVPMOTHAF posted on 19 Oct 2011, 19:00 1 1

I second that as well

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15. dirtydirty00 posted on 19 Oct 2011, 09:58

I WANT ICS!!!!

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18. doubleD posted on 19 Oct 2011, 10:15

I get the quick text msg reply pop up when ignoring a call on my droid 3, how is this new?

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25. frustyak posted on 19 Oct 2011, 12:33 2

I think that was put in by Motorola; it's not part of the stock Android OS.

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19. corporateJP posted on 19 Oct 2011, 11:05

The interface looks great.

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20. InspectorGadget80 posted on 19 Oct 2011, 11:05 1

FINALLY A FULL VIDEO. So tired of reading live blogs

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26. frustyak posted on 19 Oct 2011, 12:38

What I really love about the screenshots are the fonts; as much as I like Android, I hate the default Android fonts, especially when compared to iOS and WebOS. What I want to know is will these be the fonts in the stock Android 4.0, or are these Samsung-supplied fonts that will only be found in the Samsung phones like the Galaxy Nexus?

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32. iamcc posted on 19 Oct 2011, 14:17

Any of the fonts you are seeing from ICS currently are stock Android, so it has nothing to do with Samsung.

What is quite possible is that companies like Motorola and HTC may decide to use different fonts depending on what kind of skin they put over ICS (if any at all).

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27. JayRaj posted on 19 Oct 2011, 13:03

Coming up next after Apple-Samsung strife is Microsoft-Google one! Samsung nd Google: bring something of ur own. :P

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28. Paden posted on 19 Oct 2011, 13:18 1 1

Looks like WP7 and Android had a baby... And I love it!

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31. nb2six posted on 19 Oct 2011, 13:44

Victor. Nice job! I think is one of your best posts I've read! Keep up the good work! Very Very informative.

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33. Jeromeo posted on 19 Oct 2011, 14:47 2

How embarrassing that they couldn't even get their facial recognition to work.
They also said that they did it first, but Nokia Symbian phones have had that for months,

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39. NVPMOTHAF posted on 19 Oct 2011, 19:02 2 2

Anroid not get something to work......................NO WAY. That never happens.

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41. nanozander posted on 20 Oct 2011, 01:30 1

loving EVERYTHING in ICS announced so far. Only thing i hate is the 3 function buttons occupying part of the screen. I hope this layout isn't mandatory. As in manufacturers have the choice to choose weather if they want to use onscreen functional buttons or physical/capacitive buttons.

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45. nimo posted on 20 Oct 2011, 11:53

what happened to blindtype, they bought out the company over a year ago and it still hasn't been released into the os.

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52. clevername posted on 21 Oct 2011, 07:33

Man. Wow. Now that android has some of the features i love from WP7 and iOS, as well as updated and new features that seem much more complete than ever before I'm actually considering upgrading from my nexus1. i barely use the thing anyway cuz android as it is now isn't my slice of pie. But with ics and the the new nexus I'm very tempted. Not to mention the significant hardware improvements. It actually feels like android can compete km more than just numbers now(please don't bash that, I'm not downing android, its just my opinion)

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54. ZayZay posted on 26 Oct 2011, 20:31

all this bs debating about which operating system is better is ridiculous... are you seriously waisting your time on phonearena telling people your OPINIONS? its soooo subjective its overwhelming now. get over it Apple users, as for Android users, let Apple users believe they have better devices... is it really that big of a deal. there is no winning argument until one company goes under.. simple fact. if you prefer IOS, then stick with IOS and stop complaining. If you prefer Any other operating system, then stick with it and stop trying to change peoples opinions... SUBJECTIVE YOU MORONS.. (Coming from an ICS user :) )

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55. cupcake posted on 28 Oct 2011, 21:40

I may be a geek for this, but.. Watching Andriod progress from the begining has actually been exciting. Remembering back in the days where blackberry and iphone were basically your smartphone options and both lacking so much... and then, Android!
I appreciate the style in which this article was writ. Here are some quips that made me laugh...

"Oh, and it has Incognito mode. And Flash. You know why." ...
"No artificial intelligence or hot tempered answers" ...
"and put you to sleep with robotic lullabies" ...

That guys suit is pretty sweet, too.

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