Android has recently released its latest version for mobile phones which like its predecessors is named after a dessert. Called the Ice Cream Sandwich, it brings the features of Honeycomb (an earlier version), to the fore plus some added ones . Mobile phone users will be happy to know that these new offerings include facial recognition unlock, photography enhancements, network data usage monitoring and control, offline email searching, unified social networking contacts, and information sharing using NFC. The version initially comes with Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus phone but with the release of the source code last November 14, 2011, work for developing ports for other mobile devices has begun.
Android is an operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablet computers, netbooks, among others. The system is aimed to be provided under free and open source software as developed by Open Handset Alliance led by Google. The only known instance when Google withheld the source code was for its tablet-only Honeycomb release which was blamed on its rushed production.
Multitasking just got easier and more pleasantly visual with the release of this newest Android version.  Users are assured of a powerful medium for communication and sharing. Widgets can be resized to allow either expansion or shrinkage in showing content. The new voice input engine offers an open microphone system that allows for unlimited dictation in the preferred language. The fun factor which has become a must for all gadgets and devices, is not lost in this version as graphical transformations such as background change and morphing effects are provided. The Android Beam allows instantenous sharing of music, videos, apps, and the like between two NFC-enabled devices by merely tapping send. It also introduced built-in support for connecting Bluetooth Health Device Profile designs.Â