Android 2.3.x Gingerbread features

2.3

On 6 December 2010, the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) SDK was released, based on Linux kernel 2.6.35.

 Changes included:

• Updated user interface design with increased simplicity and speed
• Support for extra-large screen sizes and resolutions (WXGA and higher)
• Native support for SIP VoIP internet telephony
• Faster, more intuitive text input in virtual keyboard, with improved accuracy, better suggested text and voice input mode
• Enhanced copy/paste functionality, allowing users to select a word by press-hold, copy, and paste
• Support for Near Field Communication (NFC), allowing the user read an NFC tag embedded in a poster, sticker, or advertisement
• New audio effects such as reverb, equalization, headphone virtualization, and bass boost
• New Download Manager, giving users easy access to any file downloaded from the browser, email, or another application
• Support for multiple cameras on the device, including a front-facing camera, if available
• Support for WebM/VP8 video playback, and AAC audio encoding
• Improved power management with a more active role in managing apps that are keeping the device awake for too long
• Enhanced support for native code development
• Switched from YAFFS to ext4 on newer devices
• Audio, graphical, and input enhancements for game developers
• Concurrent garbage collection for increased performance
• Native support for more sensors (such as gyroscopes and barometers)

2.3.3

Released on 9 February 2011, Android 2.3.3 included several improvements and API fixes.

2.3.4

Version 2.3.4 introduced support for voice or video chat using Google Talk.

2.3.5

Released on 25 July 2011, Android 2.3.5 included a number of amendments:

• Improved network performance for the Nexus S 4G, among other fixes and improvements
• Fixed Bluetooth bug on Samsung Galaxy S
• Improved Gmail application
• Shadow animations for list scrolling
• Camera software enhancements
• Improved battery efficiency

2.3.6

This version fixed a voice search bug.

2.3.7

Android 2.3.7 introduced Google Wallet support for the Nexus S 4G.