Google Unveils Graphics, Other Enhancements to Honeycomb

Newly-unveiled features of the system include a completely different interface, enhanced 2-D and 3-D graphics support, and the ability to make better use of the dual-core processors found in an increasing number of high-end smartphones.

As you can see from above, Honeycomb’s user interface is entirely different from previous versions of Android (Froyo, Gingerbread, etc.), optimized for larger-screened devices like tablets.

The new ’system bar’ across the bottom of the screen is always present, eliminating the need for buttons on the device itself (a la Motorola’s Xoom tablet). The also ever-present ‘action bar’ rests in the top right corner for choosing contextual page options.

The keyboard has undergone a redesign as well, with individual keys reshaped and repositioned for tablet usage. Oh, and Google promises we won’t hate the text selection ability anymore with its new improvements.

“Overall forward-compatibility is excellent, as it’s always been with new versions of Android,” according to Hugh Johnson, an Android developer at Catch.com. “Of course, there are some major layout and interaction improvements that can be made to the apps to better support the tablet form factor.”

Also noteworthy is Honeycomb’s support for both single and dual-core processor systems, an oft-speculated feature leading up to the operating system’s debut. Most of the Honeycomb tablets we’ve seen previews of thus far have dual-core processors installed, like Motorola’s Xoom or Toshiba’s unnamed tablet offering.

Graphics-wise, we’ll definitely notice a boost. A new property-based animation framework allows developers to animate properties of the user interface itself, while the new hardware-accelerated Open GL renderer kicks up the 2-D graphics more than just a notch.

Don’t have one of those fancy 3-D TV’s yet? Honeycomb’s new Renderscript 3-D graphics engine lets developers create nifty 3-D scenes and effects on your phone. More live wallpapers abound! Huzzah!

For those of you who aren’t 3-D buffs, there are plenty more multimedia perks to be found. HTTP live streaming support means you won’t have to miss the next gripping live-streamed Larry Page keynote.

Connectivity features include USB support for media transfer between devices and host computers, as well as a cool new type of Bluetooth support that lets the tablet query connected devices — like, say, a headset or speakers — and relays the information back to your screen. So next time the batteries in your Jawbone are about to die, Honeycomb can tell you to charge that sucker, pronto.

These features aren’t carved in stone, as Google is just providing developers with a taste of Honeycomb’s environment in order to test out their apps. But from what we’re seeing, there’s definitely cause for excitement.

Photo: Honeycomb UI/Google

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