Android Gingerbread is 'planned for Q4 2010'
While we're all busy laboring in the shadow of Android 2.2's impending release, here's Google's sneaky first indication of the next version's release. In the FAQ for its newly announced WebM format, the Mountain View team tells us that Android support will come in the Gingerbread iteration, which is "currently planned for Q4, 2010." We still don't know the particular point version of the latest tasty treat, but at least there's finally something to put on the feature list and a date (range) to look forward to.
























Christmas Gingerbread then?! Awesome! I love Google!
@Nickedynick
How are they going to keep up with this naming convention through the whole alphabet? It might get hard around Q or X right? Keep the updates coming google!
@shhaight Quiche for Q, which by my reckon will be the worst version, so Google can simple say "Give Quiche a chance!".
And for X, hmmm I ami going with "Xmas Cake"!
@Nickedynick
I love google too, but what happened to 2.2 addressing the issue of divergence in android versions between market handsets?
@Nickedynick
So you mean to say by the time Froyo devices hit market, Gingerbread release will be around the corner? Errr, google, could you slow down just a bit?? (no 'that's what she said' jokes pls)
@drumwiz86
How does this news affect the stated aims of Froyo?
This might not be 100% accurate, but I had heard that by the time Gingerbread comes around updates will slow down.
Also, with core elements being updated through the Market, the existing fragmentation issues should ease up through next year.
@drumwiz86 From the related articles http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/29/exclusive-android-froyo-to-take-a-serious-shot-at-stemming-plat/
@Nickedynick
Only google can get away with calling an OS Version "Gingerbread". Imagine if Apple or MS did that... they would be a laughing stock.
@Nickedynick
Q4 Android releases should definitely have a Christmas theme, like mince pie etc. Interesting Mince Pie trivia; I was a 15yr old kid hanging out with my 16yr old best bud at his first job. He was doing work experience in a cafe for Christmas and had to put the adverts in the store window using a stencil and some snow spray. When he wasn't looking I stenciled a 'J' over the 'c' in Mince Pie, broadcasting to the street that this cafe was the place to come to get your 'Hot Minge Pies'. Unfortunately it got my buddy kicked out of the job and we haven't really ever got back in contact, but I still feel it was worth it.
@Yoda Thats because you don't go out there to buy a Gingerbread/Froyo phone like you would for Vista/XP. You go for an Android phone. These version become obsolete even before you memorize. Still people check 1.6, 2.0, 2.1 because that what written in the specs sheets.
With Windows 7 you do go for just 7 :)
@Yoda It's a code name for development, like Ubuntu's "adjective animal" names. The number is what most people see.
Also, I think it makes them seem more human.
@Ripper
Ugh.. Can't....Help... It....Must...Not...Say....
That's what she said!!
Aww... Anyway, you deserve it; shame on you for telling Google to slow down!
Hobnob will be next! :)
@djheath
"You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man!"
Do you think Google is trying to send a message?
@Nickedynick Given that they don't control the updates for mobile phones, even if I wanted to buy an Android-based phone, I'd very reluctant to do so with updates every 6 months that I'm not guaranteed to get for the duration of a 2yr contract.
@djheath when I was a kid my aunt forced me to eat spinach Quiche when I went to visit her. I love spinach now but hated it when I was a kid. Too many bad memories. Won't upgrade to Android Quiche on principal.
@jubjub Firstly, many of the Android phones being released at the moment are fantastic in their own right even without the possibility of updates.
Secondly, once Gingerbread is around you'll have pretty much full control over your own updates - the only issues you come up against should be hardware related.
@Yoda
Yes because no-one laughed at Snow Leopard....honest.
@jubjub if u get a nexus one you'll get the updates 1st due to it being there phone. Everyone else has to wait for the carrier
@Ripper
That's what she said!
@djheath I say X buns! (cross buns)
@Ripper
I with you Ripper in regards to Google's pace. FroYo isn't even out yet and Gingerbread is already announced, lol. For me though, FroYo is what I've been waiting for to jump on the Android bandwagon simply because of:
1. Wifi Hotspot Capabilities out the box
2. Apps stored on SD card
...and all without rooting. I'm in!
@drumwiz86 Who really cares about the divergence issue? It's not really affecting anyone truthfully. Just buy whatever phone you like at the moment. By the time it starts feeling old because HTC or whoever stopped supporting it, it should be time for your next upgrade. I would assume all companies support their phones for at least 2 years.
@Nickedynick I hope they make a fully-equpped desktop version of the Android
@jubjub And that's what Google should address with a paid upgrade model. I'd gladly pay $30 for a new Android version. People shouldn't have to prowl the back alleys of XDA for questionable pirate versions of doubtful legality. Google should create updates, and sell them. Creates a new revenue stream; better for customers; and better for app developers who can develop to the most recent APIs knowing their customers can access them, at their option.
Tasty
(need some new napkins)
@YvesOfWinter
With all these Googley desserts flying at me I feel like Lucille Ball working at the candy factory!
Tasty
@YvesOfWinter
You got the napkins I sent then?
Damn! Android goes directly to my armflab! keep delicious comin!
That Droid looks Canadian!
This has gotta be 3.0 to keep up with Apple's yearly release cycle.
@yoyojam55 What?! That makes no sense at all - they have no need to synchronise their release schedules. The thing that matters is what's included in the OS at a given time, not how often it's updated.
@yoyojam55
No it doesn't no-one but the fanboys have to care which release Apple is on.
@yoyojam55 Android is already pretty much on their equivilant of Apple's 4.0 software, so why would they care about Apple's update schedule?
Oh, wait, they have to compete with apple's new and innovative features. Like multitasking.
At least it means I will have it when I buy my next phone (March 2011). Damn Hero stuck on 1.5....
@vidoardes Didnt the Hero just get 2.1?
@TheOrioles33 Only the American variants, everyone else is still waiting
@vidoardes
Or you could just root it like the rest of the world.
@Stengo Except no 2.1 ROM has properly working bluetooth, and I spend most of my life talking on the phone in the car, so that's not an option
@vidoardes
Mine does. Has worked right with my my car Bluetooth for a few months now.
@vidoardes
I'm confused with Bluetooth nowadays. 4.0 revision announced not too long ago, and phones are still on 2.1?
@MegaJapan That's because bluetooth upgrades require hardware support, so there's a significant lead time between a standard being announced and hardware being developed. Also, phones tend to use unified radio chips (integrating things like bluetooth, wifi, gps on the same chip to save power consumption and space) so these will take longer to develop too.
@vidoardes if your still stuck on 1.5 then you have issues. Unless you are in Europe.
@dgskydive Yes I am in Europe, but it's the whole world stuck on 1.5, excluding America. You make it sound like we are the minority... ::rolleyes::
'Honey' should kick ass!
@IBneel I'd prefer Horchata ;-)
Can get enough of these Android updates... yam!
Google HQ is going to look like a bakeshop now