As anticipated, Google today announced the latest version of Android as Google I/O 2012 kicked off. The rumours had it right: The next major release will be known as Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. While it comes with a number of new features, Google also focused a lot on improving the overall responsiveness. As Android User Experience Director Matias Duarte put it during the keynote, “We declared a war on laginess.”
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean will incorporate “Project Butter,” a new framework designed to make the interface “smoother, faster and more fluid.” For example, a consistent framework will be delivered using “vsync timing across all drawing and animation done by the Android framework” and triple buffering in the graphics pipeline. Other small touches include applying a CPU input boost at the next touch event to eliminate any latency after a period of inactivity.
Widgets will now automatically resize, based on where the user drops them on the home screen. Arranging widgets will also be easier and separate landscape and portrait layouts will be offered.
Android notifications have also received a facelift. Notifications will be able to display more information in a collapsible format. They will also be able to support multiple actions. For example, you could trigger an email or call directly from a notification.
Search has also been improved with a new user interface and a faster, more natural Voice Search. It will also, much like Apple’s own Siri, talk back to you.
International support has been improved with support for bi-directional text as well as user-installable keyboard maps
Google also introduced Google Now which makes Android more aware of your surroundings and situation and bring the relevant information forward:
Google Now is a new feature that gets you just the right information at just the right time. It tells you today’s weather before you start your day, how much traffic to expect before you leave for work, or your favorite team’s score as they’re playing. There’s no digging required: cards appear at the moment you need them most.
Android 4.1 will be available pre-installed on the Google Nexus 7. It will also be pushed as an upgrade to the Galaxy Nexus, Google Nexus S, and the Motorola XOOM tablet starting in mid-July.
Read more: Android Developer (Source: Android Official Blog)