Google Android v1.5 “cupcake”

Google has released Android 1.5, the latest version of its operating system for mobile phones.  Some of the new features include:

Android with On-Screen KeyboardOn-Screen Keyboard
The most obvious enhancement in Android 1.5 is the addition of an on-screen keyboard. Previously, devices running this OS could only input text with a hardware keyboard. The keys are much larger with the screen in landscape mode, and therefore the whole experience is better. This is good news for users of keyboard-less models like the HTC Magic. On the G1 you’ll want to pop open the hardware keyboard whenever possible.

Home Screen Widgets and Links
This works like the desktop on your PC. You can put almost anything you want to on it, and have easy access to it. With Android 1.5, that now includes some new widgets. The original version included a pair of these: the analog clock and the search box. The new one adds widgets to display your next calendar item, a music player, and a picture frame.

Web Browser
The standard Android web browser has updated with latest WebKit engine, and the latest Squirrelfish Javascript engine too.  The original android browser is good, but with the updates the new version is even better.

Google has also added the ability to search within a page, and copy and paste text.

Bluetooth
Expanded blue support including Stereo headsets.

Video
Initially, the G1’s camera could only be used to take still images, but video has been added in the new version.

Other improvements include:

• The address book now shows pictures to go with your favorite contacts
• Mapping software finds your GPS location faster.
• GoogleTalk has been pulled out if the IM application and made a stand-alone app.