Android 2.1 SDK now available

Google has announced the release of the Software Development Kit (SDK) for version 2.1 of the Android operating system. Available for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux, the SDK allows application developers to utilise the new functions of the smartphone operating system developed by the Open Handset Alliance. Unlike previous releases, Google's release of this latest version of the SDK has lagged behind that of the new version of the operating system, which was introduced in the company's first smartphone, the Nexus one, last week. This has caused resentment among some of the developers.

The Android developers consider Android 2.1 a minor platform release that focuses on API changes (for example new wallpapers, signal strength information and WebKit extensions) as well as the usual bug fixes, rather than adding any significant new functions. In addition to the Android system and libraries, the SDK offers a system image, emulator skins and sample applications. The developers recommend that programmers use the Android SDK and AVD Manager, a tool which has been a part of all Android and SDK versions since version 1.6, for adding new SDK components. Google has also released a new USB driver for Windows to provide Nexus One connectivity.

See also:

• Android devices sweep CES 2010, a report from The H.
• Google announces Nexus One smartphone, a report from The H.

(crve)