First purported screenshots of the next major Android update dubbed as Ice Cream Sandwich is making rounds on the internet. The images, published on two websites Android Police and Rootzwiki, cannot be authenticated though.
The images clearly show a revamped user interface with blue notification bars and multiple feature additions to the core of the operating system. Obviously, the next major Google Android device, currently rumoured as Nexus Prime, will be getting Android Ice Cream Sandwich update first and then will be rolled out to other devices.
The leaked images hint a refreshed user interface that brings certain nifty additions to the home screen. For instance, the Google Search is now embedded as search bar on the top of the homescreen and on right end of it is the Microphone icon that hints at voice based navigation/search. At the bottom tray of the homescreen rests the App Drawer icon and a mysterious icon which seems like an App Switcher short cut and may bring some multi-tasking between windows in cool 3D scrolling style.
Next major user experience change will come with the Apps Drawer which will sport more of the Android Honeycomb look combining different tab for apps and widget. Obviously, the Ice Cream Sandwich is taking best of HoneyComb combining it with Gingerbread to give a uniform experience across both — smartphones and tablets.
The change log list compiled by RootzWiki and Android Police suggest several tweaks across the system – the Gmail App has been revamped, Camera carries new Panorama Mode, and a new Google Shopper option.
The much rumoured Google Nexus Prime handset will come with Android Ice Cream Sandwich update and then the OS will be rolled out to other devices. From the build, one can presume that the Ice Cream Sandwich update will be easily applicable for all the devices released in last one year including the Froyo and Gingerbread updates running devices.
Google is expected to announce the Android Ice Cream Sandwich in December along with Nexus Prime handset.