Google executives on Wednesday showed the latest weapon in their battle for the mobile Internet. The Honeycomb operating system, or Android 3.0, is the first optimized to power tablet computers instead of smartphones.
The company also showed off its new Android Market web site with a “seamless path to purchasing” that makes it easier to find, buy and keep track of applications purchased for multiple devices.
Also on display was new content from partners Disney Mobile, CNN and War Drum Studios.
No Nonsense
The Android Market has more than 100,000 apps, which can now be purchased online and sent wirelessly to Android devices.
“No wires, no synching with the computer, none of that nonsense,” said Google’s engineering director, Chris Yerga.
Honeycomb will also offer better opportunities for developers to monetize their apps and to convert payments made in foreign currency. Increased support for in-app purchasing will allow developers to sell higher levels, virtual goods, or currency to be used in games.
“Our approach has been to equip developers with the best possible toolkit, and then get out of their way,” said Google’s product group manager, Hugo Barra.
The event was held Wednesday morning at Google’s Mountain View, Calif., headquarters for members of the technology media. It was webcast live via YouTube, which is owned by Google.
Waiting for Lady Killer
Google Vice President and Android point man Andy Rubin and Barra demonstrated Honeycomb’s upgraded user interface with easier multi-touch, better notifications, and improved graphics that use its Renderscript technology to create 3-D effects, even on programs that weren’t initially designed for them. The technology allows pages of e-books to be realistically turned and for Google Body to show detailed images of human anatomy.
The system was demonstrated on a Motorola Xoom, the first tablet that will ship with Android 3.0, although an exact release date, expected within the next…