Google has finally shown off their tablet-centric version of Android, and it is quite a looker. As opposed to what we have seen from Apple or even Microsoft in the tablet space, Honeycomb represents a complete UI overhaul of Android. Not only that, it may change what image people associate in their mind with the word "tablet."
While we are still waiting on HP and Palm to show off what they are doing to webOS for tablets, it is clear that Honeycomb will be far better at multitasking than anything else on the market. Honeycomb one of the best features of OS X - the menu bar across the top of the screen that updates dynamically based on what program you are using - and put an Android twist on it. Now you will see things like copy & paste options or share links at the top of the screen, rather than hidden past a menu button press. You also have buttons for your apps and homescreen customization along the top-right.
Along the bottom there are back, home, and multitasking buttons. The multitasking button is similar to the "preview" feature in Windows 7 when you hover over an active application in the taskbar. It also is somewhat similar to what RIM is doing with the PlayBook, but seems much quicker and more useful as it only takes up one side of the screen and can be accessed at any time without leaving an app. This feature finally brings quick and easy multitasking to mobile devices.
Also completely redone are notifications. Again, Google seems to have taken a couple cues from the Growl notification service in OS X but expanded it significantly. Notification pop up in a manner similar to phone versions of Android but are now located in the bottom left. They also allow larger previews than before and can even allow direct user interaction. Google showed the notification for the music player bringing up a set of controls for quick play/pause or fast-forwarding.
I have been very hesitant to jump on the tablet bandwagon because I have seen them as merely a content consumption device rather than a content creation device. But I think that the changes and improvements made to the Honeycomb UI open the door for it to become the first true tablet OS capable of content creation. All I need is for someone to make a robust text document editing program so I can write on the fly while being able to switch back to my browser or other apps in no more time than it would take me to alt-Tab in Windows or command-Tab in OS X.
So, Google, how about that native Google Docs app?
Check out the full video of Google's Honeycomb event here.
No comments:
Post a Comment