Android 1.5 SDK is out; full device update coming soon

The Android 1.5 Software Developer's Kit (SDK) was released Monday as expected, offering developers the means to write programs for the Android update coming as early as May in some locations.

In an Android developer's blog, Xavier Ducrohet included links to the download of the SDK and related technical notes. One innovation for developers is the ability to run Android Virtual Devices inside an emulator for better modeling of real devices.

Among the actual changes to Android in 1.5 that end users will see later are an on-screen soft keyboard; widgets in the home screen for a music player, search and other features; stereo bluetooth support; and video recording and playback. Other new features are listed at the developer site, including performance upgrades such as a faster acquisition of a GPS location and smoother page scrolling.

Google Inc., backer of Android and the Open Handset Alliance, has said the 1.5 update would be available over the air to users of the G1 from T-Mobile USA shortly after the SDK release.

T-Mobile Germany said the software update would come in May, at least in Germany.

Computerworld

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