Android 2.1 SDK Released!
| by Rob Jackson on January 11th, 2010 |
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We were promised that once the Android 2.1 SDK was Open Sourced we would start to see existing devices get updgraded and guess what just happened? The Android Development Team just announced the release of the Android 2.1 SDK!
If you didn’t know, Android 2.1 is the build running on the Nexus One, currently the only device running this version of Android. Hopefully not for long!
Date: January 2010
API Level: 7Android 2.1 is a minor platform release deployable to Android-powered handsets starting in January 2010. This release includes new API changes and bug fixes. For information on changes, see the Framework API section.
For developers, the Android 2.1 platform is available as a downloadable component for the Android SDK. The downloadable platform includes a fully compliant Android library and system image, as well as a set of emulator skins, sample applications, and more. The downloadable platform includes no external libraries.
To get started developing or testing against the Android 2.1 platform, use the Android SDK and AVD Manager tool to download the platform into your Android SDK. For more information, see Adding SDK Components.
There are a few new API updates and two of them are rather interesting:
- Live Wallpapers got 2 new APIs and an updated Wallpaper Manager
- New “Signal Strength” class that helps show information about a device’s signal strength. Could this have something to do with the 3G issues? I doubt it – it’s more likely this is made accessible to developers who have their apps make dynamic decisions based on network strength – for example, waiting to download/upload until a better signal is available. Possible though.
If you want a blow-by-blow list of the updates and additions, hit up the changelog!
PS: I know the image above is of Steve Jobs and the iPhone 2.1 update. I can’t wait to see how many people see the image and leap right to the comments to give me a piece of their mind about how stupid/foolish/careless I am. GOTCHYA – YOU’VE BEEN ZAPPED!
1. Noob wrote on January 11, 2010
But thats an image of Jobs and the iPhone 2.1 update! :P
2. ag wrote on January 11, 2010
I can’t believe how stupid/foolish/careless you are for posting a pic of Jobs and iphone update! Having said that, I want Android 2.1 on my G1!
3. Jonathan wrote on January 11, 2010
haha. love image. good job sir.
4. Sevillian wrote on January 11, 2010
And let the flooding begin!
5. ag wrote on January 11, 2010
I can’t believe how stupid/foolish/careless you are for posting a pic of Jobs and an iphone update! Having said that, I want Android 2.1 on my G1!
6. enea wrote on January 11, 2010
the cat is on the table :P
lol
7. paladaxar wrote on January 11, 2010
Hey THAT’S STEVE JOBS! How stupid/foolish/careless of you!
8. Martin Pelant wrote on January 11, 2010
Why doesn’t it have 5 homescreens or new menu like n1? ar that only n1 stuff or will it recieve for example droid too?
9. KiddxSkillz wrote on January 11, 2010
is MyTouch3G getting 2.1?
10. Ace wrote on January 11, 2010
What’s Android 2.1 SDK? I currently have the Motorola Droid and I do know my Android just guess I’m a noob when it comes to this. Can anybody tell me and if its good how can I get it?
11. Martin Pelant wrote on January 11, 2010
SDK is for developers or if you just want to test new android on Android Emulator
12. Ace wrote on January 11, 2010
Thanks Martin. I appreciate you answering my question.
13. GE918 wrote on January 11, 2010
So its true, most people don’t read the articles they just look at the picture. Lol
14. john wrote on January 11, 2010
hey isn’t that the idiot from the crApple corporation why is he posted here lol.
15. Nathan H. wrote on January 11, 2010
why is there still now Hebrew support?
16. Jack wrote on January 11, 2010
Just booted up the 2.1 emulator. It has only 3 workspaces and no 3D launcher… Is the 3D launcher part of 2.1 that can’t be handled in an emulator? Or is it a nexus only thing?
17. Eddie wrote on January 11, 2010
Classic Rob!
looks like Steve wants a piece of that 2.1 goodness huh….I don’t blame him :)
18. papa wrote on January 11, 2010
my 2.1 emulator doesnt have live wallpapers, a new menu, 5 screens, or any new widgets o_o
19. boriqua2000 wrote on January 12, 2010
Who the hell is Steve Jobs??
20. Bruce wrote on January 12, 2010
What about an HTC Hero update ??? Still nothing here :(
Sign petition : http://www.petitiononline.com/htchero2/petition.html
21. Bandroid wrote on January 12, 2010
I don’t care about live wallpapers, I care about 2.1 api, screen resoultion independent applications, and so on. Is it mean that for G1 and Hero at now free to develop the 2.1 version?
22. JiMMaR wrote on January 12, 2010
lol @ the ppl who doesn’t read :P
23. Navin D wrote on January 12, 2010
Will the infamous G1 get the 2.1 update?
24. Kiley wrote on January 12, 2010
Reading’s for chumps.
25. jae wrote on January 12, 2010
I need 2.1 hero rom plsssssssssssssss
anyone. …….? Cm.?
26. tony wrote on January 13, 2010
You telling me that all the good stuff the 2.1 OS brought to the N1 is not going to be available for the droid. Such as the 5 screens, stars wars like 3d menu scrolling, and new pic gallery. If not, why the hell come out with it.
27. Greg wrote on January 14, 2010
I’ve seen lots of videos on YouTube with 2.1 running on the moto Droid and itseems to have mist of the features the n1 has. Can’t wait for the update.
28. prowse wrote on January 18, 2010
Greg. Really, Greg? I have seen only tons of videos WITH all of the bells and whistles found on the Nexus One being ALSO running on the Droid, with everything you mention, in fact – you need to learn how actually SEARCH YouTube. AND DUH, the other layers – like for the Verizon Droid – must be ADDED on top of Android OSS 2.1 in order for it to work, also the modules for the Live Wallpaper and the Cooliris bits must be installed as well – very clearly posted in THIS original article.
29. John wrote on January 20, 2010
How come the newer versions of Android only work on the really expensive phones, can’t they work on my Pulse?