Google Adds Multi-Touch To Nexus One Android Phone, More To Come?
Take a step back and inhale. Nexus One owners have just become the first group of Android users to get a taste of native multi-touch here in the United States, and it has definitely been a long time coming. Android has proven itself as one of the most capable mobile operating systems on the market, but the lack of multi-touch really hindered its ability to go toe-to-toe with webOS and iPhone OS.
Google announced this week that Nexus One users will begin to receive an over-the-air software update on their phones, and while it's still unclear when other Android 2.0+ phones will receive the same update, early impressions from existing Nexus One owners are very positive. Google Maps and the web browser both support pinch-to-zoom, just like on the iPhone, and both work seamlessly.
A slew of other new features are hitting on the update, but unfortunately it is being pushed out in waves so you'll need to be patient. Good luck with that!
Google announced this week that Nexus One users will begin to receive an over-the-air software update on their phones, and while it's still unclear when other Android 2.0+ phones will receive the same update, early impressions from existing Nexus One owners are very positive. Google Maps and the web browser both support pinch-to-zoom, just like on the iPhone, and both work seamlessly.
A slew of other new features are hitting on the update, but unfortunately it is being pushed out in waves so you'll need to be patient. Good luck with that!
Google Goggles: this mobile application will now be available directly on your device by launching it from your All Apps menu. Just use your Nexus One camera to start searching the web
Google Maps: the Maps application with be updated to a new version, Google Maps 3.4, which will include:
- Starred items synchronized with maps.google.com - access your favorite places from your phone or computer
- Search suggestions from your personal maps.google.com history - makes it easy to search for places you've searched for before
- Night mode in Google Maps Navigation - automatically changes your screen at night for easier viewing and driving
Pinch-to-zoom functionality: devices will now include a new pinch-to-zoom mechanism in the phone's Browser, Gallery and Maps applications3G connectivity: we will provide a general fix to help improve 3G connectivity on some Nexus One phones
In order to access the update, you will receive a message on your phone's notification bar. Just download the update, wait for it to install, and you should be all set. This update will be rolled out gradually to phones - and most users might not receive the notification until the end of the week. We hope you enjoy these new features and look forward to your feedback.
