Samsung Prepping Two Smartphones Running Android 2.0

[Ed Hardy]

Android 1.5 is still a few days away from being widely distributed but talk of the next major version has already started. According to an unconfirmed report, two smartphones scheduled for release this fall will run Android 2.0.

Samsung is rumored to be prepping two models running the next version of Google's operating system. The Spica will allegedly be similar to the already announced Samsung I7500 but scaled back a bit, while the device code-named Bigfoot will add a sliding keyboard.

These two models will reportedly have a great deal in common, including their 3-inch QVGA touchscreens, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, 3 MPx cameras, and microSD card slots. The Bigfoot will be a bit thicker, as its keyboard will take up some room.

They are expected to be released by T-Mobile this fall, and almost certainly other carriers as well.

What's New in Android 2.0?
The release of the next version of Google's OS isn't going to happen for about 6 months, so few details are available.

About the only new feature it will definitely have, according to the official roadmap of Android development, is support for additional screen resolutions: WVGA and QVGA. Only HVGA displays are supported by Android 1.5, while both of Samsung's upcoming models will reportedly have QVGA ones.

The code-name for this new version is also known: donut. A theme is emerging, as the code-name for the open-source project that eventually became Android 1.5 is cupcake.

Source: mobile-review and Google

[Ed Hardy]

If this report is correct, and I suspect it is, I'm disappointed by the downgrade to QVGA. Currently, most smartphone manufacturers are moving toward higher resolutions, so it's unfortunate to see Android moving in the opposite direction.

I consider HVGA to be the minimum screen resolution for acceptable web browsing, and QVGA displays will unnecessarily hobble these devices. I was looking forward to Bigfoot as a replacement for my T-Mobile G1, but not if it has a low-resolution screen.
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