The immediate prospects for Android in 2012.

Perhaps in the coming year, users will get improved graphics, better camera, and even a voice command interface.

Acquainted with the latest mobile operating system, Google Android, users seem to be only entered into the taste. They expect a lot more and maybe get it in 2012.
Improved graphics, better camera, and even a voice command interface, reminiscent of an application Siri, which appeared in the latest operating system, Apple iOS, - that is what is seen on the horizon, the leader of Internet search. Google.
The last major update of Android - Android 4. 0, also known under the code name Ice Cream Sandwich, already comes with the device Samsung Galaxy Nexus. The appearance of this version on other smart phones and tablet computers is only a matter of time. Ice Cream Sandwich version has appeared recently, but users are already looking beyond. Android operating system is installed on a variety of smartphones, which are served by an uncountable number of wireless operators, and with each new update, this army continues to grow.
So in 2012 we can expect from the little green robot a lot of new.
Enhanced voice features.
Together with a voice command interface Siri came to the masses, and we are ready to bet that Google is preparing something similar for Android.
Ice Cream Sandwich version has already enables instant conversion of speech into text, and support for voice commands, has been included in the Android 2. 0, but it lacks that personal charm that Apple has managed to make its voice controlled virtual assistant.
Although we do not expect the appearance of the Secretary- picky, what we saw an application Siri, users are still entitled to expect that Google integrates voice support to several of its applications. A good example here is a new program Google Translate. In the conversation, she takes your speech and the speech of other interlocutors to one of the supported languages, which are already recruited more than 50. Of course, before the application is far from perfect, but it clearly demonstrated how to use a voice interface to create even more outstanding applications.
Improved camera software.
In support of mobile cameras Android software is unlikely to have much to boast. It is too clumsy, slow and has only a few basic settings that can be manipulated in practice.
In the version of the Ice Cream Sandwich have been some improvements, including support for panoramic shots and eliminating the delay that was observed after pressing the shutter button. In future updates to Android could enable facial recognition and advanced options for photography enthusiasts. But the improvements are not just cameras to phones. The devices that are used for video chats, you need to improve the focus and improve the quality of the video. This is especially significant, as is the connection of new Tablet PCs to networks 4G and LTE.
Increasing the number of applications that use hardware acceleration.
Recently, more and more phones are equipped with dual-core processors, but unfortunately, not all applications are adapted to the peculiarities of multi-core chips and can use the extra computing power. Starting with the Ice Cream Sandwich support for hardware acceleration is enabled by default. Thus, new applications created for this OS will run faster, games will look better than their predecessors. In order to experience growth in output devices with dual-core processors, old applications will need to update.
Increasing the number of supported devices.
Android - a universal operating system that is installed on a variety of devices, from USB-drives and ending vending machines. At its annual developer conference, Google I / O 2011 was a draft Android @ Home - the infrastructure for the deployment of Android in automated smart homes. Interacting with other devices on the platform of Android, smart homes will simplify life for its residents. Some car manufacturers are even considering the possibility of translating the Android multimedia centers, which are equipped with means of transport and transfer of information from the phone in the car. And if automobile device has a processor, why not go to install Android?.
Simplified graphical shell.
In extensions of interfaces for Android is okay if they do not interfere with the efficient operation of the operating system.
Until now, the shell interface included a lot of additional features and create some convenience for owners of tablet computers equipped version of the Honeycomb. But for the phone, they tend to look too bulky and consume too many resources. Once a version of Ice Cream Sandwich, a host of useful functions that previously we could observe only on HTC devices, and Samsung, the volume of shells significantly decreased. As an example, you can lead a GUI Motorola Motoblur. The user interface Motoblur, which contained previously a lot of elements that are now lost much weight and looks quite organically in a number of other interfaces Android.
Increased opportunities for buyers.
With regard to multimedia resources, there remains the undisputed leader iOS.
In the iTunes store offers customers not only applications and music, but also movies, TV shows, and even books. Running the service Google Music, Google is trying to form a similar ecosystem and for Android.
The role of the main online store, which brings together all the resources for the operating system Android, is still given to Android Market. Right now you can rent movies. Do not be surprised if in the near future, customers will be offered TV programs and podcasts. When the user will have access to this category of content, devices running Android has considerably strengthened its position in the segment of mobile multimedia players.
What's next? .
It is expected that 2012 will be released in at least two updates Android.
In addition to the gradual transition to the 4 version of Android. 0, observers say one more update. Some believe that the version now being developed under the code name of the Jelly Bean, will make major adjustments to the situation on the market.
Prospects still pretty vague, but it is likely that the version of the Jelly Bean will support a number of features described herein.


Armando Rodriguez.
PC World, United States.