GotOnTheInter.Net: Random Babble and Misc Adventures

Google has finally released their internal code repository, and we've got the details.

First, the bad news. The G1/Dream/ADP1 bits are not included, so you cannot (yet) build it for your phone.  (Personally, I'm building it anyway to speed up compilation when I do get the magic pieces.)

Now the good news. From the changelog, some things you may be interested in:

• Email: Fix IMAP manually-created accounts so message delete works properly.
  • Wow. That only took forever and a day. (Wait.. nope.. at least forever and 3 days since its STILL not on actual phones.)
• Camera: Video recorder mode
• Bluetooth:  Support for A2DP & AVRCP profiles.
  • This is important, because it brings the highspeed BT driver along for the ride. So .. high-speed tethering! (Update: it still destroys battery life)
• Settings: New menu option to list running processes in Settings->ManageApplications.
• Browser: Support for new, optimized JavaScript engine. Copy and paste support. MUCH faster drawing (up to 5x speed improvement.)
  • Faster javascript is going to be a HUGE win for JS-heavy web apps (hmm.. greader anyone?)
• Framework: Support third party updates of system applications.
  • Yes, Virginia, there is an autorotate browser, working email app, and so forth. :)
• Kernel: New kernel based on Linux 2.6.27. Transition to USB gadgets.
  • This brings a ton of improvements, my favorite is the ability (as a usb client) to be usb ethernet. USB tethering made simple.
• Image Building: Enable handset manufacturers to extend the Android SDK with add-ons. (More info)
  • This is AWESOME. It means people building images (I'm looking at you JF!) have an easy and simple way to integrate new apps and capabilities. Even if they are not in Java!