Google Previews Android 'Cupcake' UpdateGoogle Previews Android 'Cupcake' Update

Google is giving developers an early look at the next build of Android, and it has released a software development kit for Android 1.5.

Code-named "Cupcake," the latest version of the Linux-based operating system adds numerous features to the Google-backed OS. One of the complaints of the Android-powered T-Mobile G1 is that it lacks an on-screen keyboard, but Android 1.5 fixes that issue.

The 1.5 build also enables Android to have video recording and playback, as well as the ability to upload these videos directly to YouTube. Google also will bring more elements from its Chrome browser to the mobile OS, including the Squirrelfish technology for faster JavaScript execution. Developers will be able to target the home screen more effectively, as the updated Android introduces multiple application programming interfaces for widgets.

Future SDKs will have multiple versions of Android incorporated into them so that developers will be able to target different versions from a single SDK installation. The early-look SDK is available for download now, but Google stresses that it's not complete.

"I encourage you to start working with this early-look SDK, but please know that the APIs for Android 1.5 have not been finalized," wrote Xavier Ducrohet in a blog post. "The majority of the APIs are settled, but there may be some changes before the final release. As a result, it's very important that you don't release applications based on this early-look SDK, since they may not work on real devices. The applications you release should be built on the final Android 1.5 SDK release, which will be available around the end of the month."

The move could give the open source OS some much-needed momentum, as it has been overshadowed by upcoming releases from rivals Apple, Nokia, Palm, and Research In Motion. The main problem is the lack of new handsets, as HTC is the only major manufacturer to show off a new Android smartphone. But manufacturers like Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Asus-Garmin, and maybe even Dell are expected to have Android-powered handsets by the end of the year.

As smartphones become equipped with more desktop-like capabilities, road warriors may soon be able to ditch their laptops. information looked at how smartphones could potentially become replacements for laptops, and the report can be downloaded here (registration required).