The Android 4.0 and Galaxy Nexus breakdown

Google and Samsung today launched the Galaxy Nexus running Android 4.0, or Ice Cream Sandwich. Like previous models in the "Nexus" series, the handset is designed to showcase the latest version of Google's Android software.

While the operating system's name has prompted either bewilderment (with one tweet asking the memorable "Is the release naming team just Bjork locked in a dark room with a sack of cocaine?") or drooling, the latter is more true of its upgrades.  Here's a break down of the specs:

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich:

• New typeface called Roboto with evolved user interface featuring virtual buttons that can be dimmed for full screen viewing
• Home screen folders to organise widgets or shortcuts, such as speed dial contacts
• Resizeable widgets
• Facial recognition screen locks (which didn't actually work at the live conference)
• More responsive keyboard with spell checker
• Continuous voice reconition and dictation, with pauses accommodated
• New controls for managing network data (a boon for the NZ data capped)
• Me and People apps, with more profile information
• Zero shutter lag exposure and photo editor included in gallery
• Live Effects for video and screen shots available using Power + Volume
• Synched Chrome bookmarks, full desktop version of web sites available, separate preference settings for each tab, offline reading and improved page rendering.
• Android Beam allows sharing via Near Field Communication - involves tapping two NFC-enable devices together.
• Wi-Fi Direct for connecting to peer devices over Wi-Fi, no internet connection or tethering necessary and Bluetooth Health Device Profile, allowing connection to wireless medical devices and sensors in hospitals, fitness centers, homes.

TechCrunch has a quick run down of Ice Cream Sandwich here.

Galaxy Nexus

• 1.2 GHz dual core processor
• LTE and HSPA+ dependent upon market locale and consumer demand
• HD Super Amoled display with 1:100,000 contrast ratio
• 4.65 inch display, 1280x720 resolution, 16:9 screen
• NFC enabled
• 1GB RAM
• 135g
• 8.94mm thickness

Samsung NZ told NBR there was no word yet on local release for the Galaxy Nexus.

PC World has a run down and endgadget has a comparison with the other Android news this week, the Motorola Droid Razr (Google being in the process of acquiring Motorola.)