Google’s latest OS for the smartphones – Android v2.3 (also known as ‘Gingerbread’) was released last week and from the initial responses it look like a great OS in the making with some welcome improvements over the current Android versions available in the market today.

For a brief introduction to what to expect on Android v2.3, read on..

1. Kernel Upgrade

The kernel on Gingerbread has been upgraded to v2.6.35 with some major improvements on networking and its core libraries.

2. UI refinements for Speed and Simplicity

The User interface is getting simpler with each update on Android and this one is no different. The interface has been tweaked in a way so that it responds faster, and easy on eye. One look at its interface and you would agree with me that Google is trying to keep the interface as simple as possible (which includes the icons as well)

3. Faster text input!

I am so eager to try it out on Gingerbread! Most of the times, Android has issues keeping up with the pace of user input but this is something which they claim to have improved with the new release. The keys in the keyboard has a new look and repositioned for improved targeting, and can be pressed accurately even if you are typing at high speeds.

4. Improved Power management

Android Gingerbread will monitor and manage the resources of your smartphone more efficiently to save power. It can now efficiently decide on when to switch an application to background, or even close them safely thus saving valuable battery.

5. Support for multiple cameras

I was expecting this feature some time before, but better late that never. Android can detect and use front camera of your cellphone from now on.

For a complete list of new features, please check the official link here. I am high upon the improvements and hope it fulfils the expectations that we have from Google.