Tech & Biz

Google Unveils Nexus S & Gingerbread OS

by Jordan Yerman | December 7, 2010 at 02:04 pm

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Google Nexus S Runs on Gingerbread (Android 2.3)

Google unveiled the Nexus S, its second attempt at a Google-branded smartphone running the Android mobile OS. The Nexus One wasn't exactly a smashing success, so Google is hoping to improve its fortunes this time around.

The Nexus S (can we just get a handset called the Roy Batty?) is built by Samsung, featuring a 1Ghz Hummingbird processor, 512MBRAM and 16GB storage (no microSD slot. The claimed batter life is 6.7 hours of talk time or 426 hours standby.

Android 2.3, aka Gingerbread, boasts easier copy/paste functionality, native VOIP/SIP support, and WiFi hotspot capability, with which the Nexus S can serve as a WiFi hotspot for up to 6 devices. (Android 2.3 SDK info)

Google has finally conceded the need for manually quitting applications. In Android 2.3, the application manager tool has a “Running” tab that lets the user terminate individual applications and see how much system resources each running program is consuming. This feature will be conveniently accessible from a menu item on the home screen, largely obviating the need for users to install third-party task management tools.

Note that not all Android-capable smartphones will allow you to upgrade the operating system without a warranty-busting hack job: If you're on 2.0-2.2, you're likely stuck there.-2