Android 2.0 includes exciting new features and APIs. For information about what’s included in the new platform, read the Android 2.0 version notes.

If you have the Android 1.6 SDK, you can update your environment by installing the Android 2.0 platform and updated tools as SDK components. Otherwise, download a new Android SDK.

“Android 2.0 is a major platform release deployable to Android-powered handsets starting in November 2009. The release includes new features for users and developers, as well as changes in the Android framework API.”

For developers, the Android 2.0 platform is available as a downloadable component for the Android SDK. The downloadable platform includes a fully compliant Android library and system image, as well as a set of emulator skins, sample applications, and more. The downloadable platform is fully compliant and includes no external libraries.

To get started developing or testing against the Android 2.0 platform, use the Android SDK and AVD Manager tool to download the platform into your Android 1.6 or later SDK. For more information, see Adding SDK Components.

New User Features

Quick Contact for Android

Multiple Accounts

Messaging Search

Email Combined Inbox

Camera Modes

Contacts and accounts

• Multiple accounts can be added to a device for email and contact synchronization, including Exchange accounts. (Handset manufacturers can choose whether to include Exchange support in their devices.)
• Developers can create sync adapters that provide synchronization with additional data sources.
• Quick Contact for Android provides instant access to a contact’s information and communication modes. For example, a user can tap a contact photo and select to call, SMS, or email the person. Other applications such as Email, Messaging, and Calendar can also reveal the Quick Contact widget when you touch a contact photo or status icon.