Google unveils Android 2.0 "Eclair" SDK and feature list

Google has announced the official availability of the Android 2.0 software developer kit. The new SDK modules will allow developers to code for Android 2.0, the OS commonly referred to as "Eclair." Android 2.0 is the OS that will power the new Motorola DROID smartphone that Verizon Wireless has been promoting.

Many new features appear to have been added to the OS in this release, including improved synchronization support - including Microsoft Exchange - and a new Bluetooth API. A new combined inbox will list messages from multiple sources, and new SMS and picture messaging searching has been added. The camera app has finally been overhauled and now offers all of the base settings users expect, such as white balance, digital zoom, and flash support. The new HTML5 compatible browser supports the storage of client-side data and features double-tap zooming.

Google also says that it has improved the usability and accuracy of its on-screen virtual keyboard. The new keyboard's predictive text system will even automatically add contact names to the user dictionary so that they can be included in the word prediction and auto-correction features.

You'll find a video that highlights some of the new features of the Android 2.0 OS below. [via Android Authority]