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Google has started 2011 on high note by updating all its products. Recently we saw Google Chrome 9 beta got updated and its almost ready for final release. And Chrome OS is trying to get some market share from Microsoft Windows.

Well this is done, Google new venture into smartphones war also proving one more successful product in the market against iPhone, Symbian and others. Google recently released Nexus S and Android 2.3, Gingerbread. And they still not done with buzzing new news to its loyal customers!

On Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Google previewed next version of Android i.e Android 3.0, Honeycomb. Honeycomb is the next version of the Android platform, designed from the ground up for devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets.

Whenever the version number increases, even list of features get increases. Google has said to have spent a lot of time refining the user experience in Honeycomb, and developed a brand new, truly virtual and holographic user interface.

Following are the exciting features added in Honeycomb,

#1. User Interface(GUI)

The new interface is much more user friendly as compared to its predecessors. Home screen customization with a new 3D experience. The home screen space is brilliantly distributed with the four corners decorated with well thought in  functions. Below is the video based on UI demo,

#2. Enhanced Keyboard

It’s amazing to see how much Android’s user interface has changed ever since Matias Duarte was hired by Google to improve Android.

According to Google, “the Android soft keyboard is redesigned and optimized for faster text input and editing. The keys themselves are reshaped and repositioned for improved targeting, making them easier to see and press accurately, even at high speeds.”

Android 3.0 Honeycomb qwerty:

Android 2.3 Gingerbread qwerty:

#3. Gmail

Gmail is very intelligently customized, all features are kept in reach and looks pretty neat.

#4. Google Talk

Google Talk, now allows you to video and voice chat with any other Google Talk enabled device (PC, tablet, etc). One could use the front or the rear cam, mute themselves, mix the video all together.

#5. Google Maps 5

Google Maps 5 now with 3D interactions.

#6. Newly Redesigned YouTube

#7. Updated Web Browser

#8. Tabbed Browsing

As you can see the above video, the newly updated web browser now supports tabbed browsing as well.

#9. Incognito Mode

The newly updated web browser also supports incognito mode for private browsing.

#10. Google Chrome Bookmarks

Syncing with your Google Chrome bookmarks is now possible with new web browser.

#11. Form auto-fill

Well form auto-fill finally reaches tablet browser as well.

#12. Google eBooks

Now this has been totally revamped, tablet exclusivity can be seen over here, unlike simple tiles of books we could flick through each book this time, also the two-page format feels great. Now user can access to over 3 million Google eBooks.

#13. Widgets

Redesigned widgets that are richer and more interactive.

#14. Apps

Nonetheless, now users can access to over 100,000 apps on Android Market.

#15. Offline Reliability

Google Maps for Android version 5.0 features an improved caching mechanism over previous versions. If your phone’s battery level is near-full and you’re connected to a WiFi network, Google Maps will passively prefetch map and road data near to your current location.

If you lose access to a mobile data connection, you can still get directions and view locations if the area in question has been cached on your phone.

There are few more small updates available in Android 3.0,

#16. elegant notifications

#17. refined multi-tasking

Well these are some of the new features found in Android 3.0, Honeycomb till now. As far now, Tablet exclusive Android 3.0, Honeycomb lived upto its expectation and by far is the best version of Android we have seen so far, but it would be interesting to see how it fits on mobile devices.

Will these features add an advantage to Android based tablets to fight against iOS based iPad’s? Please share your thoughts and update us if you know some more features 🙂