Android 1.5: Two days and counting

Two weeks ago, a developer preview of Android 1.5 SDK was released, promising developers an early look at what the OS update had to offer if they hadn't already. Now, RC 1 of the Android 1.5 SDK is available from Google for use by emulators, and from HTC for testing on the Android Dev Phone 1 (ADP1).

The SDK overview says the Android 1.5 production system image will be deployed starting in May, so there is a possibility of "Cupcake" coming to users even before the week is out.

The Netherlands, which was the first country to carry an Android-powered handset, will likely also be one of the first countries with the 1.5 update. An early press release from T-Mobile Netherlands yesterday promised an over-the-air software update to all users beginning "in early May." The Android Market in that country, along with a number of other EU nations, however, still lacks paid apps.

United States users have been running Android 1.1 RC33 for just under four months, and users in the United Kingdom and Germany have been running RC9 for just under two. The Cupcake branch, however, which promises to bring Video recording, a soft keyboard, improved browsing, Google Talk, live folder population, and improved widget creation, has been a topic of discussion in the Android user community since late last year.