Ice Cream Sandwich Primed to Challenge Apple

Google’s latest smartphone, the Galaxy Nexus, will be using Android operating system version 4.0, codenamed ‘Ice Cream Sandwich’. This is a marriage of the 2.0 version which exists on other Android smartphones and the 3.0 version that was designed for tablets, such as the Motorola Xoom. It could be beneficial for app developers in the long run, as they will be able to target both the smartphone and tablet market more easily than they can now. It’s just one of the reasons the Galaxy Nexus is being taken very seriously as a challenger to the latest Apple offering, iPhone 4S.

The Galaxy Nexus represents another collaboration between Google and Samsung. For Samsung, this is a partnership that could reinforce its position as the largest mobile phone manufacturer, though Nokia will be hoping their partnership with Microsoft will help them claw back lost ground. As for Google, their mobile business continues to grow.

Although there are plenty of bloggers out there who are realistic about the impregnable strength of Apple’s brand, and understand there are still huge barriers to competitors, there are others that see lots of reasons to get excited about the Galaxy Nexus’s ability to compete. The 4.65 inch screen is noticeably larger than the iPhone, at 3.5 inches. There’s also more space. The 1GB system memory is double that on the iPhone. For those who may have felt slightly underwhelmed at the launch of Apple’s latest smartphone, the Galaxy Nexus could provide an enticing alternative. Clearly though there are still an overwhelming number of consumers who believe the improvements made to the iPhone ensure that it will remain ahead of the game for some time yet.

The launch of the Galaxy Nexus was delayed earlier this month as it coincided with the death of Steve Jobs, co-founder and former chief executive of Apple. However more details have subsequently been leaked and it looks set to be released in the UK in the next month, just in time for Christmas shopping. With Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7.5 (or Mango) also due to be released on the market, it’s certainly going to be competitive.