Android version history : Android 4.x Ice Cream Sandwich

Ice Cream Sandwich was previewed at the May 2011 Google I/O event, and officially launched at the Galaxy Nexus and Ice Cream Sandwich release event on 19 October 2011. The SDK for Android 4.0 was publicly released on 19 October 2011. Gabe Cohen from Google said that it is "theoretically compatible" with any Android 2.3.x device currently in production. The source code for this version is scheduled to be released after the Galaxy Nexus ships. Features include: Virtual buttons in the UI, instead of taking up a capacitive screen Voice typing, capable of recognizing speech and converting it into text Widgets in a new tab, listed in a similar list to apps Easier-to-create folders, with a drag-and-drop style A customizable launcher In a new phone app, visual voicemail functionality that lets user speed up or slow down *voicemail messages Pinch-to-zoom functionality in the calendar Offline search, a two-line preview, and new action bar at the bottom of the Gmail app Ability to swipe left or right to switch between Gmail conversations Integrated screenshot capture (accomplished by holding Power and Volume-Down buttons) Improved error correction on the keyboard Ability to access apps directly from lock screen (similar to HTC Sense 3.x) Improved copy and paste functionality Better voice integration and continuous dictating capability Face Unlock, a facial recognition service New tabbed web browser, allowing up to 16 tabs Automatic syncing of browser with user's Chrome bookmarks Modern Roboto font Data Usage section in settings that lets user set warnings when they approach a certain usage limit, and disable data when the limit is exceeded Ability to shut down apps that are using data in the background Camera app: zero shutter lag, time lapse settings, zoom while recording Built-in photo editor New gallery layout, organized by location and person Refreshed 'People' app with social network integration, status updates and hi-res images Android Beam, a NFC feature that lets user exchange websites, contact info, directions, YouTube, etc. Hardware acceleration of the UI Resizeable widgets Wi-Fi Direct