Google Officially Posts Android 3.0 Sneak Peak, Touts “Holographic” UI

If you were on the Internet today, you undoubtedly saw that Google accidentally posted an overview video of Android 3.0 “Honeycomb” on YouTube earlier — then quickly pulled it. Before they did, we were able to record it and grab all the key screenshot of the Tron-like overview. Now Google has officially reposted the video, as well as a brief overview of Android 3.0 on their mobile blog.

Google was clearly waiting for the OS to be previewed at CES in Las Vegas. Now that it has, here’s what they have to say:

Honeycomb is the next version of the Android platform, designed from the ground up for devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets. We’ve spent a lot of time refining the user experience in Honeycomb, and we’ve developed a brand new, truly virtual and holographic user interface. Many of Android’s existing features will really shine on Honeycomb: refined multi-tasking, elegant notifications, access to over 100,000 apps on Android Market, home screen customization with a new 3D experience and redesigned widgets that are richer and more interactive. We’ve also made some powerful upgrades to the web browser, including tabbed browsing, form auto-fill, syncing with your Google Chrome bookmarks, and incognito mode for private browsing.

We first reported on Google working on this completely revamped UI for Android back in June. At the time, they were aiming for the 2.3 “Gingerbread” release, but that was pushed — to what you see here in 3.0.

At first glance, this UI looks impressive, and an improvement over what Android has looked like until now. And that is particularly important if Google is going compete with the iPad and attempt to own the tablet space in the same way that they have the smartphone space this year.

Personally, I think I’m most excited for the true Chrome-like tabbed browsing. Obviously, Google says to stay tuned for more, as Honeycomb isn’t expect to hit until later this year.