The success of the Android platform is remarkable. In retrospect, people barely knew Android two and half years ago, with only one device, in one country, on one carrier. Today, it boasts 100 million activated Android devices; 400,000 new Android devices activated every day; 200,000 free and paid applications available in Android Market; and 4.5 billion applications installed from Android Market. Massive advancement and proliferation brushed before our very eyes.

Highlighting the success and glory of the Android, Google formally introduced Ice Cream Sandwich at Google I/O. This operating system brings some of the most-loved tablet-only Honeycomb capabilities such as a holographic user interface, more multitasking, the new launcher and richer widget, to smartphones.

Google also launched Music Beta, a service that allows users to upload personal music collection to the cloud for streaming to computer and Android devices. This gets rid of the stress and trouble of manual sync ups and license charges. It has several other capabilities such as Instant Mix, allowing users to create a playlist of songs that go well together.

A new feature on the Android Market is added as well, allowing users to rent movies at $1.99, which can be viewed using any of Android devices. Google is rolling out a Verizon XOOM update starting today. Moreover, Google formed an alliance with Verizon, HTC, Samsung, Sprint, Sony Ericsson, LG, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Motorola and AT&T to reach customers via the development of adoption guidelines on how quickly devices are updated after a new platform release. They are open for other industry players to join as well.

In effort to span Android beyond mobile phones, Google developed Android Open Accessory to help developers craft hardware accessories that are operational on all Android devices. The tech giant’s also working on Android@Home, which allows Android apps to discover and engage with appliances and devices at home. Lastly, Porject Tungsten on Android enables Music Beta users to manage play back within the Android@Home network.

Android is getting better and better by the day. It’s standing head to head with Apple and its iOS, and has even emerged a victor as it beats iOS in speed, as well distribution. Also, here are some business apps for the Android tablet that might be of any interest to you.