I’ve gushed about Android 4.0 a.k.a. Ice Cream Sandwich earlier, but I think I haven’t done it any justice.  So just bear with me, I just can’t get enough of this new OS, just like the real ice cream sandwich, this too is so addicting.

We already know that it’s an OS for both smartphones and tablets so let’s just go over each new feature.  The new OS features a new user interface that is very different from all Android versions as it allows users to navigate with simple, intuitive gestures.  It also has refined animations and feedback that facilitates more interesting and engaging interactions.  A new font was created which is optimized for HD displays, and physical buttons were chucked to be replaced with adaptable software buttons.

It has a System Bar that lets users quickly toggle between Back, Home, and Recent Apps, and an Action Bar which may either be at the top or bottom of the screen that lets users access each application’s contextual options.

Notifications are now rich and interactive.  For larger devices, the notifications appear on the System Bar while in small devices, notifications appear at the top of the screen.

The above modifications make multitasking even easier and faster.

Home screen folders offer a new way to group apps and shortcuts the way they want to by just simply dragging apps to their preferred location.  It also features an All Apps launcher where one can get an app info by just dragging the app there or uninstall or disable an app.  For smaller devices, the home screen has a customizable favorites tray which allows for instant access.

Widgets make life easier since you can do multitudes of tasks without having to launch the app or program but sometimes, widgets are too small which can strain a user’s eye.  With the new resizable widget, users get a better view as to what they are looking at.

Even when the device is locked, users can still do some quick actions like activate the camera, see notifications, check messages, manage music, and more with just a few simple, quick actions like swiping the screen.

A powerful voice engine allows for voice to text functionality for those lazy days when talking is way better than typing.

The new OS also features a redesigned gallery with photo editing capabilities.  The photo gallery has a redesigned album layout and an improved photo gallery widget that lets users look at pictures directly on their home screen.  Also, users can enjoy video calls with the Live Effects which lets you edit the way you appear on your friend’s screen while you’re on video call.

And since the cloud  is definitely here to stay, Ice Cream Sandwich makes Android’s cloud-offering more organized and connected with new browsing and e-mail capabilities.

I’ve already mentioned the Android Beam for NFC-based sharing of files, Face Unlock but I haven’t discussed the Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth HDP.  The Wi-Fi Direct lets users directly connect to nearby Wi-Fi hotspots for better, reliable internet connection.  While the Bluetooth Health Device Profile (HDP) lets users connect to wireless medical devices and sensors in hospitals, fitness centers, homes etc. and it also offers support for Bluetooth Hands Free Profile (HFP) 1.6.

Though the device and the OS sounds really promising and a possible Apple contender, it already has people bashing it and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is leading the pack stating that the new OS is too complicated unlike their own smartphones.

Ballmer stated, “You don’t need to be a computer scientist to use a Windows phone. And I think you do to use an Android phone!”