The latest update includes a variety of bug fixes for phones and tablets alike. What makes this update worthy of mentioning is the added API’s for developers. Moving from the current API level 14 to API level 15, giving the developers even more things to tinker with and build into their applications.

Some of the new APIs in Android 4.0.3 include:

Social stream API in Contacts provider: Applications that use social stream data such as status updates and check-ins can now sync that data with each of the user’s contacts, providing items in a stream along with photos for each. This new API lets apps show users what the people they know are doing or saying, in addition to their photos and contact information.Calendar provider enhancements. Apps can now add color to events, for easier tracking, and new attendee types and states are now available.

New camera capabilities. Apps can now check and manage video stabilization and use QVGA resolution profiles where needed.

Accessibility refinements. Improved content access for screen readers and new status and error reporting for text-to-speech engines.

Incremental improvements in graphics, database, spell-checking, Bluetooth, and more.

Google notes that going forward they will work with their partners on Android 4.0.3 being the base version of Ice Cream Sandwich to build from. They strongly suggest that app developers test their apps against the new 4.0.3 version to ensure stability and functionality. Not to mention utilizing the new API’s for their apps as needed.

On a side note, they also wanted to remind developers that there is recently updated SDK tool, Eclipse Plug-In and NDK available for you guys to use.

I think we are in store for some amazing new additions to our current favorite apps along with some amazing new apps in the near future. Hit the source link for more detailed information on the recent release.

Source: Developers BlogSpot