New developer tools supporting the upcoming Android 1.6 platform update are available, enabling programmers to write apps that turn text to speech, employ gestures, integrate with the system’s search box, and run on greater number of cellular networks and Android devices.

After we learned Monday about new user features of the upcoming Android 1.6 update, code-named Donut, Google

followed-up with an updated SDK that helps developers to write apps that explore all new Android 1.6 features.

The SDK brings several noteworthy capabilities, including a brand new text-to-speech framework that leverages a multilingual speech synthesis engine. The initial set of supported languages (English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish) will be available for download from Android Market.

In addition, the updated SDK adds support for CDMA cellular networks via new telephony APIs, meaning apps will run across greater number of mobile networks. There are frameworks that extend the current 320×480 UI limit to QVGA and WVGA resolutions (up to 850×480 pixels). Such a system support for greater resolutions ensures that apps render properly on different screen resolutions and densities, paving the way for more flavors and form factors of Android devices.

Apps can even specify to the operating system the types of screens they support so they run only on supported form factors, reducing user confusion. New gesture APIs enable developers to build gestures into their apps, while the search framework exposes relevant content from third-party apps to the integrated Quick Search Box (the same as the iPhone’s universal search feature that searches supported item types across your phone).

A run-down of features found in the Android 1.6 SDK
No video? Watch it on YouTube!

Google reminds developers to take advantage of a redesigned Android Market that ships with the Android 1.6 firmware. It features four new categories (sports, health, themes, and comics), in addition to app icons, longer item descriptions (beyond the current 325-character limit), and screenshots. The search giant is urging developers to upload new marketing materials for both existing and new apps in the store. The new Android Market will provide users with one-tap access to apps, games, and downloads. In the category view, users can filter apps by top free, top paid, and those that have just arrived.

Android SDK 1.6 requires the latest version of Android Development Tools and comes with a new tool that simplifies downloading updates and additional components. Google stressed that developers should test their apps against Android 1.6 that will come preloaded on several phones that are due in October.

Read more at the official Android for developers blog.

Christian’s Opinion

New Android 1.6 phones are around the corner, like Motorola Cliq and LG’s own first-ever Android smartphone. With a broader range of Android devices hitting the market and new software capabilities in Android 1.6, an increasing number of consumers might consider Android phones, pushing the platform towards the critical mass. In my opinion, Android 1.6 contains several interesting features. The new text-to-speech engine is undoubtedly a powerful vehicle that can enhance apps and allow programmers to address the needs of visually impaired users.

Note that a similar iPhone feature dubbed VoiceOver lets you touch the screen in order to hear a description of the item under your finger (it speaks 21 languages). However, while VoiceOver on iPhone works with all built-in apps, Apple has yet to expose its functionality to developers.

Another cool feature of Android 1.6 is the new Android Market, although it’s a bit overdue. Android apps, and especially games, will benefit the most from the gestures APIs that will (hopefully) support iPhone-esque gestures like pinch zoom. Finally, if too many running services are draining the phone’s battery, Android 1.6 has the battery usage screen where you can adjust apps usage settings, and stop or uninstall apps that are draining resources. Android 1.6 update should be definitely worth the wait.