A key focus area for Google with its next major Android release (codenamed Gingerbread) will be the user interface, according to TechCrunch sources. Google’s intention is to eliminate the need for custom UI layers such as HTC Sense or Motorola’s MOTOBLUR.
Customized user interfaces have become key device differentiators for manufacturers. They may not be inclined to lose them even if it allows them to more rapidly release Android updates for those devices.
Gingerbread, which could be released by the end of the year, will likely be the first release to benefit from Google’s recent hiring of ex-Palm UI expert Matia Duarte.