So today was the long awaited Google IO conference, and wow did they come with some bombs. Google demoed, answered questions about, and all around showed off their new platform, Android. The platform in the demos looks very complete, and we have a Q&A, live video demos, information, and even some system specifications about the new wonder platform.

The interface is amazingly sleek and streamlined. Instead of going the all out flashy 3D effects interface style, Android keeps it simple, and functional. Personally, I feel it was an excellent decision, and one that will enable the platform to be compatible on a whole truckload more devices than if the platform was a memory nightmare thanks to effects.

Whats more, the interface it completely original. Google modeled from no one, and has made a very solid interface because of it. The home screen is all about customization. The status bar on the top there, pulls down to allow you to view notifications, and other important information about the device. The screen flicks to a shortcut widget esque screen, and if none of all that is your style, than a blank screen can be there instead.

The browser on the device is based off of WebKit. This is the tried and true browser found on the iPhone, and the default browser on S60 powered device. During the demo, the device was using a 3.6mbps HSDPA connection, so everything loaded what is almost ridiculously quick. The live video demo is below.

A Q&A session with Google was then put on after the demo. There was a ton of information revealed, including specifications on mystery device shown in the video. Specifications include a 528MHz Qualcomm CPU, with 128MB of RAM. High end, but not too high end to prevent the platform from being a viable operating system. The device also had a capacitive touch screen thanks to Synaptics.

An interesting point that was in the demo was that the platform can run on all sorts of devices. There is no need to have a touch screen device. Google says that touch screen, D-Pad, and trackball driven devices are all fair game for the platform. Again, this is Google thinking big, and wanting to get the software to as many devices as possible.

Google also said that anyone can use their software. It will be released as open source, so manufacturers, and savvy consumers alike can load it onto devices. Basically, the answer to the question of can my device run it is, go for it. There are minimum specifications of course, but anything reasonable, may just run the software. Check below for a video of the Q&A.

[Via Android Community]