Improved power management capabilities manage applications that keep the device awake too long or consume CPU while running in the background. "By managing such apps -- closing them if appropriate -- the system helps ensure the best possible performance and battery life," the Android developer blog said.

Along with the platform upgrade, Google is releasing updates to SDK Tools, Native Development Kit, and the Android Development Tools Plugin for Eclipse, featuring simplified debug builds and HierarchyViewer improvements, such as an updated UI.

in InfoWorld's Mobilize Channel.