Google announces Android 3.1 – USB connectivity, mouse input and more

Google has announced the official arrival of its 3.1 update of the tablet version of the OS, bringing in features that appear designed to help Android tablets compete a little better with laptops.

Most importantly is the long-awaited official support for USB devices, meaning it’ll finally be possible to plug a mouse and keyboard in and GO WILD. Here’s the relevant chunk from the Google Developers announcement:

Android 3.1 adds broad platform support for a variety of USB-connected peripherals and accessories. Users can attach many types of input devices (keyboards, mice, game controllers) and digital cameras. Applications can build on the platform’s USB support to extend connectivity to almost any type of USB device.

And this is Android 3.1:

android 31 home screen

The user interface has also been tweaked, including resizable Home screen widgets, Xbox 360 and PS3 USB controller support, an updated web browser and more. Read all about it over on the Android Developers site.

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