So Google has released Android 4.0 nicknamed ice cream sandwich.

The update completely redesigns the user interface and introduces a raft of new features. Amongst the highlights are offline search in Gmail and a new lock screen which uses facial recognition software to prevent strangers using your phone without permission. Almost every app has been updated. Ice Crem Sandwich’s first public appearance will be on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

The SDK is already available for the new OS.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the new features:

- There is an option to use virtual buttons instead of any capacitive buttons on your device

- folders are now easier to create, thanks to a drag-and-drop style interface, like that in iOS

- there’s a customisable launcher for apps

- widgets are now located in in their own tab in a similar list to apps

- a new phone app provides visual voicemail functionality – you can speed up or slow down voicemail messages

- Gmail now features offline search, as well as a two-line preview and a new action bar at the foot of the window

- Calendar now has pinch-to-zoom functionality

- you can swipe left or right to switch between conversations on Gmail

- screenshot capture is now integrated into the operating system, accessed by holding the Power and Volume Down buttons

- error correction on the keyboard has been improved

- you can access apps directly from the lock screen

- voice integration has been improved

- copy and paste have been improved

- this one’s our favourite –  the new tabbed Web browser enables up to 16 tabs

- chrome bookmarks are now automatically synced

- users can set warnings for themselves when they reach a certain amount of data usage or disable a device as soon as the data limit is exceeded

- apps working in the background can be killed off to save data or processor cycles

- the camera app has been overhauled to give zero shutter lag

- and users can now zoom while recording video

- there are also timelapse settings in the camera app

- the OS now includes a built-in photo editor

- there is a new gallery layout organised according to location or person

- the people app has been updated to include social network integration and status updates, and now allows high resolution images

-  Android Beam allows users to exchange website or contact info, directions, youTube links, etc

-  any app can now be disabled to prevent it draining away precious resources.