Google announces Android 2.3.4, adds video chat over Wi-Fi

Google has announced a new update to its Android 2.3 OS. The Android 2.3.4 update released for Google Nexus devices bring in some bug fixes for Nexus One but more importantly, brings the ability to make video calls to Gmail contacts over 3G, 4G and even Wi-Fi for Nexus S. Needless to say, other Android 2.3+ running devices with a front-facing camera will also get the ability to make video calls in the near future.

Although video calling feature is similar to iOS’ FaceTime, the video calling on Android tries to improvise with couple of worthy additions. For instance, any text chats from the contact will be overlaid on the streaming video or if you need to type an email or are surfing on the browser, the video stream will be deactivated with audio streaming unaffected.

The Android 2.3.4 will be rolled out to Nexus users in the course of next few weeks.

Interestingly, Google on their Nexus Twitter account says the surprise is yet to come. What could it be? Maybe we’ll know what Google is up to at Google I/O early next month.

[Via GoogleMobile Blog]

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