Google has been steadily improving the Android operating system for mobile phones, adding lots of new features with every update. Its latest Android update , dubbed "Ice Cream Sandwich", is a huge step forward for the company, enhancing the mobile operating system in almost every way possible. This brings to the forefront a complete makeover of the already-robust operating system; it is also filled with fresh features that will be loved by Android fans all around the world.

This Android update brings the version number to 4.0, combining the best of its predecessor's phone interface and Honeycomb's tablet GUI. It results in a visually appealing interface that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is also very practical. It contains smart and useful innovations that will be utilized by next-gen mobile phone models from various manufacturers, including Motorola, Samsung and HTC. Below are five features that make it stand out from the crowded smartphone market.

Android Beam – this is basically the incorporation of near-field communication technology that has been picked up by other phone makers, including BlackBerry. It will let users share content with each other by tapping the back of the phone with another. Users will be able to send web links, YouTube videos, pictures, and other digital content simply by touching others' phones. This is only applicable to other Android 4.0 users only though.

Face Unlock is one of the most talked about features in this Android update. There are no other smart phones in the market that have this technology. It scans and verifies your face before letting you use your phone. This uses advanced facial recognition technology that is simply not there in other high-end phones, including Apple iPhone 4S. On top of this, Google claims that it is impossible to fool the system with a picture of the owner. Only the actual owner will be able to use his or her phone. It is a technological marvel.

Taking a cue from Microsoft's Windows Phone, Google has introduced a People App. The company has placed your friends, family and acquaintances at the center of your device. It will keep you informed on what everyone has been up to. It uses social networking websites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to grab status updates, work information and photos straight to you. Additionally, it will allow the user to reject any untimed calls.

This Android update also enables re-sizable widgets, letting users embed live content. It will let users check email, listen to music and carry out other tasks without even having to open the related apps. It also helps people save screen space.

The above are some of the best features in the upcoming Android update. There are many more enhancements and new features that are waiting to be used by users in the days to come.