“The Donuts are ready” said Google on Tuesday. These Donuts are for the smartphone developers from all around the world that can’t wait to get their hands on the next version of Android. Its codename: Donut. The Android 1.6 software development kit is now available for anyone to download from here. However, please note that Donut is not, in any way, a major release! It only contains some new features for developers to consider.

One of the major features is the new Android’s ability to run on CDMA phones, making it ideal for phones used by Sprint and Verizon. This support is aimed at bringing more partners to the Android world. One other very interesting feature is the text-to-speech application programming interface (API). Developers can use the API to build new and exciting applications with a certain level of ease. The API is rumored to support a new version of the Android Market, as well as an improved search box.

If you are a developer, you simply must have a look at the new Android, downloadable from here. For all Android users and potential users, the first phone running Donut is expected to come in October. This is a perfect timing with some major phone releases such as Motorola’s Cliq. According to Google, Android will be updated at least twice per year. Let’s hope they keep their word!