By The gPhone cat is out of the bag…. it’s Android. The speculation was right – Android will be an Open Source mobile operating system, freely distributed to handset manufacturer’s and wireless carriers who adopt it and allowing anyone to create applications and software to be available via the OS. That we’ve known.
Doesn’t quite quench your thirst… does it? Hopefully this early FAQ will help:
What is the Android release date?
The Android Software Development Kit (SDK) will have an initial preview for Developer’s on November 12th. The platform will be available on phones starting in the second half of 2008.
What companies are in the Open Handset Alliance?
The alliance includes companies from all parts of the mobile world. A complete list of partners and members in the Open Handset Alliance can be found here.
Why is Open Source good?
Coming directly from the Android website, “Consumers will see cheaper and more innovative mobile devices and services, which will inevitably feature more engaging, easier-to-use interfaces — as well as a rich portfolio of applications.” It will also lower the cost for wireless carriers and handset manufacturers who have a free source for these features and thus can pass this savings onto the consumer.
What can Android phones do?
This will evolve as the developer community continually builds engaging applications for your mobile phone. For example, “an application could call upon any of the phone’s core functionality such as making calls, sending text messages, or using the camera, allowing developers to create richer and more cohesive experiences for users.”
You will be able to fully tailor the phone to your interests. You can change the view of the homescreen, the dailer, which e-mail applications you use, what software will view photos… you name it! But it doesn’t stop there.
Developer’s will have the ability to create internet based programs that interact with Android phones in real-time. A hypothetical: “a developer could build an application that enables users to view the location of their friends and be alerted when they are in the vicinity giving them a chance to connect.”
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