Alien Dalvik 2.0 Brings Android Apps to the iPad
But don’t expect Apple to allow it for long. The Myriad Group unveiled their latest version of Alien Dalvik today, a Dalvik virtual machine emulator designed to run Android Applications on all sorts of non-Android devices. The big name here, of course, is Apple’s iPad, but Alien Dalvik 2.0 will also bring the capability to TVs, ebook readers, and more.
Myriad will show off the technology first-han at next week’s CTIA conference, highlighting Alien Dalvik’s ability to run unmodified APK files. The far reaching benefit is the ability for developers to code an app only once, while the virtual machine will more likely come into play in order to boost app selection on lesser developed platforms (think RIM and their Android emulator for the BlackBerry PlayBook). As far as Apple goes, we don’t expect they will play nicely with Myriad’s latest toy. It will be a boon for jailbreakers, but don’t expect to gain access to the Android Market’s library of apps with the approval of the iPad maker.
Myriad Alien Dalvik 2.0 on Apple iPad
“We have seen incredible momentum in Android adoption, but we are just scratching the surface,” said Simon Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, Myriad Group. “Digital screens such as Internet-enabled TVs and in-vehicle displays, along with other consumer devices like tablets and e-books are proliferating at an astounding rate. Consumers are driving multimedia evolution and are demanding more converged multi-screen services. With Alien Dalvik 2.0, we are creating a more flexible, consistent user experience by mobilizing content such as live sports, recorded TV shows and on-demand movies, so users can enjoy content seamlessly from one device to the next.”
Alien Dalvik 2.0 is the first step towards creating a single app standard and marks yet another key milestone for Myriad Android innovations. Alien Dalvik 2.0 enables the majority of Android apps to run unmodified using Android Package (APK) files. This in turn allows app store owners and publishers to quickly transcend multiple platforms and screens, leveraging existing software and middleware, all without compromising performance. Furthermore, Alien Dalvik 2.0 enables developers to create once and use many times, while allowing operators, OEMs, and even enterprise to streamline app rollout – taking the headache out of platform fragmentation and content management.
From a user perspective, Alien Dalvik 2.0 is completely transparent and installed without user disruption. Users simply enjoy the same rich Android ecosystem they have become accustomed to via mobile on other key screens, such as playing Angry Birds on HDTV. This all while gaining faster access to a wider range of apps, thus encouraging a higher frequency of downloads and increased ARPU.
“As demand for multi-screen services grows, and as the telecommunications industry becomes a content business, service providers will have new opportunities to leverage their service delivery platforms and collaborate with content providers to develop converged multi-offerings. Alien Dalvik 2.0 provides a great alternative to OEMs and service providers who want to harness the Android ecosystem, while leveraging existing investments and retaining control of their customer experience,” added Wilkinson.
From application components to complete device integration, Myriad provides best-in-class Android solutions. As a founding member of the Open Handset Alliance (OHA), Myriad has exceptional expertise in runtimes and has been playing a key role in Android solutions since its early days.
When partnering with Myriad for Android app development or porting, operators, OEMs and app store owners will benefit from Myriad’s broad portfolio of services, strong knowledge of embedded software systems, rich heritage in Java technology and expertise in second screen solutions for Blu-ray and set-top box markets.
Myriad will be showcasing Alien Dalvik 2.0 in action, demonstrating Android on the Apple iPad at this year’s CTIA Enterprise & Applications in San Diego from October 11th-13th at Myriad’s Hospitality Suite at the Hilton San Diego Bay Front, 1 Park Boulevard, directly adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center.