Google Android

Android is the next biggest thing to happen in the mobile space since the iPhone. Its a complete software stack for a mobile phone and its free ! One of the major development costs when creating a new phone is that of the operating system. Apple have their own system other manufacturers have bespoke platforms whilst some use Symbian.

Introducing a totally free stack like this sounds very enticing and the host of applications that have been developed already ( even though no actual device is in the public domain running android ) are impressive. You can check out the winners of the Android Challenge and see examples of their applications at http://code.google.com/android/adc.html

The OS has some very usefull features. Design of user interface screens has been packaged up into a simpe screen manger. You have view such as the Map View where a google map is loaded for you to work with. The browser is based on Web Kit ( the same as safari and the iPhone ) so should be able to handle most content. The API allows access to many of the devices (optional) components such as GPS and the compass. A basic database is included for persistent storage which is a nice touch.

Android open source ( and free ) status is shaking up the market place and the recent announcement that Symbian is to become Open Source must be a reaction to this. There are however some negative aspects in particular items that are on google's roadmap but could not be released in version one. In particular there seems to be an issue with the BlueTooth stack. It is our understanding that the first lauch will include the ability to pair with your headset/car bluetooth kit but will not include some of the more advanced features like contact exchange.

Google talk was set to be realeased but due to some security aspects in the protocol used it will not be featured in the first release. It is likely that updating the platform will be possible so as and when these get ironed out they will be available for download

We are really impressed with the platform and since you can write applications in Java code its right down our street. If you are looking to deploy your applications onto a mobile device then contact us