People have been waiting anxiously for the announcement of Google’s latest and arguably most ambitious project to date – the Gphone. When the announcement came, however, it was not what people were expecting. There is no Gphone. Instead, the information gurus announced something a little different – Android.
In collaboration with the Open Handset Alliance (which includes Qualcomm, Motorola, HTC, and about 30 others), Google has developed a Linux-based open source system for mobile devices, not just a new piece of hardware like the iPhone. Android will allow companies to develop software for mobile phones on any participating service provider, including Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile. AT&T and Verizon Wireless aren’t in on the deal yet, but consumer demand for Android-based service may drive them to it. Google hasn’t announced any intentions to build their own hardware; instead, they’re letting their OHA partners (e.g. Samsung, Motorola, etc.) take care of that for them.
The goal of Android is to deliver on Google’s mission of “providing access to information to users wherever they are.” Users will be able to download a myriad of programs and gadgets onto their phones, some created by Google, but an unlimited number created by third-party developers. Of course, this includes targeted ads. Google cites this as an opportunity for developers to get their names and products out there to the mobile community.
Android’s Software Development Kit (SDK) is expected to be available here on November 12, and the first Android-based phones should be on the market in the second half of 2008.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 6th, 2007 at 4:26 pm and is filed under Industry News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
| Webmaster Resources Marketplace: |
| Software Development Company | Webhosting.UK.com |
| Web Templates | Text Link Brokers | Stock Photos |
