By now you've probably heard about Google Android due to the
recent Android phones that have been released; but, the truth is, Android is a
lot more than just a "Google phone". Android is software designed to be a
complete platform for mobile devices, which includes an open-sourced, mobile
operating system based on a modified Linux kernel.
Because Android is open-source, it is easy for developers to
create their own applications for the Android platform. Part of the open-source
rules dictates that Google must release the complete source code for every
version of the Android software. By releasing the entire source code,
programmers can not only develop applications to work with the software easier,
but also adapt Google's code in their own way by adding features or making
whatever modifications to the operating system they'd like.
Android OS vs iPhone
As far as phones go, the open sourced nature of the OS give Google devices
a big advantage over the iPhone. As you probably know, Apple is very strict
about which apps are allowed on their devices and are currently in a legal battle with Google over the rejection of the Google Voice application.
iPhone owners might argue that a jailbroken device has much
less restrictions, and although that is true, it is an annoyance -- especially
when Apple releases their own update and the homebrew community doesn't foster
the same big name developer support.
Google has built itself a good library of 1st
party internet applications, virtually all of which are available on their
mobile devices. Included with every Android phone are the following
applications: Gmail, Google Maps, Google Voice, Gchat, YouTube, Google Places,
and Andoird Market (Google's version of the iTunes store).
Android's First
Attack
The first Android-backed device to hit the market was the HTC Dream, also known
as the T-Mobile G1, which was released over a year ago. The handset itself
received mixed impressions, but overall reviews for the device, and especially Google's
new operating system, were extremely high. People were very excited about what
the future could hold for Android devices once Google had time to mature their software
and develop an app library.
Since Android 2.0 has been released, homebrewers have been
able to successfully install the new operating system on their older Android
phones, such as the G1.
Android 2.0 - Eclair
Android 2.0, also known as Eclair (following previous releases codenamed
Cupcake and Donut), is already available -- most notably on the Motorola Droid
and Google's own Nexus One, have peeked consumer's interest in Android.
One of the biggest features announced with Android 2.0 was
that all mobile devices with the upgraded software include free GPS navigation.
As you can imagine, stocks of both TomTom and Garmin plunged when Google made
this announcement.
Other must have features that were added with version 2.0 include
built-in Exchange email support for multiple accounts, integration of many
social media services, an upgraded web browser, a multi-touch interface, and
upgraded camera software including digital zoom.
Now that the first devices with the improved Android 2.0
software are out and users have even been able to install Android 2.0 on their
older Android handsets, this software is finally ready to move on from the
early adopter phase to mainstream consumer use.
Android - Not Just
for Phones
Although Android is often solely considered a mobile phone platform, that's
really just the tip of the iceberg. Google Android is a complete software
package that can power laptops, GPS navigators, photo frames, televisions, remote
controls, DVR set-top boxes, and much more. Barnes and Noble's new e-reader
also runs on Android.
Remember, there is a reason that Google has become one of
the largest, most successful companies in the world. The products they make
work... very well. Add that to the fact that virtually all of Google's consumer
products are free, and they have a winning combo.
Do you think Android will live up to the hype?
Anyone get their hands on an Android device yet?
More Info:
Android, and How It Will Take Over the World
Google: 18 Android Phones Coming This Year, Possibly More
Google Android Sees Second Coming at CES 2010
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