Google Android: What is it?

In Mid-2005, Google took the first steps in its quest to develop an open source platform for mobile phones by acquiring a fairly new start-up named Android. At the time, Google envisioned the acquisition of Android to be one of many moves that would allow Google to broaden its reach with the mobile device user, and show people that Google is far more than just a search engine⁽¹⁾. However, as time has progressed, Android has taken on a much larger meaning and existence, beyond that of the original startup and Google’s acquisition thereof.

As of November 2007, Google has paired with 33 companies, including mobile operators, handset manufacturers, software companies, semiconductor companies, and commercialization companies. For the complete list of companies you can visit: Members. These companies have come together in an effort to inject the innovation and openness that has so often been lacking in the mobile community, with Android being the first step. Android is expected to launch in the second half of 2008⁽²⁾.

So what exactly can we expect from Android when it launches next year? According to the Open Handset Alliance website, Android will deliver a complete set of software for mobile devices: an operating system, middleware and key mobile applications. An early look at the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) is now available. The main attributes of Android is that it will an open source platform, running on the open Linux Kernel⁽²⁾. For those who are unfamiliar with the terminology, open source is the concept of allowing access to the design process of a good in order for further development and innovation by the end-users. Since I, like all of you, am just beginning my quest in understanding Android, I will let an expert show you what Android may be capable of. **SPOILER ALERT** (There is no GPhone). Anyhow here is the video:



For other informational videos regarding Android you can visit: http://www.youtube.com/user/androiddevelopers

Along with these current features, Google also plans to give a large incentive to any developer willing and able to produce high quality applications for this platform. How does $10,000,000 given to the inventors of the top 50 applications developed for the platform sound? Well if you are enticed by this lucrative incentive, you have between January 2nd and March 3rd of 2008 to submit your application to Google⁽³⁾

As you can see, there is the potential for a lot of great things to come out of the Android platform. However, a major question for the price sensitive consumer is what will the cost be? With the potential for such amazing innovation in the mobile industry, the feeling is that Android will not come cheap, or put another way, will not be available on the lower-end phones. Or at the least, will not be able to take advantage of many of its bells and whistles on such phones⁽⁴⁾. I guess only time will tell, but if history is any indication, I would not bet against Google and the alliance!

For those interested in what’s next for Google and potentially the alliance, I would recommend articles related to Google’s potential purchase of wireless spectrum and the recent announcement of the Funambol/Google project.

References
(1)Google Buys Android for Its Mobile Arsenal
(2)Open Handset Alliance
(3)Google giving away US$10m to Android adopters
(4)Google's Android: Looking Good ... But What's The Cost?