Just What is Google Android?

Android is a new operating system for mobile phones and PDA’s. In a nutshell, Google is reinventing the mobile phone.  According to Google, its new Android Platform is a platform for mobile devices that not only acts as an operating system, but also allows developers to create applications via its SDK or Software Development Kit.

Applications are written in Java and run on a Linux kernel via Dalvik, a custom virtual machine that allows software applications to be custom installed. Cutting to the chase, this means anyone can design an application for a phone in the same way that anyone can create applications for Facebook (think slide.com).

An early example of one of these open source software mediums, is PacketVideo - a firm that is creating the music and video playback software.  For now, Google is not developing its own handsets - they are leaving that to the big hitting manufacturers; Motorola, Nokia, Samsung etc. A good analogy is that Google’s Android is an OS to mobile phones in the same way that Microsoft’s Windows OS is to PC’s.

The concept is nothing mind-blowingly new, but with Google’s name attached, the concept oft takes on another dimension.

  

Another reason for the hype surrounding Google’s Android and SDK, is that in November 2007 Google announced the formation of the Open Handset alliance. The OHA is a consortium of 34 software, hardware and telephony companies handed the remit of advancing mobile telephony solutions.   The Android software has been developed to run on cheap handsets, not just flashy high-end smartphones, utilising a variety of input methods, including conventional numeric keypads, QWERTY keyboards and touchscreens. Handwriting recognition is not built in, although Android’s open-source license means anybody could add it later.

Many people have voiced their views on Google’s foray into mobile telephony:

John Forsyth of Symbian stated, “If Google was not involved the industry would have just yawned and rolled over. We take it seriously but we are the ones with real phones, real phone platforms, and a wealth of volume built up over years.”

Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris remained neutral, saying “We have a great relationship with Google and this doesn’t change anything. They are certainly an important partner for iPhone.”

Scott Horn from Microsoft’s Windows Mobile marketing team stated, “It really sounds that they are getting a whole bunch of people together to build a phone and that’s something we’ve been doing for five years.”

Nokia has stated, “We don’t see this as a threat.” Later, Nokia spokesman Kari Tuutti stated, “It’s not ruled out at all. If we would see this as beneficial we would think about taking part in it.”

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer stated, “Their efforts are just some words on paper right now. They have a press release, we have many, many millions of customers, great software, many hardware devices and they’re welcome in our world.”*

On February 2008, Google unveiled several prototype devices for its Android OS to a very mixed reception. Whilst it has been rumoured that Samsung and LG plan to launch devices utilizing the Android platform in the US market by the end of 2008; it is more likely that a member of The OHA, such as Motorola and HTC, will produce the first “GPhone” in 2009.

What does the Android OS mean to developers and mobile carriers?

Telco’s such as Vodafone, Sprint and AT&T will be able to implement the Android OS throughout their entire product spectrum. Basic phones can have basic features, whilst the high end models can utilise video players and wireless networking. This would drastically cut down on support help for the providers, as they would no longer need to have to train employees in how to troubleshoot 15 different operating systems. At a time when companies are trying to cut costs, this is a cost optimization strategy.

Manufacturers such as Samsung, Nokia and Motorola have huge cost savings from implementing Android, as Google are giving it away for free!! This means they can do away with programmers and licensors such as Palm or Microsoft.   Consumers will gain a lot more functionality as Android will allow users to add applications at will. Also they will not have to pay exorbitant amounts for applications from their service providers.  More importantly from a consumers POV, it will put huge pressure on the competition.

Take a look at Google’s official demo

I bet Bill gates and Steve Ballmer cannot wait!! Cannot wait to get your hands on Android? Well, you’re going to have to hold out a little bit longer. Android devices should hit the shelves in the second half of 2008.

* quotes taken from Wikipedia page on Google Android