Spring Break
Google releases cell software
Allison Balthazar
Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Science And Technology
- Page 1 of 1
(U-WIRE) - Google released a new software package for wireless phones called Android on Monday, killing recent speculation for actual wireless phone hardware Google was thought to have in the works.
The first phones are expected to make it to market in the later half of 2008. T-Mobile plans to start releasing the system about then.
Android is a collection of a Linux-based operating system, middleware to connect applications, a sleek graphic user interface, and the newest phone applications.
Android is part of the Open Handset Alliance, OHA. Google, along with 34 other companies such as T-Mobile, HTC, Qualcomm and Motorola, have come together to form the group, which will use Android as the brains to operate their phones and run more phone applications than any one phone has ever been capable of.
The new, customizable Android system is set to take on the iPhone and its expensive price tag. With its steep price, many students cannot afford the iPhone. The goal of the OHA is to make phones that offer unique applications available to consumers at lower prices.
David Hunter, a second-year computer information systems student at Cal-Poly Pomona, has a variety of specific features he would ideally like to have in a cell phone.
"Personally, I'm looking for a cellular service that provides unlimited [text messaging] and data with a minimal amount of talk time," said Hunter. "I'd rather have a mobile platform for chat, e-mail and Web browsing than I would like to have a traditional voice-only cell phone."
Revenue from Internet advertisements is the leading factor in driving down the price of the new phones.
Usually companies have strict agreements and a time-consuming process of jumping through legal hoops makes it difficult for developers to quickly create new applications and features for inexpensive phones.
An open platform and simple licensing agreement means a variety of applications will be available as independent developers contribute their own works to the industry.
With a variety of developers, operators and manufacturers using and programming Android, a much larger variety of specific content will be available for download. This means you have greater control over what your phone will do, unlike the iPhone which has more restricted applications.
Some features include accessing the Google powered searches at the same speed as a computer, links to PayPal accounts, speech-to-text recognition, the ability to receive calls over Wi-fi connection, and GPS, which the iPhone does not have.
The first phones are expected to make it to market in the later half of 2008. T-Mobile plans to start releasing the system about then.
Android is a collection of a Linux-based operating system, middleware to connect applications, a sleek graphic user interface, and the newest phone applications.
Android is part of the Open Handset Alliance, OHA. Google, along with 34 other companies such as T-Mobile, HTC, Qualcomm and Motorola, have come together to form the group, which will use Android as the brains to operate their phones and run more phone applications than any one phone has ever been capable of.
The new, customizable Android system is set to take on the iPhone and its expensive price tag. With its steep price, many students cannot afford the iPhone. The goal of the OHA is to make phones that offer unique applications available to consumers at lower prices.
David Hunter, a second-year computer information systems student at Cal-Poly Pomona, has a variety of specific features he would ideally like to have in a cell phone.
"Personally, I'm looking for a cellular service that provides unlimited [text messaging] and data with a minimal amount of talk time," said Hunter. "I'd rather have a mobile platform for chat, e-mail and Web browsing than I would like to have a traditional voice-only cell phone."
Revenue from Internet advertisements is the leading factor in driving down the price of the new phones.
Usually companies have strict agreements and a time-consuming process of jumping through legal hoops makes it difficult for developers to quickly create new applications and features for inexpensive phones.
An open platform and simple licensing agreement means a variety of applications will be available as independent developers contribute their own works to the industry.
With a variety of developers, operators and manufacturers using and programming Android, a much larger variety of specific content will be available for download. This means you have greater control over what your phone will do, unlike the iPhone which has more restricted applications.
Some features include accessing the Google powered searches at the same speed as a computer, links to PayPal accounts, speech-to-text recognition, the ability to receive calls over Wi-fi connection, and GPS, which the iPhone does not have.
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