Google Android

Google Android is an open software platform and operating system for smartphones and other mobile devices that is currently under development by Google and the Open Handset Alliance.¹ Based on Linux, Android is designed to allow independent developers to write their own programs for devices using the system. Google acquired Android from a small start-up company in July 2005 and the system was officially unveiled on November 5, 2007.² The unveiling of the project was accompanied by the announcement of the Open Handset Alliance, a group of 34 hardware, software and telecom companies.

Fast Facts

1. T-Mobile G1 first phone to run Google Android
2. T-Mobile G1 unveiled on September 23, 2008
3. Acquired by Google in July 2005
4. Officially unveiled on November 5, 2007
5. An open development platform for mobile devices
6. Supports Bluetooth, WiFi, EDGE and 3G³
7. Integrated web browser based on WebKit³
8. SQLite data storage system³
9. Introduced the Android Market on August 28, 2008⁴

First Android Phone

The first phone to run the Google Android operating system is the T-Mobile G1, developed by HTC. The T-Mobile G1, which was unveiled on September 23, 2008, hit U.S. stores on October 22, 2008 with a retail price of $179 with a two-year voice and data agreement.⁵

Android SDK

Google released version 0.9 of the Google Android SDK on August 18, 2008.⁶ Developers will be able to build applications for the mobile OS using the SDK. Reports confirm that the SDK supports slide-out keyboards as well as a basic number pad.⁶

Promotions

To promote development on the platform, Google has sponsored two contests.⁷ The first ran from January 2, 2008, to April 14, 2008, and the second was scheduled for the second half of 2008. The 50 most promising submissions to the first contest received $25,000 for further development. Those selected are eligible for further awards, between $100,000 and $275,000. The top 50 projects were announced on May 14, 2008.

Android Market

In late August of 2008, Google announced the Android Market. Along the same lines as the iPhone App Store, the Android Market will allow users to create, publish, buy and sell mobile applications.⁴

Related Pages on Mahalo

Google Android Phone | Google Phone | Open Handset Alliance | Google | High Tech Computer Corporation | LG Group | T-Mobile | HTC Dream | Android Market | Google Android Phone Reviews | Google Android | Google Phone vs. iPhone | T Mobile G1 Apps | T Mobile G1 Complaints | T Mobile G1 Preorder | T Mobile G1 Reviews | T Mobile G1 Wallpapers | T Mobile G1 Downloads | LG Xenon Release Date | Asus Android

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