Guide Note

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. Acquired by Google in July 2005
2. Officially unveiled on November 5, 2007
3. An open development platform for mobile devices
4. Supports Bluetooth, WiFi, EDGE and 3G³
5. Integrated web browser based on WebKit³
6. SQLite data storage system³
7. Introduced the Android Market on August 28, 2008⁴

In August 2008, it was reported that T-Mobile plans to release the first Google Android Phone before Christmas 2008.⁵ Engadget Mobile reported that the first Android phone will be the HTC Dream.⁶ It cleared the FCC approval stage and documents linked to the approval have a tentative release date listed as November 10, 2008.⁷

Google released version 0.9 of the Google Android SDK on August 18, 2008.⁸ 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.⁸

To promote development on the platform, Google has sponsored two contests.⁹ 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.

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, but and sell mobile applications.⁴

Google Android Phone | Google Phone | Open Handset Alliance | Google | High Tech Computer Corporation | LG Group | T-Mobile | HTC Dream | Android Market