Android is an operating system (OS) developed for mobile devices. Similar to Windows or Mac operating systems that control desktop and laptop computers, Android is built to control mobile devices, including smartphones, internet tablets and netbooks.
Android is an open-source platform, meaning interested parties can contribute to the development of Android and cater the software to meet their needs and desires. As an engineer close to the early development of Android succinctly put it, Android gives you “the ability to have your cell phone do whatever the heck you want it to do.”
Android’s Beginnings
Originally developed by Google, the search giant handed off Android’s reigns to the Open Handset Alliance – a consortium of hardware, software and telecom companies including HTC, Intel, LG, Motorola, Nvidia, Qualcomm, Samsung and Texas Instruments, among numerous others.
Applications
There are thousands of applications available for the Android platform, and the list is quickly growing larger and larger as Android makes its way to new handsets and wireless carriers. The Android Market offers both free and paid applications, discoverable and downloadable from any Android device. Google does not screen applications, and any developer can create applications for the Android platform. The Android Market provides descriptions, screen shots, and ratings and reviews from the Android community for each application.
Google Integration
Because of Android’s Google origins, many Android devices are closely integrated with a variety of Google’s litany of services. Google search with voice, Gmail, and Google Calendar are pre-installed on most Android handsets.
Android Phones
On January 6th, AT&T announced plans to launch five new devices from Dell, HTC and Motorola based on the Android platform. Stay tuned for launch dates of these exciting new phones.
What Does It All Mean For You?
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Browse the real Web—not a stripped-down mobile version of your favorite sites—including sites with Flash content.
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Choose from a broad range of phone styles and manufacturers—anybody can build a phone with the Android platform.
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Browse thousands of applications—right from your phone—to fit whatever need you have. From GPS-guided directions to restaurant finders, from music managers to email clients. You can download new apps on the go from Android Market.
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Ongoing enhancements to your phone’s capabilities. Anybody can build and distribute new applications for Android phones thanks to an open development platform and a powerful developer community.
Small Sample of Incredible Apps
KEI
It’s essentially a Bluetooth key which functions as a control for your car so that you can automatically unlock or start the vehicle remotely by using your phone. It’s set up so that you can control one car with multiple phones (for families that share cars) and/or you can control multiple cars with a single phone (for people who have more than one vehicle). KEI requires a simple install device in the car and is designed to eventually be able to read the car’s diagnostic information for you.
Locale
Ever get embarrassed at a company meeting when your cell phone unexpectedly goes off? With Locale, you can make sure your device knows to switch to vibrate mode the minute you step into your office. With Android’s GPS capabilities, Locale adjusts your phone’s settings to wherever you’re located. Your phone will forward calls to different numbers based on whether you’re at work or home, or will send out a status message on Twitter letting people know where you’re located.
Wertago
Billing itself as “the mobile application nightlifers have been waiting for,” Wertago is a social networking application that lets users coordinate social events with their friends, rate current hotspots and create personalized social networking profiles for users to share their favorite locations. Like many other Android applications, Wertago uses Google Maps to map out different clubs, restaurants and theaters.
Life360
This is a neighborhood-centric social networking application that keeps users up-to-date with their local communities and families. Life360 users can receive emergency alerts in their neighborhoods and can send notices to everyone in the area. Whether you’re holding a backyard neighborhood barbecue or looking for help to find a lost pet, Life360 gives you quick access to your neighbors and your family.
GoCart
The goal of GoCart is to help shoppers gather as much information as they need to make smart, informed decisions. Using GPS and Android’s built-in camera to scan bar codes, the application will search both the Web and local stores to compare prices of any product. The application also lets you read user reviews of products and can set up price alerts whenever prices go down either in stores or online.
