Entries tagged with “sdk” from Paul Lopez Unwired

Google announced over the weekend the availability of its long awaited developer kit for mobile devices, called "Android." They have also announced a $10 million developer contest to get the talented Linux programmers away from their day job to code new applications for the platform. Early speculation on a Google phone was premature as the end result has turned out to be a software developer kit (SDK). Google has a good developer site where you can download the kit along with tutorials, documentation and sample code to get you started. The kit is released under the Apache v2 license and comes in Windows, MAC OS and Linux versions - all based on Intel x86 architecture. You have to install an Eclipse plug in to aid in debugging. Some developers think Eclipse can be annoying and would prefer to see a custom IDE (integrated development environment) or Xcode for OS X. Too bad we won't see a Microsoft.Net version or plug in for Visual Studio. Although you can program in Java, you might be able to port from a J# .net source code compilation, but probably not. Google has also helped start a new industry group, The Open Handset Alliance, made of up 34 members including significant operators such as Sprint, Telefonica O2, T-Mobile, KDDI and DoCoMo along with manufacturers such as LG, Samsung and Motorola. So far the SDK is getting moderately positive reviews and Google will generate some creative excitement as it comes out of the gate with an open platform - unlike the iPhone. Now the team is trying to figure out if they can flash the iPhone with Android and make the ideal handset. This seems plausible since the iPhone is also based on Linux at the core. They have some "goodies" on the website including free wallpaper with their new logo. It seems like they should have had a contest to design the graphic art for Android too.

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As Google approaches $700 a share, they are reported by the Wall Street Journal to be in "advanced talks" with the #2 and #3 wireless carriers in the U.S. As discussed here before, Google expects to create a new ecosystem around the Google phone - software development kits, handset OEM deals and multi-carrier availability. While Apple's iPhone initially did not come with an open API for third party development, the Google phone is expected to allow operating system access - thereby allowing developers to build additional phone features. Apple recently announced their iPhone SDK amid much enthusiasm from the developer community.

It remains to be seen how much Google will compromise to get handsets launched with the carriers. With this recent news the blogging community is taking the opportunity to throw Verizon under the bus - seeing them as crippling the Google phone. Originally, it was thought Google would release an open handset GSM device allowing customers to select the carrier of choice. Get your Google phone, insert your SIM and go - of course that is too simple! Most industry observers view an open handset as a long shot due to long standing stranglehold carriers have on devices. Apple moved the user experience in a new direction, but the carrier business model essentially stayed the same.  Advertising revenue from mobile phones is still small but the expectation is the market is growing and with the decline of voice revenue, carriers see it to build their top line revenue.For Google - the carriers want you, need you, just don't let them bleed you.