Google Android at expo shows iPhone style
updated 02:40 pm EST, Mon February 11, 2008
Google Android on Show
Confirming earlier expectations, Texas Instruments and a handful of other chipset makers were the first to demonstrate working examples of Google's Android mobile operating system on functional hardware. Now confirmed to just be a test mule, the prototype device is said to prove the speed of the Linux-based software on even obsolete hardware. Despite its visual effects, Android is capable of running quickly on Texas Instruments ARM processors from two generations ago, according to tests by Pocket-lint.
The version of the software on display also confirms several interface elements that bear a resemblance to Apple software. While the entire OS is considered open and modifiable down to key interface features, the default Android appearance includes a Mac OS X Dock-like application launcher as well as bubble pop-up notices that recall the iPhone. Google's media player software, rarely seen outside of the company, also borrows design cues from the sixth-generation iPod. Camera functions and Google Maps are also functional on the demonstrator model.
Texas Instruments itself is not poised to release an Android device of its own; instead, devices are scheduled to appear from HTC, LG, Motorola, and Samsung starting from the second half of 2008. Samsung at the show has said its own Android-based devices were most likely to appear in early 2009.
meh
02/11, 03:30pm reply
What a hideous phone. That aside, it will ,be interesting to see what comes of Android, et al.
mgpalma
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2000
Linux for sure..
02/11, 03:41pm reply
Yup. That's exactly how I'd expect a Linux based phone to look. Like a t***. All function, zero form.
Still, this is just the first. I'm sure somebody will come up with an Android that doesn't look like ... an android.
Rezzz
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006
Looks fine
02/11, 03:46pm reply
I don't see what's so hideous about it. Sure it doesn't have the stylings of the iPhone, but it's clearly a prototype (given the etched serial numbers). But as a form factor, it looks fine.
hayesk
Professional Poster
Joined: Sep 1999
bye bye, MS
02/11, 04:04pm reply
No matter what Android will grow into the only loser in the game will be Microsoft.
Until recently there wasn't a capable interoperator platform except Windows Mobile. It clashed with Symbian, but Symbian was all about Nokia and their needs, not about providing software developers with top notch tools and libraries. Also there was Linux, but as on PC market it had the potential but lacked the idea how to use it. Then came iPhone on that tiny market share but with that eye popping (iPopping?) software. It was obvious to anyone (but Steve Ballmer) that this is THE trendstarter, and there'll be more, and the market share will grow too. It means someone will have to die. But who will lose its limbs? Let's see... Apple started the trend, it has advantage of a leader. For now. Linux got buffed up by Android, and if open source nutheads won't spoil it, Linux mobile presence will increase. Symbian may get a buff to in the form of Trolltech technology, or Nokia may decide to dump it in favour of its flavour of Linux, using the same technology. And Microsoft.. last time I checked what's up your sleeves I saw no aces there. What will you do? I hope you will answer and soon... because competition is good. I want to see a spectacular fight and enjoy the results - high technology mobile devices that know what I want before I do.
ViktorCode
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Joined: Jan 2006