Google Android…
I love the idea of Google Android, especially what it may do for the pace of Linux adoption. Linux is already th #2 operating system for hand held devices, being symbian and ahead of Microsoft. Google pushing an open, Linux based platform for mobile devices is a fantastic development with great potential. But like anything with great potential, it is not a success yet so skeptics abound, as they should.
As far as Android itself, there is really not much to tell yet. It is a collection of software components that provides a framework for delivering apps to consumers. The Google folks say it will allow you to bend your phone to your will, turn it into whatever you want it to be. This sounds like a wonderful idea and certainly matches Google’s big thinking personality.
We will learn more about the technical aspects of this on November 12th when the SDK and architecture design is released but already I am enthused by the members of the Open Handheld Alliance, particularly Intel. Intel is looking to be on the front of any upcoming computing platform. Smart, they want to stay the world largest chip maker. Supporting efforts like this and Virtualization (Intel VT technology) gives them the foundation to be there.
I am cautiously optimistic here. I love the idea of an open, non proprietary platform working across manufacturers and network providers. This will allow users to take ownership of their phone and how they want to use it instead of getting what is given. I could them pick the best network, best device and the applications I need without worrying about what works with whom.
Nice…