Google confirms Android phone software

Permalink: Google confirms Android phone software by Jan Harris

Google has finally announced its open-source mobile phone software, Android.

Android, which comprises an operating system, middleware, a user-friendly interface and applications, should be available in phones in the second half of 2008.

Google has established the Open Handset Alliance to develop Android. The Alliance has 34 members including mobile operators such as T-Mobile and handset manufacturers such as HTC, Qualcomm and Motorola.

Notably, Nokia, AT&T and Verizon Wireless are not involved in the alliance.

Google hopes that Android will eventually power thousands of different phone models, including some Google branded handsets.

Android is based on a Java-over-Linux platform, which is much faster than existing Java for mobile technology.

Google is planning the imminent launch of a full software development kit for Java developers, which will enable the creation of third-party applications.

Android is expected to provide location-based advertising and mapping services through the use of both GPS and triangulation.

A VoIP component is not likely to be included.