Google announces open software platform for mobile devices
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Published:
Week 45
November 2007 -
Image Source:
Google
News:
Google has unveiled an open software platform for mobile devices, codenamed Android. The announcement of this open-source Linux based platform also marks the creation of the Open Handset Alliance. Google believes these initiatives will significantly lower the cost of developing and distributing mobile devices and services.
The Open Handset Alliance comprises 33 companies including device manufacturers (e.g. Motorola, HTC, Samsung, LG), semiconductor players (e.g. Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Broadcom, Intel, Marvell, Sirf), network operators (e.g. T-Mobile, Telecom Italia, Telefonica) and a variety of software companies.
The Android platform is a fully integrated mobile "software stack" that consists of an operating system (OS), middleware, user-friendly interface and applications. Next week the Open Handset Alliance will release an early access software development kit (SDK). Devices based on Android are expected in the second half of 2008.

