Google’s Android Mobile Platform

Monday morning was the big day for all the gPhone enthusiasts. It was more or less what people expected, depending on what they were hoping to see. This article will aim to cut down to the chase, and see what Android really is, specially from the point of view of the most important participants in this alliance: you, the users.

What is Android?
Android is Google’s entry into the mobile industry. It is a complete set of software: an operating system, middleware and key set of mobile applications that device manufacturers can use to build mobile devices and application developers to build rich mobile applications. Google has formed an alliance of mobile operators, semiconductor companies, handset manufacturers and commercialization companies around Android to enable a collaborative approach to mobile device and applications development.

How is it different from the iPhone?
iPhone is the most popular mobile phone right now, but the Google is as visible as Apple is in terms of brand awareness, so this question will definitely be raised. iPhone is a complete hardware + operating system solution from a single manufacturer. It also has the core applications that are developed by Apple (it will be open to 3rd party apps developers in February 2008).
Android on the other hand, is just a part of a mobile phone solution (but a very promising and important part at that). It will be the operating system plus all the other software stuff (libraries and tools) that will enable other developers to create applications on top of that mobile operating system. Hardware manufacturers will use Android to develop the actual working mobile phone, after it released to the market and is in the consumer’s hands.

How is it different from Windows Mobile Phones and Symbian Phones?
As I mentioned above, Android includes an operating system part and a part that will enable developers to install on top of that operating system. While the same basic model applies to Windows Mobile and Symbian devices, what sets Android apart is that even the operating system itself is open for modification. So if a manufacturer wants to customize certain parts of it, then it can certainly do so. This not the same with Symbian and Windows mobile, which are both closed, proprietary platforms.

What will I get as a user?
If the Alliance’s promise is realized, once manufacturers start rolling out devices in 2008, users will have access to a variety of mobile phones based on the Android platform as well as to a plethora of applications that they can install, developed by many different parties. Applications will either come from the device manufacturers themselves, from 3rd party application companies, or from individuals and enthusiasts interested in writing apps for Android. Also, taking cue from the fact that this is mainly a Google effort, one sure thing about these Android-based devices is that it will be built around the idea of a fully internet-connected device. This doesn’t mean that it will not work when you’re not connected to the internet, but it will be a lot more useful if you are.
Android is a promise of a more open mobile device ecosystem. Let’s wait and see if Google and its alliance partners can deliver this.