Palm's plans to release a Linux-based Smartphone Operating System have just been overshadowed by Google and the "Open Handset Alliance." They are currently in the process of announcing Android, a Linux-based, open-source Linux-based Smartphone Operating System. Live coverage is available from Engadget
Android has some powerful muscle behind it, in the form of over 30 big players in the Smartphone scene - including Sprint, HTC, T-Mobile, Broadcom, Qualcomm, eBay, Synaptics, and Wind River. That last is particularly interesting to Palm fans as Wind River had originally been slated to be a major player for the cancelled Palm Foleo.
Android clearly represents the most significant challenge to Palm since the iPhone - it is set to compete directly with Palm's planned OS with what looks to be a significantly bigger set of supporting companies and likely a bigger set of interested developers. An early SDK will be released next week and the OHA anticipates that handsets will be available in mid-2008. For those of you keeping score, Palm has yet to announce SDK availability and their best guess as handset availability for their new OS is sometime in early 2009.
The OHA claims that Android will be a full Smartphone OS with a robust HTML browser built-in. The license will be based on the Apache license, meaning that companies are able to build their own customizations to the OS without necessarily submitting them back for inclusion in Android. In other words, manufacturers will be able to differentiate their Android-based smartphones.
Google also claims that it is unlikely, as has been rumored, that these handsets will be "completely ad driven."
Palm is notably absent from the list of companies signing on to the project, as is Microsoft, Research in Motion, and Apple. One can't help but wonder if Palm might not be better off letting Google develop the Linux platform so they can focus their efforts on their strong suit: User Interface "special sauce." Forum member gksmithlcw adds an excellent point - that in addition to "Special Sauce" Palm could also the the only company to add backwards-compatibility with the 'classic' PalmOS.
why call it android? in the future when there are real androids walking around preventing crime, they're going to be confuzzled when they read about this in a history book
Provocative_boi
Bell is coming out with HTC Touch this month,I think sometime after the 9th of october.
Its smaller than an average black berry.....I have seen it already;)
LOL I know but what i meant was its going to be available for general public to buy in any bell world stores....Just like any other PDA or cell phone.
But What i have my eyes on is the is Sony Ericsson K850i with 5 megapixel digital camera in it sweet:p ( Love Sony Ericsson phones ).
infinity HiGH
quote:
Originally posted by DaRoZa
why call it android? in the future when there are real androids walking around preventing crime, they're going to be confuzzled when they read about this in a history book
Guess someone will have to mention that it's just some clever idea from a marketing persons.
I have an iPhone, I just got it a week ago and its definetly worth the investment ($450) definetly worth it! I love it!
dEsidEL
bring in the iPhone clones..
Orko
quote:
Originally posted by dEsidEL
bring in the iPhone clones..
The iPhone was a clone. Coupled with it stealing the name, and the fact that we have had cell phones with touch screens for years...there was nothing new about it.
As for Android, I will reserve judgement until I get to try it out. The main thing they have to foster with any mobile operating system is, the number of clicks it takes to complete any action. PalmOS had always been incredible for only needing 3 clicks to get anything done. Windows Mobile failed at this exact excercise, as it was pretty cumbersome to get stuff done.
I wonder what language programs will be developed in, since its a Linux OS.
hardcore trancer
I really really want to buy the HTC Touch but I ve never had a touch screen phone before,and also the one that they have at Telus does not have Wi-Fi.Again I never had a phone with wifi so I dont even know if I ll need it or not.
Right now I have a Razor and I really want to get something new.HTC touch is probably the best phone they have at Telus now.
Does anyone here have one of these bad boys? :gsmile:
Orko
Having wifi in your phone is wonderful. If you are near an open wireless connection you can jump on, and get the information you need. Sure you can do this with the cell companies network too, but it will cost you an arm and a leg. Sometimes you have to pay, because there is no free wifi near by, but hey, its nice to be able to have the option.
monishb
I have the HTC p4000 is great! I played around with the touch a good phone also. HTC has bought me!
