Greetings everyone.. Many people discussing about Android phone.. and I seldom see people talking about this Android OS.. Here's some brief explanation:

Android is a mobile operating system running on the Linux kernel. It was initially developed by Google and later the Open Handset Alliance. It allows developers to write managed code in the Java language, controlling the device via Google-developed Java libraries.

The unveiling of the Android platform on 5 November 2007 was announced with the founding of the Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of 48 hardware, software, and telecom companies devoted to advancing open standards for mobile devices. Google released most of the Android code under the Apache License, a free software and open source license.

History
Android at Googleplex.

In July 2005, Google acquired Android, Inc., a small startup company based in Palo Alto, California, USA.[8] Android's co-founders who went to work at Google included Andy Rubin (co-founder of Danger[9]), Rich Miner (co-founder of Wildfire Communications, Inc.[10]), Nick Sears (once VP at T-Mobile[11]), and Chris White (headed design and interface development at WebTV[12]). At the time, little was known about the functions of Android, Inc. other than that they made software for mobile phones.[8] This began rumors that Google was planning to enter the mobile phone market, although it was unclear what function it might perform in that market.[citation needed]

At Google, the team led by Rubin developed a mobile device platform powered by the Linux kernel which they marketed to handset makers and carriers on the premise of providing a flexible, upgradeable system.[citation needed] It was reported that Google had already lined up a series of hardware component and software partners and signaled to carriers that it was open to various degrees of cooperation on their part.[13][14][15] More speculation that Google would be entering the mobile-phone market came in December 2006.[16] Reports from the BBC and The Wall Street Journal noted that Google wanted its search and applications on mobile phones and it was working hard to deliver that. Print and online media outlets soon reported rumors that Google was developing a Google-branded handset.[17] More speculation followed reporting that as Google was defining technical specifications, it was showing prototypes to cell phone manufacturers and network operators. As many as 30 prototype phones were reported to be operating "in the wild."[18]

In September 2007, InformationWeek covered an Evalueserve study reporting that Google had filed several patent applications in the area of mobile telephony.[19][20]
[edit] Open Handset Alliance
Main article: Open Handset Alliance
"Today's announcement is more ambitious than any single 'Google Phone' that the press has been speculating about over the past few weeks. Our vision is that the powerful platform we're unveiling will power thousands of different phone models."
—-Eric Schmidt, Google Chairman/CEO[3]

On 5 November 2007, the Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of several companies which include Texas Instruments, Broadcom Corporation, Google, HTC, Intel, LG, Marvell Technology Group, Motorola, Nvidia, Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile was unveiled with the goal to develop open standards for mobile devices.[3] Along with the formation of the Open Handset Alliance, the OHA also unveiled their first product, Android, a mobile device platform built on the Linux kernel version 2.6.[3]

On 9 December 2008, it was announced that 14 new members would be joining the Android project including: ARM Holdings Plc, Atheros Communications, Asustek Computer Inc, Garmin Ltd, Softbank, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba Corp, and Vodafone Group Plc.[21][22]

Google Chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt took some time in the official press release to dispel all previous rumors and speculation about the existence of a stand-alone Google phone.[3]
[edit] Licensing

Since 21 October 2008, Android has been available as open source. Google opened the entire source code (including network and telephony stacks[23]) under an Apache License.[24]

With the Apache License, vendors are free to add proprietary extensions without submitting those back to the open source community.

Android had been criticized for not being all open-source software despite what was announced by Google. Parts of the SDK are proprietary and closed source.[25][26] The Android Software Development Kit License Agreement[27] states that:

3.2 You agree that Google or third parties own all legal right, title and interest in and to the SDK, including any Intellectual Property Rights that subsist in the SDK. "Intellectual Property Rights" means any and all rights under patent law, copyright law, trade secret law, trademark law, and any and all other proprietary rights. Google reserves all rights not expressly granted to you.

3.3 Except to the extent required by applicable third party licenses, you may not copy (except for backup purposes), modify, adapt, redistribute, decompile, reverse engineer, disassemble, or create derivative works of the SDK or any part of the SDK. Except to the extent required by applicable third party licenses, you may not load any part of the SDK onto a mobile handset or any other hardware device except a personal computer, combine any part of the SDK with other software, or distribute any software or device incorporating a part of the SDK.

ADAPTED FROM: Wikipedia

I was once very attracted to G1 Google Phone. However, I heard that android system has not got much applications and most of the salespeople I met don't recommend their customers to use Android OS. I wonder why. Also, I believe the applications might be limited for now but eventually it will grow into a lot of applications in order to meet their competitors in the technology advancement era.

This post has been edited by nky_kevin: Oct 17 2009, 01:38 PM

I do not understand why would the sales persons discourage Android. Perhaps they don't really know much about Android (as you would already know, many of the sales persons are not really tech-savvy, i've met a few which has no clue at all)
Android, unlike others, is quite a new platform. And with such low exposure and publicity, it is not surprising that few people know about it.
However, IMO, the Android has potential of, if not on par with, exceeding most major OS, giving it's open source and the modability.
One popular OS which obviously is the iPhone OS wins the Android with the sheer amount of apps, but the market of Andriod is expanding fast, which in fact, it has quite some practical apps for users' choice.
With major brands (HTC esp, plus Samsung, Moto, and even SE) working on it, plus the upcoming models under planning, I'm sure that the Android has a bright future.

Because IPhone can play game...and their graphic is excellent.

Get what you want lor... Android is more into the system and always hack for faster speed...

lol~ 1000k plus u can buy psp d.. why spend so much to play games?

I wonder how is the Android OS at gaming. I think there is a lot of potential there.

This post has been edited by FitnessAddict: Oct 19 2009, 03:32 PM

hey guys, malaysian market don't have android market included. How can I install any other apps then?!

Yup, you are sooo right. Many salespersons not tech-savvy and I must say their company have the responsibility too. They didn't send them for proper training regarding product knowledge. Perhaps cost is the matter. Nowadays I met a lot of salesperson which are so NOT PROFESSIONAL. What is in their mind is only close sales and get commission then farewell. I seldom see those talk to you nicely, explain to you with the effort even if you are not buying. Android is a freeware and some don't even know what's HTC Hero. How funny is that! I went and asked (for FUN!) when will be the HTC Hero launching in Malaysia the other day. The salesperson told me :" Er??!! What is Hero? SOrry, I need to know the product code first." What a joke! Well, open source OS, would you think it will be popular in the next few months or years?

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Added on October 19, 2009, 9:36 pmAndroid OS don't have any games? I wonder.
I must say Apple iPhone's touch screen sensitivity is triple thumbs up.
I don't have an iPhone but I got an iPod Touch. After I so used to iPod Touch sensitivity level, when I used Samsung Omnia I feel like puking! haha..

This post has been edited by nky_kevin: Oct 19 2009, 09:36 PM

lets not forget, before apple's release their app on itunes stores.. its the same case..
no games available.. but it doesnt stop iphone from flying of shelves..

if u want games, get a consiole

Perhaps we can differentiate into 2 groups of people:

1) Separate their gadget into different usage - iPod strictly for Music & Video, Phone is for Call & Text Messages/WiFi, PSP is for gaming, Camera for taking pictures obviously and etc.

2) Use one gadget for all purpose. Get a powerful & high tech & high mega-pixels phone for Call, Text Msgs, Take Picture, Gaming, WiFi, and Video recording and etc.

Well, if we exclude the matter of cost and focus on needs then is kinda reasonable. If you are going to travel oversea, why would you bring sooo many gadgets with so many different others chargers as well. that will be a lot of hassles. right? So, that's why there are people asking how's the Android games look like. Agree?

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Added on October 19, 2009, 9:44 pmMe too is wondering how is the Android OS at gaming. What make you think there is a lot of potential? And, do you think it will be Free also or it will be charged at different price for different game?

This post has been edited by nky_kevin: Oct 19 2009, 09:44 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qqFZbedwFY&feature=related

dont know how to embed youtube.. but i have this on hero

This post has been edited by prazole: Oct 19 2009, 09:57 PM

That's cool.. Wow, you have a Hero.. Not local set huh?

Yes, once I asked a salesperson, and he's soooooo sure that Hero is running on Donut. I doubt that XD
I have not owned a Hero yet, still waiting for my money to grow a bit more~ but i've tried it for quite a few times, as my fren has it, and well, i would say the sensitivity is not bad ^^ well i'm also observing the market, as some devices with marginally higher specs are coming soon~
Well for Android, with the momentum observable now, within months, it'll be very popular. In Dec 2009 and Q1 2010, many more high end Androids will be released. Not to disapprove of Apple iPhone, but with it's only manufacturer and annual release(as u can see there's only 1 new 'model' of iPhone is released per year, and only Apple is developing the iPhone OS), the Android has the potential to develop many more high end devices (eg, SE X3, Acer Liquid for now) that in some terms, better than the iPhone.


Undeniable. Gadgets must have some entertainment value, if not it's just a borin piece of electronic board with touch screen XD
Well for it's open source and growing number of developers, i'd say the potential is vast. Look back at iPhone OS, it didn't start with shining library of apps. It'll be similar to the AppStore of iPhone OS, some are charged, and a lot are free apps too.

edit additional: One thing to be mentioned is, Malaysia is currently not given the pass to Android Market, which is similar with the AppStore of iPhone, and we're not sure when, or will, it come. The apps for Android is available from other sources, but, similiar with the AppStore again, the Android Market offers much more apps for your choices.

addition 2: The change of market share of major OSes across Feb '09 and Aug '09, sourced from http://androidandme.com/2009/09/news/admob...android-growth/




This post has been edited by yan5619: Oct 20 2009, 10:30 AM

iPhone is a good device but it's really annoying how Apple has crippled the full extent of it's use by imposing restrictions on developers, things like disabled internet tethering, restricted application data file access, forced synced-image downgrading.

Having a credible alternative like Android will definitely discourage Apple to continue to behave like the monopolistic arrogant bastards they have been behaving like so far.

ps.

Read somewhere Steve Ballmer finally admitted mistakes were made with regards to the development of Windows Mobile, while everyone had embraced touch screens, they still forged ahead with stylus, leaving the task of creating attractive user interface to third parties, like HTC's touch UI. Top Management who was handling Windows Mobile was sacked, but honestly speaking Steve Ballmer should be the one to get the sack. He's incompetent. The only thing he's good at is in expressing enthusiasm.

This post has been edited by cic.lemur: Oct 21 2009, 01:19 PM

Market comes 1st...apps will naturally come later when you have the market and volume. So unless it can penetrate to about 20% of the market share, i think it will still lag behind iphone in terms of apps.

yes, for sure.
The only (few) thing that the Android market has lack of is some good games (which are also coming soon)
There are already a lot of practical apps available, just tat you'll have to find em..
Android Market isn't available in Malaysia

Just flash to a alternative rom and you will get it

yup i know.. wonder why they dont allow market in here~
it's such a drawback

Hello .. read news lar. Can google.
http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-co...th-donut-599781


Look at the real situation of market please. Don't just blindly go follow trend. Charts don't tell whole stories

No matter how you like it .. go walk on the streets .. easily i can tell you i see more S60 and Winmo phones more than Android.

The charts reflect Europe and U.S. sales ... they outnumber us and world numbers easily .. other than China.
And in U.S. and Europe they do operator bundling programs heavily .. alot more than we do here in Malaysia. Here in Malaysia it's open market .. we get to choose .. over there if they bundle that you get that.
For U.S. and Euro citizens .. whatever the mobile operator advertise or push there = best and latest ....

For real open market like ours and most SEA countries here look at it's real usage properly.



Don't get me wrong .. Android has loads of potential and it's a really darn good platform for alot of goodies including networking, games, multitasking applications and loads more.
But practically .... you wanna compare the number of options and applications available in market for S60 and Winmo? Winmo applications actually even outnumbers iPhone applications easily. Just that noone bothered to compile all Winmo apps together Even S60 goes by tens of thousands.

Android will go Eclair soon .. many people believe that will be the turning point we will all look at Android more seriously with more apps and options.
Hey we even have GPS app with Papago X5 now .. hehe

But anytime you use iPhone, S60, Winmo ... the options & apps and usages are all already there.
It's up to your personal liking if you wish to adventure into something new .... or go mod a old-to-new.
Each platform has it's own pot of gold to sift through.
Even WinMo is coming up with ver7 soon . Hope this will be a new evolution to revive Winmo.
Other than that ... can't beat MacOSX on iPhone. Nothing beats it's smooth animation and UI experience. (Yes i know android comes close ... CLOSE ... but not over yet )

Lets just see who will gain upper hand next coming few years

This post has been edited by Ecnerwal: Oct 22 2009, 10:14 PM

If you notice, its not winMo that is doing the work, its HTC's touchflo. (other interfaces don't have much penetration here)
I think you missed out on one very very important point, in the US, nokia phones and most HTC phones don't work there, you can't say they are pushed by their carriers as there are not much choices as the devices don't work there in the first place.

After using WinMo, S60, iPhone OS and Android, I agree that they have their advantages, but the new ones fared better.
Also if the supposed Winwo 7 spy shots are true, I guess it is more of an evolution rather than revolution

Read.
The fact is, local sets are still bundled with Cupcake (Android ver 1.5), not Donut. (if that's what you're referring to)

With all due respect, i find ur comment has a bit of hasty generalization.

The chart that I've shown is, in fact, just for sharing, and has no intention of 'blindly go follow trend'.
I do not recall distorting any fact shown on the chart i share, as the fact is, Android has only a 7% share, which in fact, is low, which is just like your statement, 'i see more S60 and Winmo phones more than Android'.

Tracing the history of Symbian OS, the S60 was first released as early as year 2001, and gaining popularity since then, until now.
While for Windows Mobile, it has also a long history that it has gained a major market share of smartphones, as early as year 2003.

The age of Android OS? 2 years, announced 5 November 2007, and having its first phone revealed on September 2008.
With such a young age, the market share of Android, globally or locally, is certainly unable to be too high.

While for Apple iPhone, it's a real great progress for Apple to gain a lion's share in the market. But do not forget the existance of Apple's long time product lines, namely the Mac and the iPods, which made Apple such a popular brand even before the iPhone existed.

The point I'd wish to show here was, and always was, to point out the potential the Android has, just as agreeable as your statement.
I do, certainly agree with you that WinMo and iPhoneOS both are great platforms with huge amount of apps available

And to keep with the title of the thread, the previous points I stated in my previous posts are the advantages.
While for the disadvantages, obviously, is the numbers of apps, which is awaiting further development.