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Google Mobile Phones Debut in Feb?
SpinelessJelly writes "It appears that Google's Android, criticised by Microsoft as vaporware, has sprung to life. Prototype devices are circulating, software developers are experimenting with the SDK and PC-based Android emulator, and there are rumours of a show-stopping debut at February's Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona. Numerous examples of the Android GUI are also starting to leak out."
This ignores the fact that most handset manufacturers will probably include a 3D accelerator to improve graphical performance. Google claims that Android has a "highly optimized 3D software rasterizer", but it remains to be seen if a mere 200MHz processor is capable of sustaining the necessary graphical power to provide a smooth experience.
In any case, it's likely that a 3D Accelerator could save on battery power. Application specific chips tend to be able to do more work with fewer cycles and less silicon. Which means that a phone manufacturer can make the choice of a faster CPU + lower battery life, or a slower CPU + 3D accelerator + higher battery life.
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This article doesn't say much of anything new - it mostly uses screen shots and explanations that the folks at Google put in their original announcement videos.
That said, I'm personally very pumped about getting an Android phone. I hear people dissing Google here a lot, but everything that I've used that is made by Google works great - Gmail, Picassa, Google Earth, Google Maps, and the search engine itself. If these guys make something, I pretty much believe it will be cool.
Up till now, I've had very little interest in a "smart phone" - the ones I've had my hands on are clunky, and that includes Blackberries. But if I can get a phone with Android next time my contract is up, I just might do it. If nothing else, the possibility of having features that aren't controlled by the carrier is awesome. And announcements like Android seem to be pressuring carriers to go in that direction, even though Android doesn't specifically prohibit lockdown.
Down with carrier control! Up with open access! :)
Well, I feel that the plus point of Android is that it is open source. So that should allow future developments like GPS, motion sensing API, etc. All it needs is a bunch of enthusiastic developers(which is actually the case since Google is floating the thing). I dont think that 200Mhz processor will be a deterrent, Android should sooner or later support better processors as well. Only better hardware needs to be thrown into it. Now what we need to know is how it affects the rest of market, Or if it can compete and make users believe that it is better than symbian or windows mobile. Whatever happens, we end users will hopefully get better products.
I'm not at all... they've thus far done the easy part.
Now the individual OEM's/ODP's have to A) integrate telephony (and work out the large number of issues with integrating the Android stuff with that), B) Create the mechnicals, C) Test and certify the phones for a number of different groups (OMA, FCC, etc..), D) Negotiate distribution and availability with carriers, etc... etc... etc...
Building a phone is non-trivial and involves a LOT of 3rd parties. They're on step 1a right now. I'll be duly impressed if they get a phone out before November of 2008.
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Why doesn't Google team up with OpenMoKo and Qtopia and really get something done.
Google's phone sounds awesome, but this is the kind of thing that hinders the "open phone" market. Too many splinters.