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Google Mobile Phones Debut in Feb?

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the sure-why-not dept.

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."

12 of 127 comments (clear)

  1. Comparisons by AKAImBatman · · Score: 5, Interesting

    While open source provides the heart of Android, its brain is a surprisingly modest ARM 9-series processor running at 200MHz.

    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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    1. Re:Comparisons by Wiseazz · · Score: 4, Funny

      I'm sure someone at Microsoft is working on it.

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  2. Exchange integration? by saleenS281 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Don't get me wrong, the phone and concept look cool, but if it wants to play in the business sector, exchange integration is a must. So... is there any exchange integration currently, or planned?

    1. Re:Exchange integration? by AKAImBatman · · Score: 4, Insightful

      is there any exchange integration currently, or planned?

      Google is offering prizes to application developers who come up with cool new Android apps. Sounds like you may have stumbled upon a good candidate for submission. Give Android the best Exchange/Phone integration to date and I bet you'll make a pretty penny off of it. ;-)
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      Javascript + Nintendo DSi = DSiCade
    2. Re:Exchange integration? by guisar · · Score: 4, Insightful

      How about exchange has to develop a way to work with the phone? I'm sick and tired of pandering to Microsoft's shifting "standards" being a prerequisite to do anything software related. Just why would google, which offers an open, standards based email system for companies of it's own be motivated to do this? How would such connectivity benefit google in any way shape or form? Google seems dedicated to keeping information accessible to all, not locking it in some secret proprietary format. I'm not saying Google is looking out for the consumer in every respect but this sort of requirement is nonsense.

  3. Screenshot != not vapor by techpawn · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Yes there are more solid rumors and some screen shots... But how many screen shots of DNF have we seen. I'll believe Google is in the mobile market when I have an android in my hands for the first time.

    It may not be vapor but I think the February release may be rumor and marketing, maybe it's for Android(Beta)

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    1. Re:Screenshot != not vapor by babbling · · Score: 4, Informative

      Try the development kit.

      It comes with an Android emulator, and a few of the Google applications. Included is an address book, a dummy dialling application, a working Google Maps application, a working browser... and any other applications that Android developers decide to write for it.

      The only thing that is missing is the phone hardware, but we've seen pictures and videos of phone hardware running this. I'm surprised the release is so far away considering the resources available and how complete everything seems to be.

    2. Re:Screenshot != not vapor by enjo13 · · Score: 4, Interesting

      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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  4. no-one will buy them when they come out by petes_PoV · · Score: 4, Funny

    in case the price drops $200 a couple of months later.

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  5. Re:Designs by blake1 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Android is a platform, not a device.

  6. Easy to develop ... by lakshmanok · · Score: 5, Informative

    I tried Android out -- we banged out a personalized weather application (even without a GPS chip, Android is capable of triangulating satellites to get within 300m of the user's position, which is sufficient for weather applications). The whole process took under an hour and was easy as pie.. So, no it's not vaporware. The hardware may be still be a few months away, but the software is enough to create real-world, practical applications.

  7. Re:Designs - RTFA by slashbaby · · Score: 4, Informative
    The FA has pictures of hardware that is cobbled together so the engineers have something to work on. It is by no means what it will look like in the end. From the FA:


    And yes, this big drab-looking device is dog ugly - but this isn't a slick made-for-media concept phone, it's merely a functional prototype on which the developers and engineers can tinker (and we all know that as rule, they're not big on elegant design).

    RTFA!!