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Google's Android Ambitions Go Beyond Mobile

Posted by Soulskill on from the my-toaster-runs-gingerbread dept.

PolygamousRanchKid writes "Android has become the top smartphone operating system in the United States, but Google's ambitions for it go well beyond tablet computers and smartphones, even beyond the mobile Web. Now Google says Android can also become the first mass-market bridge between the virtual world and the physical world, allowing smartphone apps to control light bulbs and home medical devices. Hoping to spark a wave of creativity similar to what Apple started when it opened the iPhone app store, Google distributed hundreds of circuitry kits to developers at last month's I/O conference. The Android Open Accessory Development Kit (ADK) allows Android's software to operate and communicate with motors, sensors, controllers and relays, allowing developers to create an interface in which a smartphone app could control or collect data from a thermostat, a lawn irrigation system or a group of lighting fixtures. 'The opportunity exists to dramatically change how you control your home,' said Tom Benton of Lighting Science. Over time, 'we're talking about the elimination of the wall switch.'"

7 of 174 comments (clear)

  1. Apple Will Be There by MightyMartian · · Score: 2, Funny

    Apple's not far behind. Plans are already in the works for the iDildo. Mobile orgasms... there's an app for that!

    --
    The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
    1. Re:Apple Will Be There by blair1q · · Score: 3, Funny

      you mean there's a fap for that.

  2. Wall switch removal is not the goal. by 140Mandak262Jamuna · · Score: 4, Funny

    The goal is to replace the wall switch with a small panel that will contain "sponsored" ads.

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    sed -e 's/Chuck Norris/Rajnikant/g' joke > fact
  3. I don't think so by slapout · · Score: 1, Funny

    "we're talking about the elimination of the wall switch"

    I'm not going to have the lights on all night just because my tablet's battery is dead and I can't run the light app.

    --
    Coder's Stone: The programming language quick ref for iPad
  4. Re:It's the home of the future! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    I can do all that already in my NYC apartment!

    Although, to be fair, not because it's high tech. It's just that small.

  5. Re:No we are not. by MikeDirnt69 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Are your doors Self-Satisfied?

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    Am I eval()? - http://www.monst3r.com.br
  6. Re:No we are not. by SnarfQuest · · Score: 4, Funny

    The evening is getting intimate, and you want to dim the lights

    You: One moment honey *tap* *tap* *tap* *click* *tap* *tap* *tap* *tap* *tap* *tap*
    Her: What are you doing?
    You: Just a minute *tap* *tap* *click* *tap* *tap* *tap* *tap* *click* *tap* *tap* *tap*
    Her: Who are you texting?
    You: I'm just trying to ... tap* *click* *tap* tap* *click* *tap*
    Her: Well, I hope you're happier with her than you are with me. *slam*
    You: tap* *tap* *click* *tap* *tap* *tap* *tap* *click* *tap* *tap*
    Lights dim.
    You: Ok, where were we ....

    --
    Who would win this election: Andrew Weiner vs Andrew Weiner's weiner.