Google unveils open-source mobile platform and creates the Open Handset Alliance
In conjunction with its partners in the Open Handset Alliance (OHA), Google has unveiled what it calls "the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices."
The platform is called Android and takes its name from the mobile software company it acquired in 2005. Andy Rubin was head of that company and is now Google's director of mobile platforms.
Rubin explained the purpose of Android in his Google blog. "It includes an operating system, user-interface and applications - all of the software to run a mobile phone, but without the proprietary obstacles that have hindered mobile innovation." he said. The developer kit will be available from the 12th November.
The OHA is a pretty impressive list of handset manufacturers, mobile operators, software companies and semiconductor outfits. Notable names include T-Mobile, HTC, Intel, NVIDIA, eBay, Samsung, Telefonica (owner of 02) and, of course, Google. A full list is available here. Notable exceptions include Nokia, Sony Ericsson, AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Orange and AMD.
Speaking to the European press this morning John Wang, the chief marketing officer of HTC, explained how Android fits in to HTC's strategy. "One size does not fit all," he said. "Our strategy is to find the perfect match for each mobile device user. Android provides the flexibility to optimise the internet experience."
This seems to be the nub of the matter - to optimise the internet experience over mobile devices. Android is built around a Linux kernel, but will evolve with the contribution of over 30 companies, all of whom have a vested interest in ensuring the proliferation of mobile internet use. "There has never been such an alignment of key leadership in the industry," said Wang.
Another notable exception to the OHA is Microsoft, which is confronted with two of its most mortal enemies: open source and Google. HTC currently uses Windows Mobile on its handsets and Wang maintained this would remain the case. "HTC is very committed to the Windows mobile platform," he insisted. “This is an additional opportunity over and above that." He said we can expect to see HTC Android devices in the second half of 2008.
Oh, by the way, the Apple iPhone will be launched in the UK on this Friday, November 9th, at 6:02pm. Do you see what it did there? Clue: who are you obliged to take out an 18-month contract with if you want to make calls on your iPhone? It looks like Apple's got a clear run of around a year before a significantly cheaper alternative turns up. Enjoy it while it lasts, lads.
