Back in November of 2007 I mentioned some eventual changes in the mobile phone industry with the introduction OHA's (Open Handset Alliance) goals for the development of open standards for mobile devices and, specifically, Google's release of Android's SDK.
Well... the time has come.
T-Mobile is providing the "world's first Android-powered phone."
Here's a youTube video highlighting all your favorite google apps on one mobile device.
If you want more information from T-Mobile, check out this site:
I'm so excited... I know you guys are too.
So, what happens on November 12th, you ask?
The preview version of Android's SDK will be released!!
OMG, I can't hold in the excitement!
What the hell am I talking about?
(I'm sure Jeanne is thinking I'm such a freaking geek.)
Well, three days ago the Open Handset Alliance (OHA) announced their goals to develop open standards for mobile devices. This is a big deal, since the OHA is a consortium made up of about 30 members. Keep in mind, these are big names members including Motorola, LG, and, most notably, Google. (i.e., the company behind the mythical GPhone) I believe that this push will change the mobile paradigm all together.
More importantly, at the same time OHA was announcing their mission, the group also unveiled Android.
Android is an open source mobile phone platform based on the Linux Operating System. Let me repeat that... it's an OPEN SOURCE mobile phone platform based on the Linux Operating system. When it’s released the platform will be available under the Apache License.
Do you know what this means?
Anyone can write an application to run on any Android based mobile device. If we start to consider coupling existing phone features (i.e., camera/photos, gps, sms, mms, wifi capabilities) into an open source platform along with Google’s number of other applications the possibilities are endless.
For example, this website claims to have leaked photos of the first wireless app for the Android OS.
It’s a tool called What’s Open. And as you can probably guess, it’s a little application that tells you where places are and their operation hours within your general vicinity. So, at 2:00am, you’ll never have a problem finding that 24 hour Donut Shop with free WiFi.
Here’s some cool ideas for a magic phone:
Will this be the beginning of the end for Microsoft’s Windows Mobile? Or how about the iPhone? Doubtful, but we could always hope.
Here's some inspiration in case you're wanting to develop an Android based mobile application.
It's an application/service/network available in the Japanese market designed to help Japan's economy by providing businesses a more dynamic labor pool. At the same time it keeps part-time workers abreast with available jobs in real time.
Otetsudai Networks is utilizing mobile phones with GPS capabilites to address labor issues in Japan. The service allows employers and job hunters to have real time access to workers and jobs, respectively.
Here's one way it would work. If a shop owner is looking for someone to help with a lunch hour rush, he could survey the network for employees within his general vicinity and offer 'em a job.
Another example. A student has some free time between his classes and is in need of some cash. He can search for quick jobs that may be of interest to him... mowing a lawn, washing a car, etc. He can then answer that "WANT AD" for a job that fits his current mood.
In case you're wondering, both employer and employees are rated e-bay style... So, after a while employers will be able to tell who the slackers are and workers can avoid the pushy boss.
Obviously, in order for this to work you must be servicing a densely populated areas... but think about the other applications for the technology: Speed dating, Sporting or Entertainment events, etc... yowsers!
Joi Ito told me about it, so you should learn more about it from him.
Also, here's something from Thomas Crampton, who interviews Joi about the Twitter style service.
During the day, I use my super powers helping companies with their technology and computer needs. At night, I'm a dad who loves to enjoy the finer things in life (having kids that means SpongeBob and Legos). And, YES, Turtles are cool!
