Google just released the Android SDK. Android is the open source platform for mobile devices, mainly cellphones, that is destined to take on the so pervasive Windows Mobile devices out there. Along with the SDK, Google announced a 2 part ‘developer challenge’ open to all, and for anyone interested in developing applications for the platform. It’s ‘crowd-sourcing’ at its best, although, Google can afford to pay the best, what with $10 million up for grabs.
While I was watching the video, it struck me how the platform was trying to mimic the iPhone. Everything from the navigation to the notifications reminded me of the iPhone. With the iPhone’s own SDK due in February ’08, it’s a win-win situation for the consumer. I, for one, am glad that I don’t have to use slow Sony Ericsson handsets any more. Thanks are also due to increasingly powerful hardware. A short time ago, no one had even imagined that we would be able to run an entire 32 bit *NIX operating system on something as small as a cellphone. It’s now possible.
As always, I have downloaded and installed the Android SDK, and look forward to scheduling some time to get my hands dirty with it.
Wish me luck!