Google opens Android to developers

Google has opened the way for outside programmers to make improvements on their latest offering – the Android mobile phone operating system.

Google has opened the way for outside programmers to make improvements on their latest offering – the Android mobile phone operating system.

The company has released the open source code which powers the Android and challenged programmers to develop their own software features.

Commenting on teh decision in his blog, Google software engineer Dave Bort said: “Today is a big day for Android, the Open Handset Alliance, and the open-source community. All of the work that we’ve poured into the mobile platform is now officially available, for free, as the Android Open Source Project.

“It’s a complete, end-to-end software platform that can be adapted to work on any number of hardware configurations,” he said, inviting outside computer programmers to download Android and begin developing their own applications.

“Have a great idea for a new feature? Add it! As an open-source project, the best part is that anyone can contribute to Android and influence its direction.

The announcement came hot on teh heels of the rlease of the Android based T Mobile G1 phones by HTC. The phones are set for a US and European release and have been touted as having similar features to the iPhone and Blackberry.

Locally Vodafone is said to be keeping a close eye on the oversea’s release – and may sell the G1 in the future.

Source: news.com.au