It's official, Google has Open Sourced Android. The initial release of the source code is available via Google's Git repository with bugs, FAQs, documentation, etc. handled via Android's Google Code project page. Android's licensing structure and project organization seems to be trying to create something akin to the Eclipse Foundation, mixing individual and commercial interests into a development pot for the collective benefit of the platform on a whole.
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Member since:2005-07-06
kragil,
I actually spoke to one of the leads on the Android team (Iliyan) about this, and it essentially boils down to T-Mobile vetting a new cut of the operating system, and once OK'ed, they can push that out to the devices just like a BlackBerry firmware upgrade or the like. So it's going to be very feasible for OS upgrades to hit the G1 and other Android devices, it just depends on the carrier.
For example, the free/smaller non-smart-phones from Samsung and Moto that may be running Android in a year, I might not expect them to have OS upgrades available (similar to how things work now with those phones... you get what you get when you buy the phone).
Member since:2006-01-04
Member since:2005-07-06
I actually spoke to one of the leads on the Android team (Iliyan) about this, and it essentially boils down to T-Mobile vetting a new cut of the operating system, and once OK'ed, they can push that out to the devices just like a BlackBerry firmware upgrade or the like. So it's going to be very feasible for OS upgrades to hit the G1 and other Android devices, it just depends on the carrier.
This is actually not good news IMHO. I appreciate the carriers wanting to ensure the stability of the devices they offer but would prefer to be able to make up my own mind on upgrading. Using Windows mobile as a reference point for how often carriers willingly update the OS on smartphones I do not see releases coming all too often.
I would like to be able to update my phone to the latest and (potentially unstable) greatest at my discretion. The appeal of Android for me is the potential for an active and growing development platform. If I get a G1 and am stuck with the initial release of Android for the next 18-24 months I would be somewhat let down. The browser especially could use improvement.
Member since:2005-08-12
What you have to remember is that this is open code. All that's needed to spin a new version onto a device, the ability to do offline firmware upgrades, and someone who cares enough to take time to recompile the kernel for hardware support. I would fully expect the XDA crew to have ripped the G1 and any other htc device, apart in the coming months.
Now that the final code is available, I would expect to see it showing up on alot of HTC and alternative devices REAL SOON. I, for one, would love to see Androd running on like a Treo and Nokia Internet Tablets. It would be nice to see how well it runs on older HTC hardware as well.
Fear not, it's just a matter of time. I am sure you will get community upgrades much faster than carrier upgrades. I have been tracking with the latest 4.5 on my ATT Blackberry 8310 (and 8300 before that) for some time now, and ATT has yet to release it for download.
Member since:
2006-01-04
I sure hope so!
And I also hope you can just install a new version of Android on the G1 if you choose to do so.
That way we can have a new distro platform with lots of distros! Hail for choice!
I really wish for Android distros that don't care for stupid software patents and add double tap etc.