Google Android Open Source Platform for Mobile Phones

At last open-source has come to the mobile phones also. In the present era when the open-source platforms are gaining importance and publicity in the field of computer operating systems, it has found its way to the family of mobile phone operating systems. It will lead the mobile phone technology to a new era of progress. More customised versions will be following the mother version launched. Also this being an open source software, lets anyone customise it and distribute it.

Another important thing about the present open-source operating system is that the organisation behind this mission is the Internet giant Google Inc.

The Google Android is an open-source operating system for the mobile phones based on Linux operating system. Android is actually a software stack for mobile devices which includes an operating system, middle-ware and key applications.The Android was developed by the Google in corporation with the Open Handset Alliance or the OHA which is a business alliance comprising of the Google, HTC, Intel, Motorola, Qualcomm, T-Mobile, and Nvidia with the goal of developing an open standards for mobile devices.

The Android was unveiled on November 5th 2007 along with the foundation of Open Handset Alliance. The OHA is a consortium of 34 companies including those in hardware, software and telecom fields. Their aim is to advance open standards for mobile devices. It was on the 12 November 2007 the OHA released the first preview of the Android software development kit which includes development and debugging tools, a set of libraries, a device emulator, documentation, sample projects, tutorials, FAQs, and more.