- Google Android Blog
Dan Morrill builds a simple application on the Android platform.
Dan Morrill builds a simple application on the Android platform.Mon, 19 Nov 2007 06:37:00 +0000
Details on Android's $10 Million Bounty For Your Homebrew Apps
Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:45:00 +0000
You might have heard, Google's offering $10 million in total prizes for savvy programmers willing and able to make kickass apps for the Android platform. Why so much when other dev communities are getting into the groove for free? A Google rep told me, "We wanted to provide a big enough pool to reward and recognize as many developers who do interesting things as we could." How's that for appreciation? Here's a summary of the Android Developer Challenge.•Programs, built by using Android's SDK, can be submitted January 2nd through March 3rd 2008.
•The top 50 programs earn $25K to continue development.
•Those in the top 50 are entered into a final round where ten $275k prizes and ten $100k prizes will be awarded.
•A second round of the contest starts in the second half of the year, when handsets running Android launch.
•"We believe that developers will be drawn to, and flourish in, the open and collaborative environment offered by the Android platform. The Android Developer Challenge is designed simply to catalyze that reaction."Pay people decent money to do decent work. Who would have thought of that?Google Launches Mobile Phone Platform, Android: What it Means, What Experts Think
Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:38:00 +0000
(GOOG) has just announced its much talked about Google mobile phone platform, Android, and has announced a large list of partners who are working with the company. The company said it’s worked with T-Mobile, HTC, Qualcomm (QCOM), Motorola (MOT) and others on the development of Android through the Open Handset Alliance, a multinational alliance of technology and mobile industry leaders.Andy Rubin, who spearheaded the project, writes on the Google blog:
It’s important to recognize that the Open Handset Alliance and Android have the potential to be major changes from the status quo — one which will take patience and much investment by the various players before you’ll see the first benefits. But we feel the potential gains for mobile customers around the world are worth the effort.
The first handsets are likely to be available in the second half of 2008, the company said. Other partners in the alliance include Sprint Nextel (S), Telecom Italia, NTT DoCoMo, Broadcom (BRCM), and a slew of other technology companies.
What is Android?
A fully integrated mobile “software stack” that consists of an operating system, middleware, user-friendly interface and applications. It will be made available under one of the most progressive, developer-friendly open-source licenses, which gives mobile operators and device manufacturers significant freedom and flexibility to design products. Next week, the Alliance will release an early access software development kit to provide developers with the tools necessary to create innovative and compelling applications for the platform.Who is missing? Quite a few large carriers, including Vodafone (VOD), Orange, SK Telecom, AT&T (T) and Verizon (VZ). Nokia (NOK),
Samsung,LGand Sony Ericsson are among the handset makers not part of this alliance.My Take: This is one massive PR move, with nothing to show for it right now, and it seems like there are other unknown reasons (Facebook ad platform launch perhaps) for the motivation here. No phones till second half of 2008 — in our ADD culture that is a lifetime. The partners — with the exception of HTC and T-Mobile — are companies who are, in cricketing parlance, on the backfoot. Motorola, for instance is not exactly a bastion of handset excellence. Sprint — we know how well they are doing.
MyTake #2: Following the press call, I actually have more questions than answers. They completely dodged my question about how does it reconcile with other mobile linux efforts which are backed by none other than partners like Motorola. Andy Rubin replied that all the software is available for the developers in a week, which is non-answer if there is any. Funny - no phones till second half of 2008 and they want developers to shift their attention from iPhone, Symbian, other Mobile Linux and Microsoft Windows Mobile. Even more convinced that this is a PR move. Not clear how this helps Google from a fiscal sense and its business implications for the company. Oh well, time to hound their press department.
What Others Say:
Chetan Sharma of Chetan Sharma Consulting: Google definitely assembled an impressive list of partners for this initiative. On a fundamental level, it still remains to be seen if this move is going to be transform the industry. Of course, everyone wants to be seen supporting openness, proof will be in the implementation and the business models that support this vision, otherwise this is just yet another initiative.
The initiative does help lower the cost of the handset due to cheap licenses for the stack and if this proves successful, some device manufacturers might give up their own efforts to minimize cost and focus more on hardware features that integrate well with Android. This is more an answer to Microsoft than to the carrier fragmentation Google has talked about. Is this going to be a successful Trojan horse strategy for Google remains to be seen.
Forrester Research wireless analyst Charles Golvin: The impact is broad across all players in the mobile environment, driving innovative developers to craft new applications that leverage both the mobile networks and the Internet, and helping to change the way consumers behave when on the go. Google is far from the only beneficiary, as competitors like Yahoo (YHOO) and even Microsoft (MSFT) stand to benefit should they embrace this approach; the impact will build slowly over time as initially the devices using this platform will form a very small percentage of the market.
Download the Android SDK
Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:25:00 +0000
Version m3-rc20a
Platform Package Size Windows android_sdk_windows_m3-rc20a.zip 59 MB Mac OS X (intel) android_sdk_darwin_m3-rc20a.zip 55 MB Linux (i386) android_sdk_linux_m3-rc20a.zip 55 MB For more information on the SDK:
Using Eclipse? Install the plugin
Android provides an Eclipse plugin to help make programming and debugging easier.
Google Android Blog: This is the Android you're looking for
Just show me the code
Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:13:00 +0000
OK, you've downloaded the SDK and are now ready to build the next killer app for mobile (and maybe win some $$$ in the process ;)
Activities? Intents? SimpleCursorAdapter? Huh?
Hmm...how do I proceed?
Well, that depends on your style. Some will want to carefully go through all the documentation top-to-bottom, while others may prefer to just dive right into code.
Either path will eventually lead to the sample applications provided in the SDK -- these samples will be invaluable in your quest for Android mastery. The samples include:- API Demos
- A 'kitchen sink' application that covers the most useful aspects and components of the Android APIs. You'll see different implementations of Activities, Services, Notifications, Layouts, as well as methods for working with graphics and text. This application provides a good source of templates for your projects as well as a reference to 'How do I do this?'-type questions.
- Lunar Lander
- A game which demonstrates how to load and draw graphics, animation techniques, taking user input, saving state when the user pauses the game, and more. Coding shouldn't be this fun!
- Note Pad
- You'll learn how to use Intents to open a new screen, access a local database, and more. This sample is a good introduction to application flow and life cycle management, which are vital in developing more complex applications.
Source code and resources for these applications are available in the SDK (samples/) as well as online:
http://code.google.com/android/samples/
Here are some suggestions on what to do next:- Read through each application's manifest file (AndroidManifest.xml) to learn about the typical structures in an Android application.
- Modify the code to familiarize yourself with the building and testing process.
- Use a particular code snippet as either a base template or to get some needed functionality for your own project (why reinvent the wheel?)
- API Demos
This is the Android you're looking for
Following last week's announcement of the Open Handset Alliance, today we're happy to offer an early look at the Android SDK. We're eager to get feedback from lots of developers in our discussion group. We're also providing developer documentation and this blog to help you get up and going.Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:48:00 +0000
You're probably wondering about what's available today. This preview of the SDK will allow you to develop Android applications that you can run, test, profile, and debug using the emulator and the other included tools. Note that the look and feel of the user interface in the emulator is a placeholder for a final version that is under development.
One of our goals in releasing the Android SDK is to unleash the creativity of application developers on the platform. We'd also like to get feedback early enough that we can make changes before the first Android-powered devices are available to the public. We plan to release updates to the SDK regularly which means that there will be additions and changes to the APIs and user experience -- subscribe to this blog to stay up to date.
We're really looking forward to seeing all the amazing applications that developers will create on an open mobile phone platform. In fact, you may even want to enter your application into the Android Developer Challenge -- a USD$10 million challenge sponsored by Google to support and recognize developers who build great applications for the Android platform.
- Hello Android: Latest News
Android Avatar Creator Lite
Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:06:06 +0000
Category:GamesStatus:Production / StableLicense:Closed Source / FreewareOur intergalactical Android Avatar Creator project has been finished and the Lite version is released on the Android Marketplace. This article will explain how the program works. 
Native application or web application
Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:01:53 +0000
Having an android device, makes sense mainly if you have Internet access all the time. So if we can suppose everyone access the net, it is obvious to think, that a mobile optimized site/web application can be used instead of a native application. As I see the main advantage of a web based solution is platform independence, the same code can run on on any mobile phone.
I'd like to make an overview of the possibilities, and defects of a web based solution.
Possibilities:
It has been a while since is possible to create complex html and JavaScript based web applications for PC browsers. You can check out for example the YUI Library which helps building a rich user interface for such web applications.
Xml remote procedure calls on android
Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:26:11 +0000
SDK Version:M30Using web services on android phones, is pretty simple. For most popular services, there is a usable library available.
Here is a little snippet for using an android library, called android-xmlrpc.Android developers are funny! :)
Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:54:46 +0000
In the New Android 2.2 Froyo API: Log.wtf() has been added.
It stands for "What a terrible failure", what a coincidence... :)
By the way, has anyone tried the command ./adb lolcat instead of ./adb logcat?How to make a phone call from your application
Wed, 21 Jul 2010 05:34:43 +0000
SDK Version:M30To enable your application to initiate a phone call, you must set permissions in the manifest file:
- <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
- <manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
- package="com.bubudsadasdas"
- android:versionCode="1"
- android:versionName="1.0">
- <application android:icon="@drawable/icon" android:label="@string/app_name">
- <activity android:name=".phonecalls"
- android:label="@string/app_name">
- <intent-filter>
- <action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
- <category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
- </intent-filter>
- </activity>
- </application>
- <uses-sdk android:minSdkVersion="3" />
- <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.CALL_PHONE"></uses-permission>
- </manifest>
Now create a new activity with a call method. It should look like this:
Android unit testing
Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:51:54 +0000
SDK Version:M30For unit testing you can use the built in JUnit framework just like in "standard" java applications.
A unit test is to test some low-level part - usually a single class - of a project, working individually.
The only trick is to extend AndroidTestCase in your test case instead of TestCase some Android specific methods, like getContext() which is often required by android functions.
Lets see a very simple example using eclipse:
- Create a new project to test, create a new class in it, with a simple method that , like this:
- public class ClassToTest{
- public int add(int arg1,int arg2){
- return arg1+arg2;
- }
- }
- Create a new test project: File/new/Other.../Android/Android Test Project
Add the previously created project as the test target, the other fields can be left as they are auto filled.
How to customize Toasts
Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:10:48 +0000
SDK Version:M30Customizing Toasts
A toast notification is a message that pops up on the surface of the window. It only fills the amount of space required for the message and the user's current activity remains visible and interactive. The notification automatically fades in and out, and does not accept interaction events.
The Basics
You can create customized Toasts and setting its display position, as you like.
Here's a little code snippet to demonstrate how it works:
- Toast toast = Toast.makeText(getApplicationContext(), text, Toast.LENGTH_SHORT);
- /* Positioning your Toast */
- int offsetX = 0, offsetY = 0;
- toast.setGravity(Gravity.BOTTOM, offsetX, offsetY);
- toast.show();
Creating a Custom Toast ViewDate handling in Android development
Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:01:48 +0000
SDK Version:M30This unusual topic came around quite a few times in the last couple of days, first with our own rss parser, and today with android-xmlrpc.
In our rss parser, we wanted to have as much flexibility as possible, so we could use many types of localized rss pages, that have different date formats.Android avatar creator game, coming soon
Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:43:49 +0000
Here we go with the first pictures of Android avatar creator.
Players will be able to create avatars with unique personalities, fulfill their desires or go mad...WebView with zoom controls, image from SDCARD
Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:32:10 +0000
SDK Version:M30The Problem:
When I'm trying to load an image (tried both gif and png) from my assets directory, into a webview.
In my assets folder, I have an image called myImage.gif
Here's my wrong code:
- WebView data = (WebView) findViewById(R.id.data)
- data.loadData("<IMG HEIGHT=\"42px\" WIDTH=\"42px\" SRC=\"file:///android_assets/myImage.gif\" />", "text/html", "UTF-8");
All that happens when I try it, is that I get a blank screen with a
empty 42px/42px box.
In logcat, I see the message:
03-30 00:21:14.398: DEBUG/WebCore(214): Console: Not allowed to load
local resource: file:///android_assets/myImage.gif line: 0 source:
The Solution:
Even though, I'm going to load the image file from the filesystem (SDCARD or Phone Storage), instead of Assets folder, I've found a solution for this, and you don't even have to care about ContentProviders... (Which is also a good solution, but this is much easier & quicker in this case.)
- Talk Android: Forums
Motorola Sage – Upcoming Android Phone for AT&T?
AT&T has been late to the Android game, probably because they want their customers to think the iPhone is the best option. AT&T only has 3 Android smartphones, one of which is stuck at Android 2.0 (Motorola Backflip). They have stepped up recently with the release of the Samsung Captivate, but every carrier is getting [...]Sat, 31 Jul 2010 17:11:41 +0000
For more information on Android and the current Android mobile phones, check out our Android Guides
LogMeIn for Android Giveaway Contest Closed
Well, guys, the contest for winning LogMeIn’s Ignition app for Android has now come to a close. Thanks to all those that submitted responses in our forum thread, and to all those that responded incorrectly… sorry, folks, but your entries wont be considered. Lots of entries came in on the app! Looks like everyone is excited [...]Sat, 31 Jul 2010 05:01:20 +0000
For more information on Android and the current Android mobile phones, check out our Android Guides
Motorola releases Droid X antenna, quality FAQs
Remember Motorola’s release of the “No Jacket Required” ad, taking a stab at Apple’s Antenna deisgn problem? Well now, they have released a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section to their site, along with specifications on their antenna design. A few of the highlights in the FAQ: Q: When Motorola is designing a new phone, how does [...]Sat, 31 Jul 2010 02:58:51 +0000
For more information on Android and the current Android mobile phones, check out our Android Guides
Froyo coming out to unlocked European HTC Desire handests
Who isn’t getting Froyo? Well, it looks like unlocked HTC Desire’s in Europe are no longer in the ignore list, as there is now an official press release that states that they will be getting the long awaited 2.2 update. The upgrade is set to include: 720P Video Recording HTC Sense Updates App Share Improved Keyboard HTC’s new phone features Sync features [...]Sat, 31 Jul 2010 02:37:11 +0000
For more information on Android and the current Android mobile phones, check out our Android Guides
McAfee acquires tenCube, makers of WaveSecure
Awhile back, we did a review and giveaway of WaveSecure, an app that allows you to remotelyloss and theft of your Android device. Now, tenCube, maker of WaveSecure, is set to be acquired by McAfee. According to the official announcement on McAfee’s website, they say that the acquirement is set to: Further establish itself as the leader in mobile [...]Sat, 31 Jul 2010 01:39:55 +0000
For more information on Android and the current Android mobile phones, check out our Android Guides
Motorola Droid to receive Android 2.2 next week
According to an article over at engadget, they have received official word from Verizon that Froyo will be headed to the original Motorola Droid next week. It’s entirely possible that this could be a hasty response to HTC’s notice that the Evo will also be getting 2.2 (officially) on 8/3, but however it came about, [...]Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:52:14 +0000
For more information on Android and the current Android mobile phones, check out our Android Guides
Motorola M511 Flips into China
Adding to an impressive stable of phones and carriers, Motorola will be releasing the M511 (known as the FlipOut in Europe) onto Chinese carriers by the end of this month. In other words, today. The M511 will run Android 2.1 with MotoBlur, and will offer a full QWERY keyboard to perfectly complement its social network integration, which [...]Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:19:34 +0000
For more information on Android and the current Android mobile phones, check out our Android Guides
Droid X source code released
Is today source code release day? Well not really but it sure seems like it considering Samsung released their Captivate source code today as well. Truth be told, Motorola actually released the source code two days ago, just nobody noticed, lol. Anyway, if you’d like to crawl through what makes the Droid X tick, then hit [...]Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:03:42 +0000
For more information on Android and the current Android mobile phones, check out our Android Guides
Samsung Captivate Code Goes Open Source
Developers anxious for the full open source coding of the Samsung Captivate were joyous today as they received the following message in their inboxes: Dear _____________, You can download the source code of SGH-I897 on this site in Mobile Category, SGH-I897 model. Thank you. Short, sweet, and to the point. This is excellent news for those intrepid ROM developers already [...]Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:01:47 +0000
For more information on Android and the current Android mobile phones, check out our Android Guides
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini & Mini Pro get rooted
Another one bites the dust! The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini & Mini Pro have been rooted. We’ll skip right to the goodies and give you the instructions: You will need ADB from Android SDK and USB drivers for X10 mini (part of Sony Ericsson PC Companion). Enable USB debugging on the phone in Settings>Applications>Development and connect the phone [...]Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:47:09 +0000
For more information on Android and the current Android mobile phones, check out our Android Guides
- Androinica: Android Blog
Android 2.2 coming to Verizon Motorola DROID next week
Fri, 30 Jul 2010 23:35:38 +0000
Well it’s Friday and it’s time to party as well announce that your beloved Motorola DROID will join the likes of the EVO…
Don’t worry European Desire owners, you’re getting your Froyo too
Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:28:11 +0000
A couple of days ago we got our first taste of leaky Froyo on the HTC DROID Incredible followed by leaked…
Accused malicious Android app developer says the story is “bull****”
Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:39:32 +0000
Security companies often issue headline-grabbing reports about the threat of malicious activity. Those headlines sometimes don’t have much of a story to go…
Samsung UK promises Froyo for Galaxy S in September 2010
Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:37:34 +0000
Samsung was already fielding quite a few questions from users wondering when they could expect their phone to be treated to Froyo. In…
McAfee swallows up WaveSecure developers
Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:17:59 +0000
McAfee, Inc., known for desktop security software for home and enterprise users, has acquired tenCube, the company behind the development of popular Android…
Updated: HTC EVO 4G updated to Android 2.2 starting August 3
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:55:17 +0000
Looks like Sprint EVO 4G owners may be getting their 2.2 update sooner than anyone expected. Although nothing is set in…
Android’s eBook app rush explained: Amazon expects eBooks to outsell paperbacks next year
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:30:30 +0000
A month ago, Aldiko stood alone as one of the only usable Android apps that provided an ereading experience. Since then, the big…
HTC will deliver Froyo and Sense to China soon
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:30:42 +0000
HTC is diving head first into the mobile phone market in China, and it’s doing it with phones running a Froyo-based version of…
LG Optimus Z launched in Korea, includes everything but the kitchen sink
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:20:11 +0000
Korea has been known to get some pretty sweet tech and the announcement of the the new LG Optimus Z Android phone just…
Android PSA: Read security permissions before installing an Android app
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:17:22 +0000
Hey there, Android fans. You may wake-up this morning to discover that there’s an allegedly rogue application in the Android Market that is…
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