Google Android - News, Features, and Slideshows

News

• Google reveals winners of Android Developer Challenge 2

  Google named the winners of its second contest aimed at encouraging software developers to make applications for the Android mobile operating system.

• Google strives to balance commercial, community with Android

  Onlookers say that Google is in charge of Android development, despite pitching the software as a community project. But experts say that could be the only way Google can ensure that the software is actually released.

• Google delivers SDK for Android 2.0

  Google on Tuesday released an SDK for Android 2.0, revealing some new features that will come with the upgraded mobile operating system.

• Motorola describes close relationship with Google

  On the day that Microsoft is launching phones that will run on its latest version of Windows Mobile, Motorola is singing the praises of open-source software, specifically Google's Android.

• Google, Verizon teaming to develop Android devices

  Verizon and Google have entered into an agreement to jointly develop wireless devices based on Google's open source Android mobile platform.

• Android modder attempts to outmaneuver Google

  The creator of a popular souped-up version of Android thinks he's found a way to avoid a further tussle with Google over distribution of the company's mobile applications.

• One year on, Android's not quite there yet

  After it has spent nearly a year on the market, analysts are reluctant to declare Android a success, but they say the platform could turn a corner in the next few months when many more phones are expected to go on sale.

• Android OS developers to revamp app marketplace

  In a bid to compete more squarely with Apple's App Store the developers of the Android mobile OS are improving the way people browse for applications on Google phones through what is known as Android Market. As part of a software upgrade (Android 1.6, aka Donut) Android handset owners will be able to browse more easily third-party apps by previewing screen shots of apps and sort apps by criteria such as most popular and newest. There is no official date set for the release of Donut.

• Chrome, Android have different jobs, Google says

  Google's emerging Chrome operating system won't squeeze out Android, according to Andy Rubin, the company's vice president of mobile engineering platforms.

• HTC puts new face on latest Google Android phone, Hero

  Smartphone developer High Tech Computer (HTC) introduced a completely revamped user interface (UI) on its latest smartphone running Google Android software, the HTC Hero, highlighting the importance companies see in making users love the software on their handset.

• Android an alternative to Windows in netbooks, says Gartner

  Google's Android mobile phone software worked well on mini-laptops at the Computex Taipei 2009 electronics show and, backed by the strong Google brand, may be headed for prime time, two Gartner analysts said Monday.