Google reveals Android prototype
Google’s Senior Director of Mobile Platforms, Andy Rubin, unveiled the Android prototype at this year’s CommunicAsia held in Singapore. Rubin claims Android will be developed into a commercial offering later this year. The Android Operating System handset is expected to be heavily customised and may include some of the following features and applications:
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The handset will probably utilise both a touch screen and trackball;
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May feature a number of desktops with icons;
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Incorporate a service whereby the handsets camera, GPS, motion sensors and numerous web services are used to lay and display location services over live imagery;
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Include hundreds of social networking/map mashups;
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Games (for example golf could be played on virtual reproductions of real golf courses using satellite imagery provided by Google Maps);
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Possibility of weather and temperature overlays for maps.
According to Rubin it is fragmented operating systems that have held back the full potential of mobile technology. There are 34 companies in Google's Open Handset Coalition, which aims to create a Linux-based wireless phone that makes it easy for consumers to use any application.
For further information see separate reports: