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I must admit… Google Android sounds like it’s going to scratch developers where they burn. After having dumped my projects and ambitions developing products for the Symbian platform, during my first weekend with the iPhone, I find myself wanting to know more about Android, Google’s "Open Handset Alliance" mobile platform.

Google officially unveiled Android this week, and it’s already being challenged, advocated, and compared to the iPhone. Thirty-four companies have
said they will join the Open Handset Alliance, a multinational alliance
that will work on developing applications on the Android platform.
Members of the alliance include mobile handset makers HTC and Motorola,
U.S. operator T-Mobile, and chipmaker Qualcomm.

It’s occurred to me lately, that maybe there’s a connection between the lack of features and development control of the iPhone, and some upcoming move by Apple once they have 10 or 20 million of these operating across the world. I’m particularly bugged by the missing voice recorder and e-mail folders on the iPhone, because I can’t imagine adding those simple additions being anything but completely easy and non-pervasive to implement for Apple.

While the iPhone continues to get challenged as a "smartphone", and
is passionately used to help market competitors who regularly remark on
it’s shortcomings, these simple things missing from the iPhone, more
than ever, are puzzling.

I’m not as easily enamored as it seams, with the instant press
Google is getting. Apple has some time, and a sizable lead, for
certain.  But one thing on my mind tonight, that wasn’t as primary
there as a few weeks ago?… the iPhone SDK for native apps in February, and the level of support from Apple, better be exhilarating.

I still agree with CNET’s Tom Krazit…
"Right now, the smartphone industry is trying to come up with an answer
to the iPhone, and we’ll all benefit if the bar is continually raised
by Apple, Google, Symbian, or any other number of companies."

I know… I always end up with more checks in Apple’s column. But
for the sake of balance, even taken in small doses… Google is
promising a Mac OSX emulator for Android developers, a ton of media
companies on it’s steering committee, and enough power and presence to
increase Microsoft’s Starbucks budget.

But I still can’t create e-mail folders on the iPhone… I’m just sayin’.

C l i c k s   &   T a p s …

Google’s Android platform and the Open Handset Alliance: a quick round-up

The Android isn’t a slum-dunk

Google’s video pitch to developers
the
second handset shown here is pretty impressive, until you see him go
for that toggle on the case of the unit, to navigate a map screen.
That’s not right.