Android – a mobile operating system runs on the Linux kernel. Developed by Android Inc., and later purchased by Google, and recently by the Open Handset Alliance (a consortium of 47 hardware, software, and telecom companies devoted to advancing open standards for mobile devices). It allows developers to write Java managed codes and control the device via Google-developed Java libraries. Offers applications that can be downloaded and installed with the aid of wireless network (Wi-Fi). However, unlike Symbian OS and Windows Mobile, Android does not support video-call or native J2ME and blue tooth file exchange.

Google released most of the Android code under the Apache License, a free software and open source license on 5th November 2007. Since its release Android has undergone several updates from fixing bugs to adding new features. Read more

As the Finnish mobile phone manufacturing giant Nokia tries to revive its fortune in the smart phone market, it has taken a strategic leap in the Google Android software segment. With the launch of N900, E71 and E72, it hopes to gain back on its losing smart phone segment in India. The specification and the price are as follows:

N900

Nokia N900 a computer and internet enabled phone based on Maemo 5 Linux platform was launched in India in September 2009. A specially designed phone to access internet and allied services, powered by Firefox mobile browser. A massive 3.5 wide touch screen display, powerful 5 mega pixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics Tessar lens and integrated GPS with Nokia Ovi is priced at 34000 INR. Read more

Technology giant Google has unveiled its latest project on “speech-to-speech translator”. The software will permit real-time speech translation from one language into another, on the Google Android devices. The technology will incorporate a combination of text translation and voice recognition programs. Speech translators are famous in science fiction like universal translator from the Star Trek universe or the Babel Fish from Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Google’s voice translator is currently in the lab to be perfected for a revolutionary intercultural communication and upon achieving success, it might announce the launch on Windows Mobile App as well. Our sources tell this software will be ready to roll by the year-end, until then we have to wait and watch.

Taiwanese mobile manufacturer High Tech Computer (HTC) has scooped India with its’ range of smart phones since 2008. HTC bandwagon in India boasts of 5 android phones and new launches are soon to be announced. The specifications and cost price of the ‘quintet’ are as follows:

HTC Dream (G1) Android

The first Android platform-powered phone, known as Google phone was launched in December 2008 on Univercell website (a renowned mobile phone retailer in South India). Priced at 25,000 INR, the phone features touch-screen, slide-out QWERTY keypad, 3G and 3Mega Pixel camera with Google’s popular tools like Gmail, Gtalk and Google find.

Product Specification:

OS : Android

Display : TFT touch-screen , 65K colors, 320 x 480 pixels , 3.2 inches

Camera : 3 Mega Pixel

Battery : Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery.

Connectivity : Bluetooth 2.0 with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g 3G -HSDPA, 7.2 Mbps aGPS GPRS EDGE

Other Features:

Full QWERTY keyboard, Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate, miniUSB and Google applications – Gmail, Gtalk and Google find.

HTC Touch Diamond Android 0.8

Launched in 2008, HTC Touch Diamond, which runs on Windows Mobile 6.1 and now is Android 0.8 enabled, promises, animated access to people, messaging, email, photos, music, weather, and more. The device comes with a 2.8-inches VGA touch screen. Read more

Touch-screen mobile phones are the latest trend in India, and cell phone manufacturers have captured this new wave by launching several models, priced to suit both common and rich men’s pockets.

With the launch of HTC Android Phone in India (2009) , the existing smartphone market faces a tough competition. Unlike Apple’s iPhone and Nokia’s N97, android is an open-source platform readily available for use and development without Google’s formal involvement. Read more