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Android Gathers Steam Among Open Source Developers
Posted by
CmdrTaco
on Thu Feb 26, 2009 10:35 AM
from the gonna-be-huge-they-figure dept.
from the gonna-be-huge-they-figure dept.
svonkie writes "Despite launching on the T-Mobile G1 with little mainstream fanfare, Google Inc.'s Android OS appears to have gained strong interest in the open source development community. According to a survey of Black Duck Software's Knowledge Base, Apple Inc.'s iPhone led the industry with 266 open source project releases during 2008, while Android followed in second place with 191 releases. Black Duck compiled the data after scouring through over 185,000 of open source projects across 4,000 Internet sites."
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Google Devs Best I've Ever Worked With (Score:2, Informative)
Of all the open source projects I've worked on or had interaction with the Google Android and Chrome teams have been by far the best. Most friendly, most competent, etc.
Not perfect of course, but an absolute pleasure. I can certainly see why Android would be popular with the rise of smartphones and the netbook and smaller category of devices.
Re:Friendly BSD Projects Vs. Hostile GPL Pricks (Score:4, Informative)
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Re:Dumbass (Score:4, Insightful)
In short: if the code is BSD-licensed, the and you GPL it, you're saying "I will share these changes with my own community, not with the community who I got the code from in the first place". Which is just a bit of an asshole thing to do.
The most important difference between the BSD license and the GPL is that the BSD license doesn't require you to share your changes with anybody. If you've got a problem with someone not giving back to the community, then you shouldn't be using the BSD license in the first place.
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Linus=idealistic, Theo=friendly, WTF??? (Score:2)
At the danger of YHBT-YHL-HAND, here goes:
GPL: Ideology first, technology and practicality second. Constant paranoia that someone is using the code base in violation of not only the spirit of the license but the 'spirit'.
You realize you're talking about Linux (the kernel) here, right? Linus approves of Tivo (have a look at http://lkml.indiana.edu/hypermail/linux/kernel/0706.1/2939.html [indiana.edu])
BSD: Friendly environment
And here you're talking about Theo de Raadt. Whether you agree with him or not, whether you like him or not, you can't say he pulls his punches.
BSD: Focus on the code, not the license
That's why *BSD refuses to include the new bash licensed under GPLv3, right? Hint: it isn't ;-)
You may be right in the typical case. I just want to point
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Theo de Raadt is hardldy representative of the over-all BSD community. That said, even though he may not be the most likable of characters, he is eminently capable.
Besides, the GP didn't mention either Linus or Theo by name. Everyone knows that Linus is a practical kind of guy who has made some decisions that have been unpopular with the wider gnu-esque community, such as his choice of repository software, his comments about gplv3, etc.
But, again, if you put Stallman vs de Raadt, then you basically have H
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My armchair understanding of the GPL issue is that a certain company would like to break some of the GPLed apps.
If the code within an app breaks it's own license how can they enforce it on others.
Or protect if from external attack?
Though I should mention I don't deal with em, I just use em(their apps I mean.).
OpenMoko (Score:4, Insightful)
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Minor point of interest - OpenMoko is the software company, AFAICT, and FIC are the hardware company. FIC span off OM about a year ago.
I have android running on my openmoko. Compared to the OM software it's a joy to use. The port is not yet complete but is in *very* active development by a number of different people, som part of OM, some part of Koolu and some independent. Already it's streets ahead of OM in terms of usability, UI responsiveness, UI completeness and ease of use (i.e. no command line for wif
Re:FOSS / GPL / GNU/Linux - What Did You Expect (Score:4, Insightful)
I don't think there is anything wrong with those ideas above. The problem seems to me is a lack of focus. The only thing that stopped me from buying one is from reading the forums and seeing how unstable it was. I don't care about 99% of features, the only important thing is that it can make calls. Unfortunately this appears to be its main failing, with the handset falling over regularly and failing to lock onto carrier cells. I quote the following from the CEO:
"We tried to refocus the company around these ideas. This led to an application called Diversity. The basic idea is the following:
Neos talk to other Neos using a self-creating, self-healing, global free (WiFi) network. The software system, code named Diversity, consists of many clients (Neos) talking to servers and, at a later time, self-connecting, using mesh-like interactions."
http://lists.openmoko.org/nabble.html#nabble-td2103754|a2103754
It seems to me their priorities aren't really in order.
Philip.
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They aren't. I'd go further and say that management have proven themselves to be less than competent.
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First that's a pretty poor and petty reason to hate the OpenMoko. Why do I need originality when I just want a mobile phone to make calls from? The less original a phone is, the more usable it is from a UI viewpoint.
Second, who cares? My phone is on 24/7 and is only off if I accidentally run out of battery (in which case there is no turning it on to make a 911 call).
Phillip.
steam? (Score:4, Funny)
Android X Now Runnnig (Score:5, Interesting)
As reported this week on Slashdot [slashdot.org], some hackers have got X desktops (Gnome, KDE, LXDE, IceWM), "All Working On Android".
If I can have an Android "phone" and seamlessly use "Android" apps alongside Linux apps (and use a Debian-style APT for installation/maintenance), I've got the first real 21st Century platform.
If someone hooks up Android with X features that let me "grab" my session from a desktop (or other PC with a big display), keep using it (but scaled/arranged for Android) as I leave with my "phone", then pop it over to a nearby PC (scaled back up) intact, I've finally got "mobile computing". If my VoIP phonecalls remain intact throughout the transfer, the "computer" will eventually disappear unnoticed, with only me and my "computing" session really mattering. We're going to have to come up with new words for these things, once they're just our constant virtualized telecoms companion.
Re:Android X Now Runnnig (Score:5, Funny)
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I agree that the HW will probably develop the way that you describe. In fact I've posted on Slashdot some brainstorms about a netbook running iPhone OS/SW.
But what I described is all SW. It's the kind of thing that could be developed right now, by a moderately capable X programmer. That's what's so exciting about true Android/Linux convergence by localhost interop. Such a system as I describe uses only the existing HW all around us (if you've got an Android, which many do). Rather than all the overhead and
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
What he's saying isn't far fetched, it's just not well thought out. Why would I want a miniature version of my word processor or video editor open on my phone? I don't want a "session" that follows me around everywhere I go. I want my work computer to be my work computer, my phone to be my phone, and my laptop to be my laptop. I want a bike OR a motorcycle, not a bloody moped.
Granted, for people who do a small set of things (e-mail, web browsing, and IM) the "session" paradigm is fine. But those people
What about Nokia and PyS60 ? (Score:4, Informative)
There has been so much focus on iPhone, Android and Windows application development in the media the last few years. And yet no one as far as I can remember has ever mentioned that Nokia has a great open source development platform for their phones which runs on newer Symbian 60 called PyS60(Python for Symbian 60) http://wiki.opensource.nokia.com/projects/Installing_PyS60 [nokia.com]
With PyS60you have access to about every feature in the phone. Everything from SMS, to the accelerometer. Not to mention that programming in Python is fun, and if speed is an issue, you still have access to several Python C++ Extensions http://wiki.forum.nokia.com/index.php/C%2B%2B_Python_Extensions [nokia.com] and there is support for developing your own c++ extensions. On the Nokia wiki there are several small easy to read examples of how to use all the technology in their phones http://wiki.forum.nokia.com/index.php/Category:Python [nokia.com]
Yet I don't understand why developers and media ignore this development platform. Isn't powerful applications that can be coded in less than hundred lines pure joy for a developer? There is a lot of people with Symbian 60 phones out there, more than Android and iPhone together(not sure about Windows though).
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I think it's a case of too little too late. They didn't open it up until they saw the headlight of the train that was the iPhone and Google coming out of the tunnel.
If you're an upstart with funding for 1, maybe 2 platforms which do you choose? You choose the hot ones.
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The other problem with Nokias is... (Score:3, Interesting)
That the US carriers often seem to cripple the phones. Nokia have phones that are available in Europe and elsewhere but when they come to the US, the carriers have made them remove/disable features (front facing cameras for video calls since the US carriers seem to hate video calls for some reason, GPS functionality because US carriers want to charge thru the nose for navigation, WiFi etc) either because the carriers dont like those features or possibly (as in the case of removing actual hardware) because r
This is something I've known was going to happen. (Score:2)
There is a reason why the G1 felt incomplete.
Google was smart to skip development of certain applications and features.
Let the OSS community do it for free.
This is why there was no video player built-in and also why we have yet to see the infamous cupcake.
There is still no video recording and no bluetooth tethering support unless your phone is rooted.
Little mainstream fanfare? (Score:2, Interesting)
"Despite launching on the T-Mobile G1 with little mainstream fanfare..."
Waddyamean little mainstream fanfare? Big coverage by the BBC on TV and Radio news (and news website) on it's launch as the 'iPhone killer'
Developer-friendly Verizon phone? (Score:2, Interesting)
I've been using my trusty StarTAC on Verizon for many a year now (motto: if it's still working, keep using it) but now I want to take the plunge into mobile development. Does Verizon support any platforms that have geek cred i.e. open source, large developer base, few restrictions, decent tools, goddamn-this-is-a-great-phone etc. etc. Verizon's network has been 5x5 in my experience so I'm reluctant to switch. ("Perhaps the other networks are just as good, we don't know. Frankly, we don't
Re:Google needs more US Providers (Score:5, Informative)
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What's wrong with T-Mobile? (Score:2)
I've been with them for about 8 years and they are consistently a solid performer. I get a really strong signal at work, at home and really anywhere i visit frequently.
Their customer service leaves verizon sitting in the dust.
Sure there are places that don't have a strong signal, but that's true of any cellular network.
Re:Google needs more US Providers (Score:5, Informative)
Honestly, I thought T-mobile was a plus. They seem to be a little less prone to some of the anti-consumer schemes common among providers. They'll even unlock your phone after 90 days if your account remains in good standing. The G1 data plan cost was about what I otherwise saved switching over all my lines from Verizon. They also don't try to hit you with per-MB fees if you go over some cap and you don't need some expensive plan to do this.
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Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
True. I'm stuck on EDGE as well (but I'm only a few miles from 3G land so I'm hoping that will change soon enough).
In any case, they certainly aren't exclusive to T-mobile by design. T-mobile is just the only company who has picked them up so far. Sprint is apparently working on an android-based phone (granted Sprint isn't really any better than T-mobile). I think the other companies just don't quite know how to handle a phone that isn't 100% locked into selling add-on services.
The open platform will ha
Re:Google needs more US Providers (Score:4, Informative)
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Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
Thats great, but when? Im very hesistant to switch to t-mobile. Years ago I had the original sidekick and found their coverage to be lacking, at least here in Chicago. I also have a minute/data deal with Sprint that no other carrier can come close to. Its incredible what AT&T and TMobile want for data nowadays.
Im probably just going to wait it out and get the G2 on Sprint, but its a real shame the industry has moved so slowly on android. I understand that the product was released prematurely. Hopefull
Re: (Score:2)
It's a joke in your region, maybe... But here, it's awesome. When everyone else was complaining about 'dropped calls' 5-10 years ago, I had none.
On the other hand, AT&T had the worst customer service -ever-. It was so bad that my entire family swore to never use them again.
So I could say the same about the iPhone that you said about Android.
Also, I guess you aren't aware, but there are more Android phones coming soon from other hardware makers. Like 5 or 6 of them. Just have a little tiny bit of pa
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Like 5 or 6 of them. Just have a little tiny bit of patience and the products will come to market. 1 year isn't really a long time in the grand scheme of things.
There are as many as 20-android phones slated for release between now and Q1-2010. The phones are for many different carriers. In the near future you should have your choice of Android form factor.
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Uh, what? You just made a broad and inaccurate generalization, near flamebait-y. There's some good and bad coverage in general and that's smack dab in the midwest. Did you even bother to look at their coverage map? [t-mobile.com] As with any coverage, rural areas have worse and cities have better. You know, logical buildouts, etc. Verizon, Sprint, I don't care who you have. If you live in farmland, you're just not going to be priority for cellphones nor for internet. This style of building is typical of all service provid
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I was going to get a G1 until... "Damn, it's on T-Mobile, I won't be able to call or text anyone"
Then a new Android on Vodefone, yay until .... "damn, no keyboard"
Paying an extra $300 to get an unlocked one form ebay seems a bit expensive/risky
damn you all to hell
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I don't understand. Can't you change your service provider to whoever you want? Isn't that half the point of having an open platform?
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The G1 isn't much of an open platform.
Android itself, sure, and I have it on my freerunner. But I really doubt that they'd get many of the networks on board if they couldn't SIM-lock it.
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you can buy a unlocked G1 right now. I'm getting one in a couple of weeks. just go sign up for the dev program and buy your G1 at the same priced a locked one is.
The G1 kicks the arse of the iPhone hard for developing because you can get a uncrippled one easily. Butt hen not being hamstrung with the idiots that run AT&T wireless is always a benefit.
My Nokia E62 is considered junk by many because of the crappy at&t crippled firmware. re-flash it with the firmware they shipped with from Nokia and
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I'm guessing there are legal implications. I would love to see blackberry suite/equivalent on my G1, my work would too. However, I'm guessing that in general blackberry is not very open-source friendly among other things.
Re:Blackberry love (Score:5, Funny)
There still seems to be a serious lack of Blackberry love from Android.
Android hasn't gotten its emotion chip yet.
Now, why it would need an old CPU from a Playstation 2 to understand love is beyond me, but I guess that's just how it works...
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Re: (Score:2, Informative)
The G1 was released in October of 2008, yet they still had 70% of the number of project releases that the iPhone had in 2008. 70% as many OSS projects in a quarter the number of months.
(Granted, the SDK was available for longer, but still very few people, developers included, actually had a phone; they were excited enough about it to develop apps solely on the emulator, without being able to actually use them until October.)
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To answer my own question, the G1, and lack of non-htc handsets on the horizon.
Or spend less than five bucks and get a dongle which allows for standard headset use. Checkout Amazon or other online stores - there are tons of options and form factors. You can even get a combo which allows for standard headset, charging, and USB connections all at the same time.
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Verizon has one more Android phones coming this year. Several more slated for 2010.
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Even ignoring the bit where Apple can veto your app with no recourse, the development platform costs a minimum of $1,500 or so, as you have to buy their hardware to use it.
You realize you need a computer with Windows to do Windows development too, and that isn't free either. You even need a computer with Linux to do Linux development... and while linux is at least free the PC still isn't. I don't hear you moaning about the hundreds of dollars you need to spend on your linux or G1 development platform.
Also,
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The Android devel kit will run on whatever hardware you already have. They don't force you to buy anything new.
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The G1 has received little fanfare because it's not a good product.
Bullshit. The G1 actually has superior hardware to that of the iPhone. To say the G1 sucks is to say all smart phones suck.
It's about as good as other smartphones from 5 years ago.
Then it seems the iPhone 3G is "as good as other smartphones from 6 years ago." Bullshit.
It's not revolutionary as far as a typical user is concerned.
Please name any phone on the market which is "revolutionary.". There are none. Even the iPhone is evolutionary. So
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Too bad you never touched one.
I know many people with that phone that go days between charging it.
everything you speak of means you never even touched one. the ONLY thing I cant stand about the G1 is that it feels like a toy. It really needs to be built of metal instead of plastic. It's actually a remarkable phone, you should actually touch and use one.
Re:No mainstream fanfare because the G1 is not goo (Score:4, Informative)
It really depends on how you use it. If you use it to make occassional phone calls, and to check your email once in a while, then you'll easily get a full day or more out of the battery.
If you sit down and use it like a laptop, browing the web, playing games, etc - well, then it will be dead in two hours.
I had a lot of trouble with mine when it was new - but that was because I'd just tinker with it all day on a weekend. Once I settled down to real life use I haven't had any problems with it.
Sure, I'd like more battery life. It is still weaker than I'd like it to be. However, it isn't a reason not to get the phone.
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Re:No mainstream fanfare because the G1 is not goo (Score:5, Interesting)
I owned the iPhone for a year and now the G1 for a couple of months, the G1 is comparable to the iPhone as far as being "good".
The battery life is worse, but the battery life doesn't drain in 7 hours of standby either.
The GUI is fine. Very intuitive, doesn't crash. I like the visual front phone LED that flashes on notifications as well as the notification top bar in the GUI interface. Works very well.
PF Voicemail is a great visual voicemail app.
The Marketplace lets you return apps within 24 hours for a full refund if you don't like them.
Google Apps integration is heads above what's available on the iPhone. I update my calendar and contacts on the web, it pushes to my phone. I never need to sync with a desktop.
The SD card is upgradeable. 16 gig ones cost, what, 50 bucks?
And the mini-USB slot looks like is going to be the standard on phones now for everything.
That doesn't mean the phone doesn't need some polish. I really think the new ones coming out will be more to be excited about. But the G1 is a solid product.
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