Google released a beta version of the software development kit for its Android mobile operating system earlier today to much fanfare, but in the rush of breaking the news we only just got a chance to examine the details.
There have been some puzzling changes, like the removal of an API for Bluetooth compatibility, but you shouldn't draw too many conclusions from this beta release as it doesn't really reflect the current status of the Android SDK in features or stability. What matters for developers is that this release is "API-stable," which means that an application built for this SDK will not have to be changed substantially to run on the final build, which will be used for the first phones. Overall we're quite impressed with the Google's work; the new SDK seems to have some compelling advantages over the SDK for Apple's iPhone.
development requests of the Open Handset Alliance -- not small-time developers. Google understands that it needs to make the mobile operators and handset makers happy in its new ecosystem. Early indicators show some success. Mobile operator T-Mobile was already happy enough to kill the industry's holy "on-deck" cow and move to a yet-undefined app store model.
roadmap that spells out where the development is heading.
What has been added
In terms of features, the new Android SDK features a completely new "Home" screen which feels like a real desktop because of the ability to add application icons and folders (both built-in and newly added applications), shortcuts (e.g. bookmarks, contacts, music playlist and folders), widgets (which are powered by Google gears for mobile) and the ability to change your desktop background. One feature that really shines is the ability to have a wide home screen that actually spans several screens; you can move to the next screen with the tip of your finger. It allows you to group several shortcuts on each screen (e.g. important contacts on one screen and important apps on the other). It includes the Google streetview shown at the Google I/O and a lot of nifty improvements here and there.
Here's the applications screen with the transparent desktop behind:
And here's a screenshot showing how applications can be added to the desktop:
for example in the voice search segment, who count on Bluetooth headsets in their model. Also, I wonder about business models who want to transfer data seamlessly via Bluetooth. I assume that promoting mobile search is one of Google’s main interests, so it will be interesting to hear the reasoning behind this removal.