Google Supports Android

The Open Handset Alliance (OHA) has made the Android software development kit available for the new Android platform, and Google has announced it will sponsor a $10 million developer's challenge. "We believe that the Android platform offers developers a unique opportunity to create truly innovative mobile software," says Google's Andy Rubin. "We're challenging developers to stretch their imaginations and skills to leverage the full capabilities of this new platform and to create something amazing." Cash prizes ranging from $25,000 to $275,000 will be awarded to developers whose applications are picked by a panel of judges. Android is a mobile platform built on the Linux 2.6 kernel that offers an operating system, libraries, a multimedia user interface, and phone applications. Android's application model allows developers to extend, replace, and reuse existing software components to create integrated mobile services. The challenge is divided into two periods, with Challenge I accepting programs through March 3, 2008, and Challenge II launching after the first handsets built on the platform become available in the second half of 2008. Judging will be done by a panel of technology and mobile experts chosen from OHA member organizations and the industry as a whole. Awards will be given to developers whose applications utilize all that the Android platform offers in order to provide customers with compelling experiences, Google says. Developers will retain all intellectual property and all other rights to their applications.