The Android Platform

What is Android?

"Android is a software platform and operating system for mobile devices, based on the Linux kernel, developed by Google and later the
Open Handset Alliance. It allows developers to write managed code in the Java language, controlling the device via Google-developed Java libraries."...
- Wikipedia.

Why choose Android?

Recent research indicates that despite a drop in smart-phone sales this year, the smartphone market is set to grow. The report also predicts that "open-source platforms like Android" are leading the way in shaping the smartphone market.

The combination of Android's open-source codebase, robust architecture and "managed-code" framework make it a smart choice for all players - be it OEMs, ODMs, telecom infrastructure providers, software development companies and individuals - as one of it's tremendous strengths is this: Android is not a particular phone; rather, it is a software stack that can be used or adapted to virtually any hardware computing device. Speculation is rife - and indeed some companies have already given confirmation - regarding Android's imminent use in products like mobile smartphones, netbooks, POS terminals, vehicle-computing, LBS (location based services), etc.

Moreover, Android is built and backed by the OHA - a quilt of strong majors including Google, Qualcomm, HTC, ARM, Motorola, and many more indutry heavy-weights.

Where do we fit in?

At Designer Graphix, we already have considerable expertise on the Linux platform, both in terms of application and kernel-level development, training and consulting. Android is built on the mainstream Linux kernel.
 







We can provide in-depth workshops, training, development and consulting services around the Android platform, tailored, of course, to our customer's individual needs.

Briefly, we provide:

• " - Get With It"
  A 1.5 - 2 hour presentation on Android to corporate orgainzations who evince an interest in this platform.
  Note that, for a limited time, we intend to provide this service at zero cost. Would your company be interested? Do get in touch
  
  Coverage Details - available on request.
  Instructor Charges are zero. However, we do expect the venue, infrastructure (LCD projector, sound system, lighting, etc), refreshments, etc to be provided to us.
  
  
  
• " - Get Off the Ground"
  For time-stressed companies and professionals (as well as students), a one day intensive workshop tailored to quickly gear up the participant on efficiently getting started with Android, understanding and setting up the development ecosystem, including coverage on the SDK and tools available, and writing a simple Android application (hands-on). Do get in touch
  
  Coverage and Pricing Details - available on request.
  
  
•  " - Application Development"
  Coverage will include topics on:
  How does one go about building professional production-quality Android apps.
  The Android framework.
  Building UIs.
  Using the 'Net, Location Based Services, Maps.
  Data Storage.
  Multi-threading.
  Application lifecycle.
  Optimization techniques.
  
  This training is currently a work in progress. Please do let us know if you are interested in attending, and we shall let you know as soon as it rolls out.
  
  
• " Internals"
  Coverage will include topics on:
  Android Architecture.
  Toolchain Setup and Usage.
  Root Filesystem.
  Kernel.
  Device Drivers.
  Porting.
  
  This training is currently a work in progress. Please do let us know if you are interested in attending, and we shall let you know as soon as it rolls out.
  

This process is already well under way. Kaiwan has made a tech-oriented presentation on Android at a recent (5 Mar 2009) "Google - Android for Executives Conference '09". Details.