Android Applications OpenGL

Android applications are written in a well-respected programming language: Java. The Android application framework includes traditional programming constructs, such as threads and processes and specially designed data structures to encapsulate objects commonly used in mobile applications. Developers can rely on familiar class libraries, such as java.net and java.text. Specialty libraries for tasks like graphics and database management are implemented using well-defined open standards like OpenGL Embedded Systems (OpenGL ES) or SQLite.

Enabling Development of Powerful Applications

In the past, handset manufacturers often established special relationships with trusted third-party software developers (OEM/ODM relationships).This elite group of software developers wrote native applications, such as messaging and Web browsers, which shipped on the handset as part of the phone’s core feature set.To design these applications, the manufacturer would grant the developer privileged inside access and knowledge of a handset’s internal software framework and firmware.
On the Android platform, there is no distinction between native and third-party applications, enabling healthy competition among application developers.

All Android applications use the same libraries.Android applications have unprecedented access to the underlying hardware, allowing developers to write much more powerful applications. Applications can be extended or replaced altogether. For example,Android developers are now free to design email clients tailored to specific email servers such as Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Notes.

Rich, Secure Application Integration

If you recall the bat story I previously shared, you’ll note that I accessed a wide variety of phone applications in the course of a few moments: text messaging, phone dialer, camera, email, picture messaging, and the browser. Each was a separate application running on the phone some built-in and some purchased. Each had its own unique user interface. None were truly integrated.

Not so with Android. One of the Android platform’s most compelling and innovative features is well-designed application integration.Android provides all the tools necessary to build a better “bat trap,” if you will, by allowing developers to write applications that leverage core functionality such as Web browsing, mapping, contact management, andmessaging seamlessly. Applications can also become content providers and share their data among each other in a secure fashion. Platforms like Symbian have suffered from setbacks due to malware.Android’s vigorous application security model helps protect the user and the system from malicious software.

Android applications have none of the costly and time intensive testing and certification programs required by other platforms such as BREW and Symbian.

Android developers are free to choose any kind of revenue model they want.They can develop freeware, shareware, or trial-ware applications, ad-driven, and paid applications. Android was designed to fundamentally change the rules about what kind of wireless applications could be developed. In the past, developers faced many restrictions that had little to do with the application functionality or features:

- Store limitations on the number of competing applications of a given type

- Store limitations on pricing, revenue models, and royalties

- Operator unwillingness to provide applications for smaller demographics.

With Android, developers can write and successfully publish any kind of application they want. Developers can tailor applications to small demographics, instead of just large-scale money-making ones often insisted upon by mobile operators.Vertical market applications can be deployed to specific, targeted users. Because developers have a variety of application distribution mechanisms to choose from, they can pick the methods that work for them instead of being forced to play by others’ rules.Android developers can distribute their applications to users in a variety of ways.

- Google developed the Android Market (Figure 1.7), a generic Android applicationstore with a revenue-sharing model.

- Handango.com added Android applications to its existing catalogue using their billing models and revenue sharing model.

- Developers can come up with their own delivery and payment mechanisms.

Mobile operators are still free to develop their own application stores and enforce their own rules, but it will no longer be the only opportunity developers have to distribute their applications.

Android might be the next generation in mobile platforms, but the technology is still in its early stages. Early Android developers have had to deal with the typical roadblocks associated with a new platform: frequently revised SDKs, lack of good documentation, and market uncertainties.There are only a handful of Android handsets available to consumers at this time. On the other hand, developers diving into Android development now benefit from the first-to-market competitive advantages we’ve seen on other platforms such as BREW and Symbian. Early developers who give feedback are more likely to have an impact on the long-term design of the Android platform and what features will come in the next version of the SDK. Finally, the Android forum community is lively and friendly. Incentive programs, such as the Android Developer Challenge, have encouraged many new developers to dig into the platform.