Processor makers ARM and MIPS Technologies are both aiming to simplify and accelerate the use of netbooks, MIDs (mobile Internet devices), set-top boxes, and picture frames that run on Google's Android software platform.
Earlier this week, ARM rolled out the Solution Center for Android, which provides software, training, and hardware to companies developing Android-based products.
[ Onlookers ask "Who's in charge of Android development: Google or developers?" and InfoWorld's Neil McAllister digs into why Google Android developers seem so unhappy. | Track the latest trends in open source with InfoWorld's Open Sources blog and Technology: Open Source newsletter. ]
On Wednesday, MIPS announced the availability of the Arriba for Android Porting Kit for its processor architecture. The kit should help product developers adopt Android for their MIPS-based devices.
In seeking to break into the processor market for Android-based devices MIPS is behind ARM. Motorola's Droid, Acer's Liquid, Sony Ericsson's Xperia X10, HTC's Hero and Samsung's Galaxy all use ARM-based processors. They're also used in the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet.
MIPS hopes to take advantage of its stronger position in digital consumer devices, including set-top boxes, it said.
The company has made a number of Android-related announcements in the last few months, including releasing the MIPS source code for Android in August and becoming a member of the Open Handset Alliance in September. MIPS-based media players, Blu-Ray players and set-top boxes using Android have been demonstrated.
The use of Android in products other than phones will happen very gradually over the next three or four years, according to Richard Webb, directing analyst at market research company Infonetics. It will start with Internet-connected media players, he said.
Manufacturers of set-top boxes, for example, have to ask themselves what they can gain from using Android, Webb said. He foresees advanced remote controls that use Google's operating system.
Get the independent advice and expertise you need to support a virtual workforce.
The increase in Linux popularity has increased the frequency and sophistication of malware attacks. Read this 2 page white paper now to learn how you can protect your Linux environment with real-time protection that is certified by all major Linux vendors.
Download now »
Ensuring acceptable application delivery will become even more difficult over the next few years. As a result, IT organizations need to ensure that the approach that they take to resolving the current application delivery challenges can scale to support the emerging challenges. This handbook elaborates on the key tasks associated with planning, optimization, management and control and provides decision criteria to help IT organizations choose appropriate solutions.
Download now »
A common misconception is that mid-range storage requirements are dramatically different than that of a larger enterprise. Mid-range storage users may require less capacity, but they have similar functionality and management requirements. This ESG paper examines mid-range storage needs and reviews a new solution that adjusts size while retaining value, performance and functionality.
Download now »
Sign up to receive InfoWorld Resource Alerts
12 Recommendations
