Thursday, August 28, 2008

Android Developer Challenge Gallery

Google is in the process of developing a cell phone operating system called Android. Google hosted a competition to see who could build the best/most useful application for the phone, and the results are very impressive. CompareEverywhere is an application in which you use the built in camera on the phone to scan a barcode, which it automatically looks up to compare prices, find reviews, and connect with local stores. Another is called Locale, which automatically detects where you are and sets your phone settings accordingly (e.g., if you are at work, you can have it set to turn to vibrate). One more application is called PicSay, which is a basic photo editing program for your cell phone. You can take a look at the other finalists at the Android Developer Challenge Gallery.

I'm still waiting for my cell phone contract to expire, which is why I haven't bought an iPhone, yet. However, if Android phones go on sale before my contract expires, I might be very tempted to purchase an Android phone instead. The user interface looks like it will be very slick and the platform will be more open than the iPhone. Plus, it may have a lower price tag for its service. I guess we'll see all the details when we get a working model. I, for one, am looking forward to it.

2 comments:

Jeff said...

Pure hearsay, but I thought I heard on TV that the release date will be in November and on T-Mobile. If that's the case, I'm torn. My contract is up in November so the natural thing would be to buy the phone. However, I'm with T-mobile now and they never have good deals for the current customers. Also, I don't really want to be with T-Mobile anymore. Finally, I don't want to be the guinea pig. But a Google phone would be way more kickin' than an iPhone.

Here's to the Google phone!

Anonymous said...

Those ideas sound great! I wouldn't mind having the one that scans the barcodes...I'm always tempted to have aaron at one store and me at another just to get the best price!