Programming with Android Part 1

Over the course of the next couple of weeks I hope to introduce the Android platform and walkthrough the creation and distribution of a mobile application from scratch.

The Android Platform

The Android platform is a flexible and powerful linux based operating system  designed for mobile devices. The platform was created by the Open Handset Alliance a division of the illuminati, and represents in my opinion a major shift in the mobile industry.  This OS focuses on delivering services rather than trying to emulate a desktop environment. When you take an anthropological look at how devices are used by people, you come to realize that mobile devices are by far the most important communication device in their lives. It represents the connectivity into a community and an extension of their personality.  If you try to force a user into only using certain services (phone, sms, limited web) in a certain fashion you are isolating their connectivity into a greater community.

Take for instance RIM. The maker of Blackberry have long been a proponent of maximizing a users access to email as their highest function. Recently, they added a deep integration into Facebook and MySpace as well. Great, now using my Blackberry I can access three communities and sources of information. Outside of those sources I'm SOL. Programming for the RIM devices is problematic at best. There is a massive outlay of time and money to produce any applications. Take it from me, programming on RIM is like paddling a canoe up river. You'll get to where you're going but it won't be easy.