Google releases 1.1 Android update for developers
Google has issued an update for the unlocked version of the Android phone, which is specifically made for developers.
The company on Monday said owners of the Android Developer Phone 1 (ADP1) will now be able to get the 1.1 version of the Android software. Google already issued the 1.1 update for retail devices a few weeks ago. The update contains several bug fixes for issues that involve the alarm clock, device sleep, POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3) e-mail, and e-mail notification. The update also adds new features such as the ability to save MMS (multimedia messaging service) attachments and voice search.
Google also worked out a bit of a compromise when it comes to access to paid applications for developers. Instead of blocking all users of the unlocked ADP 1 from reaching the paid applications on Android Market, Google will only block those applications, regardless of whether they are free or paid, that use Google's copy protection. The argument is that unlike the consumer version, which is sold exclusively for T-Mobile's network, the open device that developers use allows users to copy applications. And because Google can't enforce protection even for copy protected applications on the open device, the company is blocking access to all copy protected applications.
"Many developers are concerned about the unauthorized redistribution of their applications, so they make use of the copy-protection feature (known as 'forward locking') which prevents applications from being copied off devices," Dan Morrill, Developer Advocate for Android, writes in a blog. "However, developer phones like the ADP1 allow for unrestricted access to the device's contents, making it impossible to enforce copy protection. As a result, the market application on such devices is not able to access copy-protected apps, whether they are free or paid. If you choose to add copy protection when you upload your application to the Android Market, then you won't be able to test it on the ADP1's Android market client."
Marguerite Reardon has been a CNET News reporter since 2004, covering cell phone services, broadband, citywide Wi-Fi, the Net neutrality debate, as well as the ongoing consolidation of the phone companies. E-mail Maggie. 
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- by JCPayne March 10, 2009 10:21 AM PDT
- I want to by an Android phone now but it needs to be as- feature packed as the Sony Ericsson's I'm used to... e.g. I want file transfer by bluetooth enabled... Infared port would be nice... I'd love it to be a flip phone with keypad. Keypad should be able to accomidate someone with wide thumbs. I wish it could handle .mp3 .mp4 etc ringtones... And PLEASE for once a phone that isn't trying to copy the look of the iPhone... Everything that's in the store now is trying to immitate the iPhone/iPod touch. Any co that can't build a phone like that gets my patronage.
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- by GreatSK March 10, 2009 10:50 AM PDT
- The (theoretical) advantage of the android OS is/will be that lots of different models will be available all featuring an open platform, thus allowing you to choose both your model and the exact version of android you want to run (if there will be any forks/mods/etc for anroid)
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- by deslock March 11, 2009 11:36 AM PDT
- I think you need to get caught up on the G1.
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(4 Comments)Aside of that, doesn't it make sense that all mobile apps look alike... whether they are in the apple, google or which ever store?
Wireless file transfer is there (wifi). Download the free app "Discover". There are a slew of others but this one is the best imo.
Keypad is great imo. Wide thumbs too which is why the keypad buttons are raised rather than flat/flush.
Not sure what you are saying about iphone though. Agree they should try so hard to imitate but touch screens are here to stay. But seems to me adding keyboard, trackball (incredibly useful when browsing and copy and pasting), physical buttons and the fact that it has an actual desktop rather than a massive icon list like iphone are pretty good differentiators. Add to that the fact you can install competing browsers, apps or whatever and they have a winning formula.
My criticism is that the unit itself lacks some of the eye apeal. And the fact that Google tried too hard to please Apple and took out multitouch altogether rather than just the patented gestures Apple has. Sure people have already added it back in but it makes you question Google's strategy.