Google $10 million Android scheme
p2pnet news | Advertising:- In a bid to force its near dominance of cyber-space advertising into the world of mobile phone platforms, Google is now waving $10 million at developers.
Last week it announced it and 33 other firms were collaborating on what’s being called the Android Open Handset Alliance Project.
Google has released a free, downloadable software development kit, “which will allow developers to begin writing applications for the system,” says the San Francisco Chronicle.
“The tools give developers a large degree of freedom to build programs for the open-source Linux platform, which is not expected to appear on phones until the second half of 2008.”
But mobile software engineers in Korea are wondering what Google really has in mind.
In fact, they’re showing, “lukewarm attitudes toward Google’s newly announced mobile phone platform,” says the Korea Times, going on:
The news spread fast to major software developers’ communities and forums on Web sites. Some of them were excited, but most remained suspicious of Google’s intentions. South Korea has one of the largest pools of mobile software engineers, thanks to the presence of big phone manufacturers Samsung, LG and Pantech.
“I read the terms and conditions of the Android. I think Google is playing with us, and their slogan `’don’t be evil’ is just words,” said a user called ‘feanor’ on KLDP.org, the largest online forum of open source software developers in Korea. “My understanding of this document is this: if it does not bring money to us (Google), we will revoke the license at any time.”
“I suspect that Google is not a company that will let people do whatever they want,” said another user named Kwon.
Meanwhile, “Cool apps that surprise and delight mobile users, built by developers like you, will be a huge part of the Android vision,” burbles Google.
“To support you in your efforts, Google has launched the Android Developer Challenge, which will provide $10 million in awards — no strings attached …”
Google also has a blog dedicated to the project.
On it, ” This is the droid you’re looking for,” posts Jason Chen, “Android Advocate,” according to Google.
The company doesn’t say if Chen is a real android, or merely an advocate for them.
But anyway, stay tuned 
Also See:
San Francisco Chronicle – Google releases tools for mobile system, seeks developers’ help, November 13, 2007
Korea Times – Korean Developers Skeptical About Google Award, November 13, 2007
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