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Google opens up Android source code

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Mobile | by C.K. Sample III | Tue Oct 21, 2008 12:18PM | 0 comments

If you're a developer, you can now download the full source code of Google's Android mobile operating system that powers the T-Mobile G1.

If you're not a developer and you're wondering what source code is and why this topic has everyone online buzzing in the conversations below, we'll try to clarify briefly here. Source code is the programming used by programmers to build the finished pieces of software that you normally use. It's the inside bits used to assemble the programs. When something goes "open source," the people behind the software, in this case, Google, release the source code to everyone for free so that developers everywhere can have a chance to improve upon the software and build other applications to work with the software.

For Google Android as a mobile platform, this means a whole new world of open development and new possibilities. If a developer wants a feature that Android doesn't currently have, that someone can now build that feature herself without having to wait and hope that Google will build it for her. That's why everyone is talking about this news below.

This story around the web:

Trusted sources:
external link Android Market to open to any app Monday [InfoWorld RSS Feed]
external link Google returns missing open source software… [BetaNews.Com]
external link T-Mobile G1 is now available, Android source… [GSMArena.com - Latest articles]
external link The T-Mobile G1 is now official available [CrunchGear]
external link Mac and T-Mobile G1 (Google Android) phone… [MAKE Magazine]
external link Google Makes Android Mobile Platform Open… [NewsFactor Network]
external link Android source code released [Hack a Day]
external link Google releases Android as open source,… [MobileBurn.com]
external link Google Releases Complete Android Open Source… [InformationWeek - Personal Tech]
external link Android Market now open with more than 50… [Electronista | Gadgets for Geeks]
external link NEWS: T-Mobile details Android apps for the… [Pocket-lint.co.uk]
external link T-Mobile Store Opens Doors to G1 Phone [Wired: Gadget Lab]
external link Android Market: Now available for users… [Techmeme]
external link Android to include more apps Monday, and some… [BetaNews.Com]
external link Download the Android Source Code Right Now… [Gizmodo]
external link Google Android platofrm goes open-source [Electronista | Gadgets for Geeks]
external link Google Android source-code released [SlashGear]
external link Google opens up Android source code [L.A. Times Tech Blog]
external link Google set to release Android source code [InfoWorld RSS Feed]

Get more information on topics relating to this story:


Related company news:
Google
Related glossary terms:
Source code
Related devices and services:
T-Mobile G1 (HTC Dream), Google Android

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