“We’re starting to see Android get designed in on devices that extend way beyond the phone–things that might go in the automobile or things that might go in the home,” (John Bruggeman, chief marketing officer at Wind River Systems). Although Google did not confirm or deny, it is quite logical to assume that Android will be used for other embedded applications such as automobile, internet mobile devices portable music players and even “instant-on” Nettops (although I’m pushing it here). However, Android has yet to prove that it could be as much of a “standard” for developers than Windows Mobile is today (Apple fans, fire at will). As for the iPhone, it’s a stable platform but it runs effectively on only two devices (iPod touch + iPhone) so at the moment, it doesn’t really compete outside of the phone arena. The strength of Android is that it’s open: any manufacturer can change it to fit their needs. The downside is: in reality very few hardware vendors have the software resources to do it. Plus, there is a risk of fragmentation – Android being incompatible with a modified version of itself. Time will tell, but Google’s best shot is to do the heavy-lifting for everyone else. (image from richd)
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