Well it’s finally here! Although yummy edible cupcakes are a delight, this isn’t your grandma’s cupcake we’re talking about.
The much anticipated Android version 1.5 also known as “Cupcake” finally reached my phone through the Over the Air (OTA) update.
Android is the operating system that Google developed and is in use for the G1 by T-mobile. This year is called year of the Android because many carriers will start releasing Android phones. Think of it as if Apple opened up the iPhone software and let any phone company put it on their phones for free. That’s what Android is doing. It’s a cell phone revolution.
Android links to a “Market” or “App Store” from the phone where you can purchase or download for free applications for the phone.
One of the coolest is called SkyMap which lets you see the constellations in the night sky with labels. It’s awesome:
The other day, we used the phone and Google Street view to take a reminiscing tour of the Eiffel Tower. I could hold the phone up, and when I turn, the view on the phone would pan, rotate, etc. according to how I was holding the phone. It’s pretty cool.
I’m developing an application for the phone (not nearly as cool as SkyMap, but it will be useful and fun).
“My Tracks” is another great application for the phone. We’ve used it when out hiking.
A few new features in Android 1.5 Cupcake:
Here are few more videos from the older release of Android, but that still highlight what’s cool about Android:
Using the Map Application to view Traffic Conditions
Using the Window Shade to see New emails, Text messages, calendar events
Customizing the Home Page and Searching for Applications
I also like that the phone lets me create a password to access the phone. It’s a simple customizable pattern that you use by sliding your finger on the phone. Just think of all those executives who use a Blackberry and if they leave their phone somewhere have suddenly opened up their entire corporate network, their email, etc.
Everybody loves Cupcakes! This was uploaded using the camcorder on the phone. The upload can go straight to YouTube.
It’s estimated that there will be 12 to 20 new Android based phones released this year, so if you’re on AT&T, Verizon, or other major carriers, you’re chance is coming soon. It’s been proposed by analysts that in the next few years, Android based phones will outnumber the iPhone which right now has command of the smart phone market.
Go Android!
