Google frees Android from code of secrecy - Now really Open Source

[edesignuk]

When Google calls Android an open mobile platform, it's no longer stretching the truth.

This morning, a day before the debut of the inaugural Android phone, the world's largest ad broker finally released the platform's source code to world+dog. "Today is a big day for Android, the Open Handset Alliance, and the open-source community," reads a blog post from software engineer Dave Bort. "All of the work that we've poured into the mobile platform is now officially available, for free, as the Android Open Source Project."

The Register.

It's a shame the iPhone cannot be so open, though I fully understand the reasoning. The two products while being similar are very different and have been brought about by companies with very different business models.

This unique(?) openness should prove itself extremely important and impressive in the years to come. Looking forward to see what people come up with.

 

[Abstract]

Looking forward to see what people come up with.

Viruses.....


....and coincidentally, virus scanners.

 

[wyatt23]

that's really great. i actually got my G1 yesterday and it's fantastic.

the music player is a little ugly, and tunewiki is gonna be pretty cool when it's more mature...

but as a whole the phone feels great!

 

[MacNut]

Viruses.....


....and coincidentally, virus scanners.

Wont Google pull any programs that have viruses.

 

[bradl]

Viruses.....


....and coincidentally, virus scanners.

It's even harder to conceal virii in OSS because your code will be open for anyone to inspect it. If it's open, people have access to the original base, can add to it, submit it, and it comes under review or inspection and testing, just like source code to the linux kernel, GIMP, etc., are.

I'm not saying that people can't code a virus in Android's baseline code, but it will be harder to slip that into the base code without people knowing because the entire world would be the Q/A group for it, unlike a set number of people closed source software gets released to (e.g., Windows).

A Challenge: Name a time when a virus was inserted directly into the Linux kernel code base.

BL.

 

[bigandy]

The first Android phone, the T-Mobile G1, hits stores tomorrow. It lacks PC syncing, Exchange support, a headphone jack, and stereo Bluetooth. But it's ugly enough to give you a good chuckle.

I loves me some El Reg.

 

[QuantumLo0p]

I'd like to see some real reviews of the G1 after someone has some serious time with one. I'd also like to see more info on the Freerunner.

One thing that still bothers me, with ALL phones, is they ALL are vulnerable to wardriving. I still don't do any banking or other sensitive access on a mobile phone. Still, it's very cool to see them release code.

One question, if it's open source and anyone can contribute, why aren't they going to let anyone put anything they want on the phone?! I heard they can remotely disable/remove apps like Apple can.

Hmmm.

 

[Cromulent]

It's even harder to conceal virii

Viruses, not virii.

in OSS because your code will be open for anyone to inspect it. If it's open, people have access to the original base, can add to it, submit it, and it comes under review or inspection and testing, just like source code to the linux kernel, GIMP, etc., are.

I'm not saying that people can't code a virus in Android's baseline code, but it will be harder to slip that into the base code without people knowing because the entire world would be the Q/A group for it, unlike a set number of people closed source software gets released to (e.g., Windows).

A Challenge: Name a time when a virus was inserted directly into the Linux kernel code base.

BL.

It is unlikely they would release the virus as open source software . It is also unlikely that they would be stupid enough to insert it into the open source operating system.