Android at Google I/O 2010

The Android intensity at Google I/O 2010 was definitely palpable. The Android presence included all of Day 2?s keynote along with a full session track, office hours, an Android device display of over 50 phones, and (many people?s favorite) the Developer Sandbox.

Vic Gundotra kicked off the Day 2 keynote with over 20 demos of the new features from Android release 2.2, internally called ?Froyo? (see this summary on the Android Developers? Blog). The second half of the keynote was devoted to Google TV. For more details on that announcement, you can read The Google TV Story.

During the conference, there were ten in-depth sessions dedicated to Android, two fireside chats (including one with OEMs), and one session that combined discussion of Android and iPhone issues. The sessions were:

• A beginner?s guide to Android, by Reto Meier - This one featured an amazingly packed, wall-to-wall, no-standing-room-left crowd, and once it became apparent that the crowd was already quite Android-savvy, the session turned into a Best and Worst Practices talk.

• Writing real-time games for Android, redux, by Chris Pruett - A crash course in Android game development: everything you need to know to get started writing 2D and 3D games, as well as tips, tricks, and benchmarks to help your code reach optimal performance. The crowd in this session?s room showed that games are one of the hottest Android application areas.

• The world of ListView, by Romain Guy and Adam Powell - It might seem a bit odd to dedicate an entire session to one UI widget, but Android?s ListView is large, reasonably complex, and very widely used. Romain and Adam had to work hard to fit their material into just one talk.

• Casting a wide net: how to target all Android devices, by Justin Mattson - This session covered an increasingly important subject now that there are over 60 Android devices, with significant variations in their size, shape, and capabilities.

• Developing Android REST client applications, by Virgil Dobjanschi - Virgil discussed the meat and potatoes of fitting Android clients into an increasingly-RESTful Web ecosystem. No user-interface flash here, but totally essential back-end plumbing guidance.

• A JIT Compiler for Android's Dalvik VM, by Ben Cheng and Bill Buzbee - JIT stands for ?Just In Time?, and it?s a technique for making compute-heavy Android programs run faster; maybe as much as four times faster. Definitely behind-the-scenes stuff, but a subject nearly everyone cares about.

• Writing zippy Android apps, by Brad Fitzpatrick - Making your code run fast requires combining good design with a large grab-bag of hard-won best practices. For any serious Android developer: this is a must-see session, so I hope you make use of the session video and slides!

• Advanced Android audio techniques, by Dave Sparks - Integrating audio into your apps involves a lot of choices and trade-offs at a bunch of levels. Furthermore, there are new media framework APIs in Android 2.2. Lots of good, detailed drill-down in this session.

• Building push applications for Android, by Debajit Ghosh - What was called ?push? while it was being built is now called Cloud To Device Messaging (C2DM), and it?s very nicely integrated into the SDK; we anticipate that a lot of developers will want to use this.

• Android UI design patterns, by Chris Nesladek et al. - The Android User Experience team shared their insights on how to design great Android apps.

There were also two Fireside chats. One with a panel of Android handset manufacturers, and another with a stage full of leading engineers from the Android team. The panelists took questions from the people in the room and from over the Web via Google Moderator and Google Wave.

On Thursday afternoon, a gaggle of Android engineers held office hours; the area was absolutely jam-packed with developers full of questions about everything from low-level hardware interfaces to telephony chips up through the finer points of Live Wallpapers. Everyone had fun and went home tired.

On both days of the conference, there was a large (bright green, of course) display case full of Android devices, surrounded by the app developers and handset manufacturers participating in the Developer Sandbox. This area was crowded from the start of I/O until the security folks eventually chased out the stragglers after closing. Hereis quick video of a slow walk past the big display case.

Videos and slides for each session are linked from the titles above, and you can find all the Android session videos from Google I/O 2010 in this YouTube playlist.

The Android team had an amazing time meeting the developer community at this year?s I/O, and we hope you?ll stay up-to-date on Android news by following us on the Android Developers Blog!

By Android Developer Relations

FAQ on Android

What is Android ?
Software stack for mobile devices that includes an operating system, middleware and application framework. In-short everything that goes into making a Mobile.

Why are you passionate about Android?
I always loved working with anything that's related to Java. I stopped working for Palm just because I wasn't comfortable with C++. Still remember my textpad application on Palm.
When I heard of Android being an open source mobile platform, I couldn't stop dreaming of developing the same app on an Android mobile device.
Android is a deadly combination of = Java + Google + Mobile Platform + Open Source

How do I start up with android?
Start off with the Google Online documentation on Android.
Also the Android official blogs and the video tutorials are extremely useful. May be my presentation on Android Anatomy might help ;)
Do watch this Video.

What all software's I need to get started ?
JDK 5 or 6
Eclipse 3.4 or 3.5
Android SDK (any) from 1.5 to 2.2
ADT (Android Development tools)

What’s the future of android?
The future of Android is going to be defined beyond Mobile phones. It is going to be in Set top boxes, microwaves, washing machines, etc. We already have Google TV on android.
Since Android is supported by Google, it’s a thing of the future.
Even Gartner predicts Android to grab No 2 spot by 2012 in the mobile platform.

Which android handset should I buy?
As of now, you can buy a Nexus One (Simply Worth it).

Can U make money out of android?
You can make money out of Android by publishing your applications in Android Market. Shortcut would be to takeup freelancing assignments or get hooked to a big packaged MNC job on android.

Darker side of android?
The darker side would be Fragmentation of the application.
The Android Developer will have the pain to port his application onto different platforms.

Market requirements for android developers?
Skills: Java, C, C++

Book on android:
Professional.Android.2.Application.Development by Reto Meier

Android Training institutes in India?
None are good. Depend on self learning and online tutorial

What’s that 1 thing that makes android rule the mobile space as compared to other mobile platforms?
You can build your own mobile phone from Android source code

Which language do I need to learn to work on android?
If u know any of there languages you are good enough to get started.
- Java
- C
- C++
- Interpreted language like :Python, Lua, Ruby, JS

Being a student if I wish to do my academic project on android, how should I start?
You can start by going to code.google.com and search for Android projects. There are many start-ups who provide internship.

How to install android and non android application on the real device ?
http://www.blogsdna.com/1939/how-to-install-non-market-apk-apps-on-google-android-g1-phone.htm

Good Android Blog’s to follow ?
http://awalkingcity.com/blog/category/android/
http://www.codemobiles.com

What is Love ?

Whenever I meet her I used to ask her “What’s Love ?”

She said, let me tell u my story, and may be that should answer your question.

BTW who is “she” ?

She is the true heroine of the coming story, most beautiful women I ever met, mother of 16 yrs old son, an IT professional. She hardly talks to ppl, used to silently observer me. We first became friends & now I call her “Dee”.

She was the only daughter of a rich farmer from a small village, where girl’s are married off at the age of 16. So was she too married to a farmer of the same village with lot of dowry. Before this, she had got a marriage proposal from an AP University BE gold medalist who fell in love with her when he first saw her 7^th Standard photograph. As he was from a different cast her dad rejected the proposal. After her marriage, this lover of hers went insane and lost control of his life. He didn’t took up his Singapore job and was boycotted by his family.

After her marriage she forgot what happiness means, she was treated as a salve and was asked to give up her studies. 2 yrs passed & she gave birth to a knowledgeable son. When she visited her home town, this lover of hers came to see her. He just said “How are you ? I will always want to see you happy.” That’s it and he left.

Her eyes filled with tears, one eye with the pain of loosing him and another eye with the happiness of finding a true lover.

Worst was on her way, her husband & in-laws got transfer property paper forcefully signed from her & had plans to kill her. It was 3 pm, she ran on the road to save her life. Reached her parents home where she had left her son & collected pieces of her broken heart to start a new beginning. Completed her graduation, took up computer classes & started her career in a MNC. This period was a struggle for her, but was possible due to her parents support.

Today she is in her early 30s, beautiful as ever, taking care of her 3 children [Mom, dad & her son].Has never seen what happiness is like, takes all pressure, pain & sorrow just to see her children happy. I dedicate the mother’s day to this lady.

Wherever she is, she is always looking out for her mad lover “Ramchandraju”. She is still looking for him & wishes to see him at-least once. That’s true love, as she believes wherever he would be he would be praying & wishing for her good.

I found my answer for the question, which I used to always ponder about.

“What is love ?“

It’s the space that we give him in our heart & worship him. Pray for his goodness & wishing him to be happy wherever he is. It’s not about talk, touch or meets but its about feeling him from within. It is pure & divine. You are ready to die 100 times, just to live a movement together. Love is patient, love is kind. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.

Mobile Developer Conference 2010 - will the real mobile developer please stand up?

Saturday, 27 March 2010 is the day of Mobile Developers.

The first among a series of conferences which talks about what goes into the making of a successful mobile application. The best speakers from the mobile industry will talk about mobile technology and will discuss the future of mobile eco-system.
The talks and panel discussion during the conference have been tailored to provide:

A view on the market for mobile apps focusing on current dynamics, future trends and ever-changing customer needs
- this will assist mobile developers and entrepreneurs to find the sweet-spot for pitching their mobile apps to their target market

An insight to multiple approaches for monetizing mobile apps
- this will enable mobile developers in building apps with higher marketability and choosing appropriate channel for monetizing it

A comprehensive coverage on technologies powering latest mobile app development and testing.
- mobile developers will have a chance to not only enhance their existing technical knowledge but also acquire additional knowledge across other domains of mobile app development lifecycle.

An overview on new mobile technologies and platform like Symbian, Android, Iphone, Blackberry. Rub shoulders with other peer developers, hear experiences and insights on what business model works and which does not, In a nutshell experience the new face and realize the significance of mobile development.

Event is supported by Forum Nokia, OnMobile, MindTree & Teleca.
Conference is at Hotel Royal Orchid, Bangalore.

For speakers & topic visit Mobile Developer Conference or reach out to Rohit for any queries at 080-41100487 +91-9379446943 (M)

Register early to avail an early bird discount of 25%, the offer expires on 21 March 2010.

My First Public Android Talk

I miss my college days. As a student council member we were responsible of organizing guest lectures, where we used to invite high end profile people from Industries to deliver guest talks. Those talks from the delegate's used to be so motivating and we had good ideals to lookup at. I used to do most of the time introduction of the guest and at times used to give vote of thanks, but never in my dream did I ever thought that I will be on the other side.

But as I say, I live to witness miracles…. I was invited by a good friend Suchitra a faculty at Dayananda Sagar to come down as a guest speaker and address her students. Without a second thought I accept the invite and started the preparation for the talk.

Recently had been given the profile of an Android Evangelist for IBM GBS I decided to talk to the students on Android. This being my first public talk on android, was a bit anxious. Had 50 slides to address, 80 MCA final year students + 10 Faculty members for 90 seconds.

I reached the venue at 11.40 am and there was a student Vijay waiting to escort me. I was at the parking lot, using my cellphone to connect with him. A college facilities officers asked me for the college id card and was confiscating my G1 (Law: Cell phone are not allowed to be used in the campus). I still can’t forget the expression on his face when I said I am not a student but was there to deliver a talk.

Finally reached the MCA block, had some refreshments with the faculty members. Got introduced to MCA and MBA directors and they welcomed me with warm greetings. It was 12 pm and I reached the digital audio auditorium.

A student introduced me so well that I actually took the script from him. He said I did some R & D on you and ur profile is so nice that I was falling short of word to describe you.

“Bhavya Siddappa is a System Engineer at IBM and is currently been given the additional profile of an Android Evangelist for IBM – GBS. By Qualification she is a Master in Computer Management, a Gold medalist from Pune University started her career with Oracle as a Weblogic Consultant. Believed in the power of open source and that took her to be a java programmer. With 4 years of IT experience she specializes in Web application security. Currently working in telecom domain for O2 Uk in J2EE and billing tools.

She has been passionate about Mobile Technology and Android platform took way her heart, has it is an open source technology build on java for mobile platform. She is very active in Tech Communities. Apart from her professional career, she is a certified Graphologist and a Face Yoga Trainer. Loves blogging and tweeting which is her technology awareness tool”

Started of with Android Introduction and had some light movements, fun, and exercise to keep the session lively. I shared with them some of my college days wonderful movements and thus the students were able to connect with me. I wanted them to talk from their heart and listen to me with open mind. Ended my talk at 2 pm and the last 30 min was the Q & A session.

The first question asked to me was “R U Married ?” at this I blushed and I said “Yes, to android”.

“Why is it named as Android and what is the story behind the android logo ?”

“Difference between DVM and JVM”

“Can DVM be used in different devices apart from mobiles”

“What are the challenges of the platform”

“Do we have ADT plug-in for other IDEs”

“How secured are self signed android app ?”

I felt that my goal was achieved when a Dot Net passionate guy tells me I want to be an android developer how do I start ?

The vote of thanks from a student was mesmerizing, he said “The talk was WoW and u too are WoW”. The day was flooded with love, respect, compliments and appreciations. This talk made me realize that this young blood is excited, dedicated, passionate, innovative, energetic and have big dreams and a power to make them true, these are the kind of people I need to focus on as an Android Evangelist.

View presentation on Slideshare : Android Anatomy

Android Anatomy

View more presentations from Bhavya Siddappa.

Random things she does and believes in… and who lives to witness miracles

• She can't drink water without spilling even a drop.
• Looses precious things and gets them back dramatically, but getting back precious people in her life is impossible.
• She wishes to be the wife of an ambitious man.
• She seeks recognition and it doesn't matter how she gets it.
• She is like that goat, which has to reach the top of the mountain. It doesn't matter what position she starts and how slowly she walks, she will be at the top much before those, who were running converted into reality.
• Will comb her hair only once in a day.
• While purchasing something she looks out for the word “Free”.
• Loves shopping alone, and gets lucky to get some good discount from the shopkeeper.
• She appears to be extremely confident, but most of the time is a mystery for others.
• She lives in a fantasy world where she believe that “True Love“ exists.
• She will never stop dreaming, as long as there is at-least some chances of turning into reality.
• Makes friendship with kids by first fighting with them.
• Secretly will burst the balloon holded by kids as she loves to see their scared faces.
• She has her aims and ambitions, but they don't come before her family.
• She gets really depressed when someone misjudged or ill-treats her.
• Hates been teased but always becomes the capes goat.
• Hates surprises but her well-wishers love giving her more.
• Hates to be clicked by the camera, but finds flashes flashing on her face.
• Aims so bad that can’t even through things inside the dustbin, lands outside.
• Gets many options but lands up empty handed.
• Is scared to say “NO” …saying “YES” is difficult for her.
• Attends conferences and irritates the speaker with her controversial questions.
• Difficult to label her relationships, finds relationship complex & complicated and lands up loosing wonderful people in her life.
• Looks out for spreading smile & happiness wherever she is.
• Writs and maintains her blog so that after her death her grand children would know their grandma better.
• Struggles to make a right choice amongst lot of options. She lives not for money, fame, her dreams, aims or goals but lives to witness miracles.