Android is a software platform and operating system for mobile devices based on the Linux operating system and developed by Google. It allows developers to write managed code in a Java-like language that utilizes Google-developed Java libraries, but does not support programs developed in native code. The unveiling of the Android platform on 5 November 2007 was announced with the founding of the Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of 34 hardware, software, and telecom companies devoted to advancing open standards for mobile devices.

The Open Handset Alliance, a group of more than 30 technology and mobile companies, is now continuing developing Android. To help developers get started developing new applications, Google offers the Android Software Development Kit.

T-Mobile will be the carrier in US for the so called "Google Phone", the G1, manufactured by HTC.

HTC Google Phone Gearlog

Google Android Features:

• Android allows you to access core mobile device functionality through standard API calls.
• Android does not differentiate between the phone's basic and third-party applications, even the dialer or home screen can be replaced.
• Combine information from the web with data on the phone (such as contacts or geographic location) to create new user experiences.
• The SDK contains what you need to build and run Android applications, including a true device emulator and advanced debugging tools.
• The platform is adaptable to both larger, VGA, 2D graphics library, 3D graphics library based on OpenGL ES 1.0 specifications, traditional smartphone layouts.
• Android supports a wide variety of connectivity technologies including GSM/EDGE, CDMA, EV-DO, UMTS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
• Software written in Java can be compiled into Dalvik bytecodes and executed in the Dalvik virtual machine, which is a specialized VM implementation designed for mobile device use, although not technically a standard Java Virtual Machine.
• Android will support advanced audio/video/still media formats such as MPEG-4, H.264, MP3, AAC, AMR, JPEG, PNG, GIF.
• Android is fully capable of utilizing video/still cameras, touchscreens, GPS, compasses, accelerometers, and accelerated 3D graphics.

Google Android

Android - Official site of Android mobile operating system. www.android.com

AndroGamez - Google Android games, news, resources and forum. www.androgamez.com

The Open Handset Alliance - Official site of the developers of Android. www.openhandsetalliance.com

OmniGSoft - Games on Android. www.omnigsoft.com

Wikipedia - More about Google Android. en.wikipedia.org

Los Angeles Times - Article from the blog section of LA Times about the new Google phone. www.latimes.com

Games for Google Android

Android is still on its early stage so it's hard to find games for this mobile operating system, but there are already some out there.

Bonsai Blast - Bonsai Blast is a shoot matching ball game, comming soon for the Google Android by Glu Games. Shoot match colored balls in groups of three or more.

Mini JetFight - Mini JetFight is a 3D simulation game of a combat aircraft. Is a very realistic game, could be one of the best games available right now for Google Android. Windows emulator, download file will be available soon.

Monolith - Monolith is a free 3D Tetris game for Android, based on the Android SDK and 2001: A Space Oddisey's Monolith. The intent is to create a fun to play game, and familiarize with the rich API of the android platform.

Pac-Man by Namco - Pac-Man by Namco, the classic game developed by Namco, available now to buy online and for the new T-Mobile HTC G1 mobile phone with Google Android and Verizon Wireless mobile devices.

Parallel Kingdom - Parallel Kingdom is an online medieval role playing mobile (MMORPG) game that uses GPS to move, so you have a medieval virtual world over the real one...

Tailgunner for Android - Tailgunner for Android, based on a game of the same name (Tailgunner) from the 70's. Is black and white and works with geometrical forms. The code will be available soon on Google Code.

Virus Mania - Virus Mania is a project created by a group of students from France. This Google Android free game features South Park character Cartman, guide him trough the labyrinth and collect things.

Volcano Island - Volcano Island is another great free game for Google Android developed by OmniGSoft. It features spectacular 3D graphics of an enchanted island. Try to escape from Volcano Island, avoiding the spirits.

Snow Rally City Stage - Snow Rally City Stage is a free racing game developed by OmniGSoft, set in a city full of landmarks, great graphics. Download available for Android fr free. There is also a Java version.

Super-G Stunt - Super-G Stunt is a free flight action game for Google Android. Get into the cockpit and show off your unbeatable stunts. Colorful graphics, many levels and sky gate layouts.