Handset Makers Targeted With Commercial Android Platform

Wind River is targetting operators or handset makers developing Android devices after it released a commercial version of open source Android.

The Wind River Platform for Android is a validated, fully compliant operating system platform based on the latest versions of the Android software development kit (SDK), available with pre-integrated software from initial partners including Adobe, PacketVideo and Red Bend Software. The platform comes with global support by Wind River.

Officials from Wind River and Texas Instruments said as part of a multi-year partnership, the companies are working together to optimise Android on TI’s OMAP34x and OMAP36x platforms. Wind River is providing engineering resources around the world, including at its Korea Design Centre, which has extensive Linux mobile phone expertise as part of the company’s acquisition of MIZI Research in 2008. Wind River’s co-development work includes architecture, design, unit test, and system test and integration support, the company said.

“Wind River’s years of experience in Android have resulted in a commercial offering that combines the innovation of Android with the predictability of a commercial platform,” said Chris Perret, vice president of the Mobile and Automotive Solutions Group at Wind River.

“Wind River Platform for Android was developed for operators and handset manufacturers challenged to consistently achieve time and quality performance metrics as Android devices are brought to market. By delivering a commercial Android platform, we are offering a fast way for them to innovate and differentiate without the risks common to open source software.”

Operators and device manufacturers expect market-ready Android solutions that can be rapidly brought to market, said representatives of Wind River and TI. Wind River Platform for Android offers developers a foundation to deliver customised solutions to fit specific market needs without having to reinvest in core platform components.

“Device manufacturers and operators are continuously looking to quickly develop and bring to market new devices that offer consumers and businesses the right mix of capabilities and predictable performance,” said Tim Renowden, devices analyst at Ovum. “A commercial version of open source Android can streamline the process for industry players wanting to build Android-based devices and test them for market readiness. This can improve time-to-market and offer improved end-user experiences.”

According to company officials, Wind River Platform for Android broadens Wind River’s mobile expertise that spans the LiMo and Moblin platforms. They also said it reduces open source risk by providing predictability to and improving software quality for Android projects because of Wind River’s ongoing investment in the platform.

Wind River Platform for Android has the following features:

• Open source Android code validated and tested by Wind River in a rigorous process combining hundreds of manual test cases and tens of thousands of automated test scenarios including compliance with the latest Android Compatibility Test Suite (CTS);
• Enhanced Android user interface and personalisation options for such common branding functions as boot-up splash screen, locked idle screen, and termination screens and additional gesture-based choices for core phone functions;
• Extended framework and applications including master reset function, music player, performance and power management;
• Pre-integrated third-party software, including existing Flash technology from Adobe, OpenCORE mobile multimedia software from PacketVideo, firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updating and device management software from Red Bend;
• Dedicated Wind River global customer support and services.