Android Source-Code released: Google keep Open-Source promise

Google have, as promised, released the Android source-code for their mobile platform. Timed to coincide with the launch of the T-Mobile G1, the first commercially released Android device, the source-code will allow developers and OEMs to create software and new devices. In addition, Google are hoping that the software community will feed back into the Android project, adding fresh functionality and driving platform innovation.

Until now, access to the Android SDK was limited to certain developers and testers; from now, however, it will available to anybody who wishes to download it. The move stands in complete contrast to Apple, whose iPhone OS is both a closed environment and a strongly guarded one. Google, however, are actively encouraging coders to manipulate, change and improve the Android source-code; indeed, some functionality, including on on-screen QWERTY keyboard, will not be present in Android v.1 out of the box, and require a third-party to develop.

You can access the Android source-code, together with documentation and support, at http://source.android.com/. Don’t forget, if it’s help with coding, ideas for what new features would be popular, or talk about Android and the G1 that you’re looking for, you’ll find it in the Android Community forums.
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