Ahead of Android phone launch, software cos line up own ware

They have already started developing Android-based products as they foresee a robust market.

Pune-based Persistent Systems, a software product development firm, has established a centre for excellence around the Android platform and have hit the market with two products.

R Venkateswaran, head, Telecom and Mobile Business Unit, Persistent Systems, said that the company feels the easy interface that the technology presents could make it a favourite with mobile users.

"Assured by the strong market predictions and Android's current growth rate, Persistent has invested in this platform. We look forward to extending our expertise so that partner companies can expedite development. Companies like Motorola and Samsung have already declared that they will soon launch android phones in the country," he said.

Two new applications developed by Persistent Systems have been recently released in the market: 'World of web' is a browser-based application where users can view multiple web pages and feeds at the click of a button. They can group them into categories of choice, add, edit, delete, refresh, search and browse the categories along the slider like a photo gallery. Knight Tour, an online chess game, has audio and customised themes for the user to personalise.

"The advantage of the android platform is that it can easily be incorporated into other medium like internet, television and even the set-top-box. It gives the technology edge and we have more projects in the pipeline. Our team works on application development and also on Linux-based source code, which involves porting Android to different chipsets" said Venkateswaran.

Geodesic Information Systems, Mumbai, too, has come up with its answer to the Android platform, an universal instant messaging system called Mundu. The Mundu products combine Google Talk, AIM, ICQ, MSN, Mundu and Yahoo with content collaboration across the internet, wireless devices and platforms.

"With the availability of Android for the open-source community, consumers will soon start to see more applications like location-based travel tools, games and social networking offerings being made available to them directly, cheaper and faster phones at lower costs; and a better mobile web experience through 3G networks with richer screens. The Mundu messenger allows a user to login to all their favourite messengers at a single time. We have other products lined up like the Mundu radio on the Android platform. With more handset manufacturers to follow HTC we see an immense potential for Android phones in the country," said KS Vivek, associate vice-president, Geodesic Information Systems.

TECH-MAGIC
What's it all about ?Android is a mobile operating system running on Linux kernel. It was initially developed by Google and later the Open Handset Alliance. It allows developers to write managed code in Java script, controlling the device via Google-developed Java libraries. It is a hit in the UK, US, Netherlands, Australia, Spain, Germany and France. The HTC Corporation in association with Bharti Airtel launched India's first Android-powered mobile phone in June called HTC Magic. Handset manufacturers to jump onto the bandwagon include Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Huawei, Lenovo, Acer and Kogan Technologies.

ALSO READ

Sanjay Dutt to follow uniform jail routine, but stay away from other inmates

Highway police kept in the loop, Pune police in the dark

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at Cannes: She's got the look

Prime defence land rented out to pvt housing society at 25p/sq ft