Google and Verizon to Make Android Phones: Bad News for Apple - Android Technology
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Android technology is somewhat new, though it's taken a few years to get it to where it is today. Basically, it's a mobile operating system that runs on the Linux kernel. Initially, the operating system was developed by Google, but it was also fleshed out by the Open Handset Alliance once Google had set the groundwork. The OS enables developers to write managed code in the Java language, which in turn will control the device through the use of Google-developed Java libraries.
Google acquired Android Inc. in July of 2005, which at the time was a very small start-up company based in California. Android's co-founders, Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White ended up going to work for Google.
At the time of Android's takeover by Google, very little was known about the specific functions of the small company, other than the fact that they created software for mobile phones. As far back at 2005, this acquisition brought about rumors that Google was interested in entering the mobile phone market, though at the time it was very unclear what Google's function would be in the market.
Once at Google, Android co-founder Rubin led a team that developed a mobile device platform powered by the Linux kernel, which is the same technology that's going to be used for both Google's and Verizon's Android phones. At the time, the Google team was hoping to use the technology to appeal to handset makers and carriers by providing them with a flexible system that could easily be upgraded. Around this time it was also reported that Google was already in the process of lining up hardware components and software partners and was reaching out to various carriers, signaling that the company was open to the idea of partnering with a carrier and cooperating under their specific terms.
In December of 2006, speculation surrounding Google's sudden interest in the mobile phone market became even more pronounced due to reports from the BBC and the Wall Street Journal alleging that Google was trying to work towards having their search engine and applications appear on mobile phones. Shortly after, print and online media outlets frantically reported rumors that Google was developing their own handset.
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