The InformationWeek -- Blogs

Over The Air

Topics:   Mobile

  • Email this page E-mail this page
  • Print this page Print this page
  • Bookmark and Share
  • icon

First Three Official Android Apps Outted?


Posted by Eric Zeman, Aug 28, 2008 12:59 PM

The Android Guys are at it again. Someone clued them into what could be the first three applications that will be pre-loaded on phones running the Android platform. Unsurprisingly, all three were among the top 50 applications in the Android Developers Challenge.


The Android news just keeps flooding in this week. Earlier, we saw engineering drawings of the possible first Android devices, and also were teased with a commercial. Now we've caught wind on three possible applications that will be native to Android phones. The names of the three applications are BreadCrumbz, Eco2Go and Compare Everywhere.

When Android was first announced in late 2007, Google also challenged developers to create some great applications for the platform, and set up a competition. A few months ago we learned which applications made the cut to the final 50. BreadCrumbz, Eco2Go and Compare Everywhere were part of that esteemed list of applications.

Here's the skinny on what each app does:

BreadCrumbz - Create step-by-step visual maps to share with friends and family. You create your route by taking pictures and writing out directions to be posted online. Having a party next month? Give everyone visual markers to look for and show them specifically what to look for and where to turn! You can also view routes that others have created.

Eco2Go - Find out what kind of carbon footprint you are leaving. Quick, handy access to tips and tricks to help lessen your impact on earth and the environment. Do your part by helping to keep things green.

Compare Everywhere - Formally called "Scan", this application seems to have been the favorite program among many tech sites. It's simply product comparison shopping from your Android handset. Take a picture of the UPC code of pretty much any product and find out who is selling it and for how much. Find local stores in your area, read reviews, and create wish list.

OK, so maybe they aren't the most thrilling batch of programs ever created, but it's a start. Google has given no indication of what applications will be pre-installed on Android phones at all. I would assume that the actual handset manufacturer and network operator will have a say in what's there and what isn't. Things we should expect might include a browser, camera and photo software, music and video playback software, location-based services and mapping software, and social networking software.

As we head into the fall, the buzz about Android will only continue to swell. The next few months will be interesting indeed.

« Steve Jobs Is Alive | Main | Open Source Code Auditing By Design, Not Happenstance »



Sign Up Now
For InformationWeek News Alerts




This is a public forum. United Business Media and its affiliates are not responsible for and do not control what is posted herein. United Business Media makes no warranties or guarantees concerning any advice dispensed by its staff members or readers.

Community standards in this comment area do not permit hate language, excessive profanity, or other patently offensive language. Please be aware that all information posted to this comment area becomes the property of United Business Media LLC and may be edited and republished in print or electronic format as outlined in United Business Media's Terms of Service.

Important Note: This comment area is NOT intended for commercial messages or solicitations of business.




 
Mobile Video


Sign Up For The Over The Air Newsletter
Every Friday, our experts and analysts explore the business, strategy, and management issues most important to mobile and wireless technology.

Sign up for our free, weekly newsletter today!

Newsletter Archives


 

  1. Detecting Scalability Problems With Intel Parallel Universe Portal
  2. Just Say No To SFAQL Parallelism
  3. QuickThread: A New C++ Multicore Library


Join The InformationWeek Group On LinkedIn


                           


  1. AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon All Offering Black Friday Sales
  2. HP Picks Worst Name Ever For New Smartphone
  3. Apple Says Users To Blame For iPhone Virus
  4. Best Buy Rolls Out $99 Android Sale
  5. Google's New Chrome OS Partner: Ubuntu


  1. Apple Accepts PhoneGap For iPhone Development
  2. Apple Seeks Permanent Halt To Psystar Mac Clones
  3. NIST Director Sees Key Role In Emerging Technologies
  4. Sprint Gets Nod To Buy iPCS
  5. FCC Chair Wants More Broadband
  6. Gartner: Data Center Problems Ahead

 

  Ars Technica
Boing Boing
Channel 9 Forums
CRN Blogs
Dr.Dobb's Portal: Blogs
Engadget
Gizmodo
GrokLaw
  Lifehacker
Schneier on Security
Slashdot
TechCrunch
Techdirt
Techmeme
Valleywag

  DECEMBER 2008
NOVEMBER 2008
OCTOBER 2008
SEPTEMBER 2008
AUGUST 2008
JULY 2008
JUNE 2008
MAY 2008
  APRIL 2008
MARCH 2008
FEBRUARY 2008
JANUARY 2008
DECEMBER 2007
NOVEMBER 2007
OCTOBER 2007
SEPTEMBER 2007