android hardware that's a little bit... odd

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Android Hardware That's A Little Bit...

Odd


The F Word

● Complexity: Predictable Differences– Different resource sets– Different hardware features (<uses-feature>)

● Fragmentation: Unpredictable Differences– Device bugs– Vendors who cheat– Un-Play-able devices


Play, CDD, and the CTS

● Requirements for Google Play– Option #1

● Meet the Compatibility Definition Document (CDD)● Pass the Compatibility Test Suite (CTS)

– Option #2● Piracy!

– Option #3● Just Say No


Examples

● Google TV– Complexity more than fragmentation

● Original Galaxy Tab 7”– Fragmentation: claimed to be a phone but could

not dial● Odd Devices

– Fragmentation!


Kindle Fire

● Amazon● Most Popular Odd Device

– Millions sold in just a few months● 7”, 1024x600, Android 2.3● Price: $199

– No significant eBay discount


Kindle Fire

● Notable Limitations– No camera, GPS, Bluetooth, microphone– Nothing Googly: Play, Google Maps, C2DM, etc.– Menu Bar

● Reminiscent of system bar in Honeycomb● Contains the HOME, BACK, and MENU buttons● Comes and goes


Kindle Fire


Kindle Fire

● Development Tools– Nothing special from Amazon– Create a standard 2.3.3 emulator image and

tinker with settings to make resemble Fire● Problem: emulator thinks -xlarge, not -large

– Standard hardware setup● Windows: need drivers● OS X/Linux: adjust adb_usb.ini


Kindle Fire

● Distribution Options– Amazon Appstore for Android

● Also gets your app to phones, etc.

– Download from Web– Side-loading


Blackberry Playbook

● Research In Motion● Not especially popular● 7”, 1024x600, Android 2.3

– Catch: Android run in virtualization!● Price: $500

– < $200 on eBay


Blackberry Playbook

● Notable Limitations– No Bluetooth– No SIP, text-to-speech, task management APIs– No Ogg Vorbis, AMR, H.263, other formats– Nothing Googly– Odd navigation


Blackberry Playbook

● Development Process– Validate your APK– Convert your APK into a BAR– Sign and distribute the BAR


Blackberry Playbook

● Development Tools– Eclipse plug-in (Windows, OS X)– Browser-based packager (Windows, OS X + Java

applet)– Command-line tools (Windows, OS X, Linux)– Simulator

● Playbook in a VMWare image for testing● Windows, OS X


Blackberry Playbook

● Distribution Options– Blackberry App World– Awkward side-loading– No download support natively

● Some community hacks for this


NOOK Tablet

● Barnes & Noble● It and NOOK Color predecessor reasonably

popular● 7”, 1024x600, Android 2.3● Price: $199

– No significant discount on eBay


NOOK Tablet

● Notable Limitations– Claims to be -xlarge when really -large– No camera, Bluetooth, location tracking– Nothing Googly– Odd HOME button– No text-to-speech


NOOK Tablet

● Development Tools– Official SDK Add-ons

● Install via SDK Manager● Provides emulators for NOOK Color, NOOK Tablet

– Restricted Development on Hardware● Must provide US tax ID and US bank account to get

credentials to allow deployment to a device● Last set of workarounds closed off by firmware

update


NOOK Tablet

● Distribution Options– Barnes & Noble Storefront– No side-loading– No download from Web


WIMM One

● WIMM Labs● Not widely distributed, awaiting OEM deals● 35mm wearable● Price: $199

– None found on eBay


WIMM One

● Notable Limitations– Substantially different programming model

● Mix of Android APIs and custom WIMM APIs

– Severe limitations on input, power consumption, UI patterns

– Limited Internet access● WiFi, possible tethering

– Nothing Googly


WIMM One

● Development Tools– SDK add-on, not installed via SDK Manager– Custom emulator image– Standard hardware setup

● Windows: USB drivers● OS X/Linux: adb_usb.ini and udev adjustments● Uses a dock for connection to development machine


WIMM One

● Distribution Options– WIMM's app store– Sideloading– No download option– Long-term: OEM deals


EPSON Moverio


Why Bother?

● Specific Itch to Scratch– You bought one– Your friend, boss, etc. bought one (or more)– Your client bought one (or more)– Your user base is begging for it– You have a specific use for one

● Prototype for future (e.g., military-gradewearable)


Why Bother?

● Playing the Niche Card– Fire, NOOKs have significant user bases and

smaller app markets– Less competition may mean more sales despite

smaller user base● “The bestselling NOOK Apps have grossed over

$100,000 in the first 30 days of sale”


The Future

● Three Principal Types of Hardware– Conventional Android Devices

● Supports Google Play, passes CDD/CTS

– “Control Freak” Manufacturers● E.g., today's “odd devices”● Do not support Google Play, have limitations

– True OEM Model● Designed to have custom firmware loaded

android hardware that's a little bit... odd

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