The document discusses building Android devices and provides an overview of challenges and considerations. It notes that building devices can be driven by consumer/business needs, niche markets, or testing new concepts. Key challenges include steep learning curves for hardware and software, driver support, and ensuring compatibility with Android updates. The document outlines options like using open source hardware boards, pre-existing devices, or fully customizing the Android source code and recommends community support for hardware. It also highlights examples like CyanogenMod and future trends like cheaper sensors and 64-bit Android.
3. About MeAbout Me
Android Platform Engineer @Android Platform Engineer @
BlocksGlobal.comBlocksGlobal.com
HardwareHardware
ARM – Freescale/AmlogicARM – Freescale/Amlogic
X86 – AMD / IntelX86 – AMD / Intel
Tablet/Media Player form factorTablet/Media Player form factor
Hardware / Kernel TinkererHardware / Kernel Tinkerer
Open Source ODROID Magazine AndroidOpen Source ODROID Magazine Android
WriterWriter
4. Why New Device ?Why New Device ?
Consumer / Business DrivenConsumer / Business Driven
Explosion of IoT (Internet of Things)Explosion of IoT (Internet of Things)
Market Verticals / Niche MarketMarket Verticals / Niche Market
Testing Ground For New Idea / ConceptsTesting Ground For New Idea / Concepts
Android as Sensor HubAndroid as Sensor Hub
8. ChallengesChallenges
Steep learning curve (hardware & software)Steep learning curve (hardware & software)
““Keeping up with AOSP”Keeping up with AOSP”
Product UniquenessProduct Uniqueness
Hardware driver support (GPU, Camera &Hardware driver support (GPU, Camera &
Sensors)Sensors)
9. HardwareHardware
Open Source Hardware - hardkernel.com,Open Source Hardware - hardkernel.com,
radxa.com, cubieboard.org, beagleboard.orgradxa.com, cubieboard.org, beagleboard.org
Barebone Board (no sensors)Barebone Board (no sensors)
$50 - $200$50 - $200
Community SupportCommunity Support
2 and 4 Cores (8 cores coming soon)2 and 4 Cores (8 cores coming soon)