Access, which just released the Graffiti handwriting recognition software for the Android mobile operating system made by Google, has joined the Open Handset Alliance in a move that should help the little, green robot do well in Japan.
Access has found success with multiple software products for Japanese carriers and its inclusion in the Open Handset Alliance means, among other things, that the Android SDK will get free APIs which should make it easier for developers to create apps aimed at the Japanese market. The aforementioned Graffiti and other input software from Access may eventually find its way into Android, as well.
“Access is a pioneer of mobile software in Japan,” said Andy Rubin, vice president of mobile platforms for Google, in a prepared statement. “And Japan is seeing a dramatic rise in Mobile Internet adoption of smartphones. I’m confident ACCESS can help the OHA make Android the best open platform for Japan.”
I spoke to Access recently about Android and I’m cautiously optimistic about the role of the Open Handset Alliance can play in the evolution of Android. The group was founded to help spur Android adoption and to contribute code but it appears that Google has (rightly, I suppose) taken the lead when it comes to the platform’s development.
Access told me that other companies have made contributions to the evolution of Android but it has been behind the scenes. Most notably with Adobe Flash 10.1 Player. With Android 2.2, known to mobile geeks by its deliciously cutesy codename Froyo, it’s very clear that Adobe had a strong role in the software to enable Flash 10.1 support without compromise. Hopefully, other companies and parties can have a strong say in the little green robot, as well.
I can’t knock Google too much, as it has done a great job of growing the platform in a relatively short time. The inaugural Android OS offering showed promise, but was ultimately kind of weak and lacking in polish and features. Today, Android is a raging juggernaut of a mobile operating system that’s full of features.
Check out our Evolution of Android story to see just how much it has grown.
Evolution of Android
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