ANDROID TRADEMARKS & LICENSING

Trademarks

In order to use the Android trademark, device manufacturers must ensure that the device complies with the Compatibility Definition Document (CDD) and then get permission from Google. Devices must also meet this definition to be eligible to license Google's closed-source applications, including the Android Market. Participation in the compatibility program is free of charge.
In September 2010, Skyhook Wireless filed a lawsuit against Google in which they alleged that Google had used the compatibility document to block Skyhook's mobile positioning service (XPS) from Motorola's Android mobile devices. In December 2010 a judge denied Skyhook's motion for preliminary injunction, saying that Google had not closed off the possibility of accepting a revised version of Skyhook's XPS service, and that Motorola had terminated their contract with Skyhook because Skyhook wanted to disable Google's location data collection functions on Motorola's devices, which would have violated Motorola's obligations to Google and its carriers.

Licensing

The source code for Android is available under free and open source software licenses. Google published their Linux kernel changes under the GNU General Public License version 2, and the rest of the code (including network and telephony stacks) under the Apache License version 2.0. Google also keeps the reviewed issues list publicly open for anyone to see and comment.

The Open Handset Alliance develops the GPL-licensed part of Android, that is their changes to the Linux kernel, in public, with source code publicly available at all times. The rest of Android is developed in private, with source code released publicly when a major new version is released. Typically Google collaborates with a hardware manufacturer to produce a flagship device (part of the Google Nexus series) featuring the new version of Android, then makes the source code available after that device has been released.
In early 2011, Google chose to temporarily withhold the Android source code to the tablet-only Honeycomb release, creating doubts over Google's commitment to open source with Android. The reason, according to Andy Rubin in an official Android blog post, was because Honeycomb was rushed for production of the Motorola Xoom, and they did not want third parties creating a "really bad user experience" by attempting to put onto smartphones a version of Android intended for tablets.The source code was once again made available in November 2011 with the release of Android 4.0.

Comments

One-Click Root for Stock Gingerbread (Droid X, Droid 3, Droid X2, Cliq and Cliq 2) [From the Forums]

Earlier today we reported XDA forum member dirbliss had successfully rooted the Motorola DROID 3. Now, thanks to Framework43, krazykrivda, and psouza4 over at rootzwiki, we have an uber simple one-click root method for stock Gingerbread. I have tested this out on my Droid X running 4.5.602 and everything went flawlessly. As per P3Droid , this method should work on the Droid 3, Droid X, Droid X2, Cliq and Cliq 2. Here’s how it goes down, but proceed at your own risk: Motorola drivers need to be installed – 32bit here and 64bit here Download and unzip ‘Droid 3 easy root script v7′ to your PC from here Turn on USB debugging on your phone by going to Settings > Applications > Development > USB debugging(check box) Plug phone into your computer and select “Charge Only” mode from your phone’s notification drop down (pull down your notification bar and tap USB connection to change). Navigate to ‘Droid 3 easy root’ folder you unzipped to your PC and run ‘Click to root yo

Latest Casio G’zOne Commando Update Brings Free Push-to-Talk Capabilities and More

Latest Casio G’zOne Commando Update Brings Free Push-to-Talk Capabilities and More Verizon is rolling out a new software update for the rugged Casio G’zOne Commando that brings free Push to Talk capabilities. The update (C771M100) will also include: Security improvements An update to Gingerbread R8 for Google Mobile Services A replacement to the V CAST Video app Improvements to email deleting Text notifications have been added Improved password input in Lotus Traveler A fix to the screen locking issue after a call is made with Bluetooth Email and text message signatures have been added For those of you who can’t wait to turn your Commando into a walkie-talkie, be sure to log in to your Verizon account and add the Push to Talk feature code. Once you’ve done that, open the Push to Talk app and select “OK”. You can now use the side key on the Commando to connect to your fellow G’zOner’s with the touch of a button. To see the complete details and instructions,

Jays Announces Partnership With Samsung to Bring Better Audio and Bundled Headphones to Samsung Phones

As more people are starting to use their phones as their main media devices manufacturers are looking to pair up with big name audio companies to bring a better audio experience to smartphones everywhere. HTC went the Beats by Dre route by buying stock in the company and putting it in their phones but Samsung is going a different route. They will be partnering with the Swedish company Jays who announced on their web site today that they will be partnering up with the Korean company. While some of you may have not heard of this company others will recognize their ability to put out quality headphones. Heck you can read a review by Robert Nazarian on a pair of these headphones right here. I even went out and bought a pair after reading the review. While I did enjoy the iBeats headphones that come with the Rezound I found that the Jay’s headphones put out a better sound for a decent amount less, but I digress. Jays’ announcement about the partnering with Samsung to bring some amazin

Amazing ANDROID

Search This Blog