Android debuts on HTC device

Mobile Linux shop a la Mobile has unveiled what looks to be the industry’s first demonstration of fully fledged applications based on Google’s Android platform.

The apps were running on HTC’s ageing Qtek 9090 smartphone and a la Mobile demonstrated a web browser, phone dialer, audio player, maps, camera, games, calendar, contacts manager, calculator, tasks manager and notes.

But while Google claims its platform is a fully integrated mobile “software stack” that consists of an operating system, middleware, user-friendly interface and applications, a la Mobile claims the package falls short.

“It is not an off-the-shelf complete software stack,” said Pauline Lo Alker, president and CEO of a la Mobile. Alker claims that Android is mostly an application framework and lacks certain essentials such as device drivers, a Linux kernel, system utilities and mobile middleware. Elements that a la Mobile appears to be providing.

“Despite the market enthusiasm about Google Android, many questions remain concerning the technical details, and scepticism exists concerning its readiness,” said Alker. “We believe it is our responsibility to take the initiative to allay the ‘mystery’ and dispel any scepticism surrounding Android by first demonstrating a complete mobile Linux system stack, including drivers, middleware, and a suite of Android-based applications running on an existing advanced smartphone.”

While Google and the Open Handset Alliance have said that consumers should expect the first phones based on Android to be available in the second half of 2008, a la Mobile reckons its developments are able to trim a device’s time-to-market by “at least half”.

Mobile World Congress, which kicks off in Barcelona next month, is expected to be a hotbed of Android announcements, with more developments from Google as well as third parties like a la Mobile.