Intel shipping Android 2.2 for netbooks within two months
June 25, 2010 at 11:02 am
Intel is preparing a fully native x86 version of Android 2.2 (Froyo) that it expects to ship to developers in the next two months. The company is hoping that this will ignite sales of Atom-powered netbooks and tablets.
Android was originally written for ARM processors, like those found in most current smartphones. This has meant Intel has had to play catch-up to port Android to x86 architecture.
“Our expectation is that (native x86 Android) will be based on the Froyo release and will be available this summer to developers” Renee James, Intel’s senior VP for software and services said.
Via APC.
June 25th, 2010 1:26 PM
FroYo is perhaps the best smartphone OS giving other Os’es a run for the money. Motorola Droid ‘X’, Dell Streak will be sporting this OS and initial reviews suggest there’s a *giant* leap in terms of features, performance, user interface interactivity and practicality. Having said that smartphones are different from netbooks.
So one needs to see the effects of Intel + FroYo coming together with touch capability, dual core & super battery life (& nVidia Optimus .. if possible) for netbooks in particular. The thing that separates Microsoft from the others is perhaps their sexy Office Suite & much larger compatibility with programs and devices in the market. Linux isn’t a threat, but Android OS has gained considerable ground and may make things very difficult for MS and ironically its own cloud based OS/Chrome OS.
I have a hunch that FroYo’s Touch UI will be Google’s calling card to make a mark in netbook space cuz MS is still struggling with this feature. Again ‘price’ will be an important parameter – it’s not gonna be easy for Google.
July 7th, 2010 8:04 AM
Finally, intel has also moved to Android, after seeing Snapdragon gaining a good market for Smartphones. Froyo which is also 2.2 would be saturating the mobile market…A monopoly of Google!!
October 16th, 2010 9:21 PM
I think Android is a great mobile phone OS but I do not want it on my netbook. In fact, I wouldn’t even buy an iPad simply because it runs a mobile phone OS. Give me Ubuntu for my netbook any day!