Google today released the SDK for Android, the open source mobile platform they developed with the Open Handset Alliance. Before getting into the SDK, I have to say that the platform looks so sweet (on the touch-screen one), after watching the demo videos Google provided.

android sdk hello world

The SDK supports all three major operating systems: Windows (XP or later), Mac (10.4.8 or later), and Linux. In addition to the SDK package, you will also download an addition IDE program. The applications for Android are written Java programming language and the user interface information are stored in a XML file.

The API allows you to store and retrieve information from (SQLite) databases, and files locally and from the Internet, as well as requesting permissions to make phone calls, read/write contacts, receive SMS, capture images from the phone camera, and so on.

Creating applications take time, that’s why Google is having a contest - Android Developer Challenge - to award programmers with the “most promising entries” of up to $300,000.

We welcome all types of applications but are looking to reward innovative, useful apps that make use of Android’s capabilities to deliver a better mobile experience.

You can submit your applications between January 2 and March 3, 2008, but you sure can start developing your applications now. (Also check out the developers blog if you are interested)

I have plenty of (good) ideas and probably can build some nice little applications for the contest, but gosh, I am under the legal age lol. :)

UPDATE: Googler Dion Almaer says “Happy Birthday to Android.” Hmm, they been working on this for a year now? Google Operating System has some screenshot of “The Web in Google’s Mobile Browser” from the SDK’s emulator.