Intel's Wind River Launch Commercial Android Build

Intel subsidiary Wind River have launched a commercial, packaged version of Android, suitable for Texas Instruments OMAP34x and OMAP36x chipsets, and including bundled software such as Adobe Flash, OTA firmware update support, and PacketVideo's OpenCORE mobile multimedia.  The Wind River Platform for Android is intended to streamline getting new devices to market, with the flexibility of Android along with the predictability of a commercial OS.

Since the Wind River software stack has been developed along with Texas Instruments, it also promises to remove many of the hardware headaches.  Wind River have also tweaked the UI, improved power management, support easy addition of carrier and manufacturer customisations – such as splash screens and branding – and promise optimized drivers.

Press Release:

Wind River Launches Commercial Android Platform

Commercial Android Platform Optimized on the Texas Instruments OMAP™ 3 Platform Reduces Risks of Android Projects

ALAMEDA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Wind River today announced the immediate availability of its commercial version of open source Android optimized on the OMAP™ 3 platform from Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI). The Wind River Platform for Android is a validated, fully compliant software platform based on the latest versions of the Android software development kit (SDK), available with pre-integrated software from initial partners Adobe, PacketVideo and Red Bend Software; and global support by Wind River.

Wind River Platform for Android, the company's first commercial version of open consortia-based software, is available with the following building blocks:

Open source Android code validated and tested by Wind River in a rigorous process combining hundreds of manual test cases and tens of thousands of automated test scenarios including compliance with the latest Android Compatibility Test Suite (CTS);

Pre-integrated third-party software, including existing Flash® technology from Adobe, OpenCORE™ mobile multimedia software from PacketVideo, firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updating and device management software from Red Bend;

Enhanced Android user interface and personalization options for such common branding functions as boot-up splash screen, locked idle screen, and termination screens and additional gesture-based choices for core phone functions;

Extended framework and applications including master reset function, music player, performance and power management;

Dedicated Wind River global customer support and services; and

Optimization for leading mobile hardware including Texas Instruments' OMAP34x and OMAP36x platforms.

"Wind River's years of experience in Android have resulted in a commercial offering that combines the innovation of Android with the predictability of a commercial platform," said Chris Perret, vice president, Mobile and Automotive Solutions Group, Wind River. "Wind River Platform for Android was developed for operators and handset manufacturers challenged to consistently achieve time and quality performance metrics as Android devices are brought to market. By delivering a commercial Android platform, we are offering a fast way for them to innovate and differentiate without the risks common to open source software."

Operators and device manufacturers expect market-ready Android solutions that can be rapidly brought to market. Wind River Platform for Android is the foundation to quickly deliver a customized solution to fit specific market needs without having to reinvest in bringing up core platform components and ensuring their stability.

"Device manufacturers and operators are continuously looking to quickly develop and bring to market new devices that offer consumers and businesses the right mix of capabilities and predictable performance. A commercial version of open source Android can streamline the process for industry players wanting to build Android-based devices and test them for market readiness. This can improve time-to-market and offer improved end-user experiences," said Tim Renowden, Devices analyst at Ovum.

As part of a strategic, multi-year partnership, Wind River and Texas Instruments are working together to optimize Android on TI's OMAP34x and OMAP36x platforms. Wind River is providing engineering resources around the world, including at its Korea Design Center, which has extensive Linux mobile phone expertise as part of the company's acquisition of MIZI Research in 2008. Wind River's co-development work includes architecture, design, unit test, and system test and integration support.

"TI and Wind River joined forces to deliver an attractive, complete and easy-to-deploy commercial Android platform that addresses the ever-growing consumer need for customized mobile devices. Wind River's Android platform is optimized for TI's OMAP 3 processors, and includes all layers of the software stack, ensuring predictable device quality, and enhancing the overall Android experience," said Fred Cohen, director, worldwide ecosystem partners at TI. "We look forward to the success of Wind River's Android platform, as it helps handset manufacturers, operators and OEMs deliver impressive mobile user experiences on the most compelling Android-based products."

Wind River Platform for Android broadens Wind River's mobile expertise that spans leadership roles in LiMo and Moblin, in addition to joining the Open Handset Alliance in 2007 as a Linux commercialization partner. Wind River Platform for Android reduces open source risk by providing predictability to and improving software quality for Android projects because of Wind River's ongoing investment in the platform.

Availability

Wind River Platform for Android is now available to customers worldwide. Additional details about Wind River Platform for Android are available at http://www.windriver.com/products/mobile-linux/android.html.

About Wind River

Wind River, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC), is a world leader in embedded and mobile software. Wind River has been pioneering computing inside embedded devices since 1981 and its technology is found in more than 500 million products. Wind River is headquartered in Alameda, Calif. with offices in more than 15 countries. To learn more, visit Wind River at www.windriver.com or blogs.windriver.com.

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