Open source is the name given to that class of software that makes it free for anyone to modify and use it in a manner that suits them best. There are no restrictions whatsoever. One can also add snippets of code to the existing code to optimize it further for a particular requirement and then use it thereafter. The Android operating system from Google is one such open source software and Intel is making the best of its open source status to tailor it for use specifically for their x86 devices otherwise termed the Atom CPU.
Reports also point towards them using the latest 2.2 version of the Android named Froyo and the latest Stale PC news has it that an X86 version of Android 2.2 might be ready as early as this summer itself. “Our expectation is that (native x86 Android) will be based on the Froyo release and will be available this summer to developers,” said Intel’s Renee James. He also informed their extensive experience with Linux is making the task easier. For those who are yet not informed, Google has released the Android 2.2 Froyo source code for developers.
Intel hopes this will make manufacturers to use their Atom chips an enticing option rather than those of ARM in netbooks and tablets. Currently the balance is tilted towards ARM architecture with Atom chips being more of a non player. Windows 7 tablets on the other hand are running on Atom CPUs, which is leading to a scenario where a very demanding software such as the Windows 7 running on a very less powerful hardware set up.
With the release of the Android 2.2, what we get is a lightweight and less demanding OS capable of running on the x86 architecture. This is a less powerful hardware configuration and therefore the Atom CPU would be more capable of coping with all the tasks that’s thrown at it.
More on this is awaited and will find place here once they become available. So keep watching.
Sovan Mandal is the senior tablet and tech corespondent for goodereader.com. He brings a international approach to news that is not just applicable to the North American market, but also Asia, India, Europe and others. Sovy brings his own writing flavor to the website and is interested in Science Fiction, Technology and Writing. Any questions, send an email