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The Amazing Versatility of Google’s Android
It
may have been originally intended for phones & tablets but Android also
powers smartwatches, cameras, TVs — and a few devices you did not expect —
appliances, home automation systems and even cars
Android in the Car
Just recently at CES 2014, Google announced that it had tied up with GM,
Honda, Audi, Hyundai, and chipmaker Nvidia to create the Open Automotive
Alliance – with the intent of bring Android-powered in-car systems to
market before 2014 is over. While the concept of having Android in the car
is not new (several touchscreen Android car stereos are already available
in the market and several existing systems can interface with Android
phones), the Open Automotive Alliance aims to make the whole experience
more seamless. Some of the enhanced functionality that you can expect is
easier connectivity (streaming internet radio in the car), expandability
(enhancing functionality with car-specific apps), multi information
displays and easier vehicle diagnostics.
Wearables
Android on watches is not new, but the segment is expected to grow
exponentially. A number of new announcements were made at CES 2014.
Samsung’s Galaxy Gear is one of the best examples of an Android smartwatch
done right. Sony ‘s SmartWatch 2 and Qualcomm’s Toq are some other popular
choices. Google Glass opened a segment for Android eyewear. It can be used
to view notifications, get directions and watch videos among others.
Epson’s Moverio BT-100 ( 42,900) offers a number of similar functions and
at CES this year they announced the Moverio BT-200 — lighter, slimmer, with
a built in camera and motion tracking.
Cameras
Thanks to digital photography,
no one likes to print photographs anymore. But they are being shared — by
the millions. A connected, Android-powered camera like Samsung’s Galaxy
Camera (the second version is out soon) lets you capture a moment and share
it instantly. It effectively fuses the functionality of a phone and a
standalone camera. Plus, since the camera has expandable storage, WiFi and
3G, you can also use it for gaming (download apps), communications (email,
IM) and entertainment (watch videos, web).
Media Players
Android based media players are
great for multimedia playback because they come with the added advantage of
being able to access your favourite apps on a large screen. Plus, if you
have an older TV, you can easily enable smart features. Some of the popular
features include Android gaming on the big screen, video calls (Skype and
so on) and an interface you can control with a wireless keyboard/mouse.
Amkette’s EvoTV XL ( 10,499) and Portronics Limebox ( 8,499) are two
Android media players that are already available in India.
Home Automation
Android is a natural fit for
home automation systems. Most current systems have companion Android apps
in any case but an entire system built on Android will offer many more
advantages. For instance, interfaces will be more familiar (similar to
Android phones/tablets), so they’ll be easier to master. The scope of the
whole system can be easily expanded with apps – since the platform is
common, many developers (or even you, without needing any coding skills)
will be able to make and install your own apps to control features in the
house. In any case, Google has been working on the Android@ Home (a
connected home) platform for a while now, though exact details remain
sketchy. You can expect this to be available as an option within the next
one to two years.
TVs, Monitors & Projectors
At CES 2014, Philips launched a
TV with built-in Android. This is a step above the smart functionality
offered by other manufacturers because it offers Android in addition to
regular smart functionality. Since the operating system is built in, you
are not required to connect a dongle or media box. You can access the Play
Store to download compatible, curated apps that do not require touchscreen
inputs. Viewsonic already has the VSD220 (a 22-inch full HD monitor with
Android) available for 31,999. As far as projectors go, they usually
require a video source to output an image. However, both ZTE and Philips
have announced projectors with built-in Android that are expected to arrive
soon. Both have WiFi, so you have access to a web browser, you can play
streaming multimedia and even work on office documents stored on the cloud.
Expect a range of Android projectors to arrive within the year.
Home Appliances
Dacor’s Discover IQ Dual Fuel oven has a 7-inch touchscreen and runs Android.
You can watch video tutorials, download recipes and use the guide to cook
meals. The oven can also inform you via text when your meal is ready.
Thanks to built-in WiFi, you remotely control it too — preheat, change
cooking settings and get notifications when the meal is cooked. A built in
safety feature prevents the oven from heating up beyond a certain
temperature when being remotely controlled. In a similar vein, Samsung’s
T9000 fridge has a 10-inch display and runs a customised version of Android.
While you cannot install new apps, it has built-in apps like Epicurious
(recipes), weather, news, Evernote, Google calendar and a read only Twitter
client. It can also suggest recipes, be used to view photo slideshows, keep
a track of food expiration dates and create shopping lists via apps.
Karan
Bajaj & Hitesh Raj Bhagat ET140122
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