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Samsung launches an Android developer forum
SMARTPHONE MAKER Samsung has launched an Android Developer Forum to bump up its support for developers using Google's mobile operating system.
The Korean electronics giant has launched a web site for Android developers that includes the latest software development kits, tutorial videos and updates for hardware and software.
The forum also includes a number of discussion boards where Samsung provides technical advice and support, ensuring its developers have all the knowledge at their disposal to create Android products for Samsung devices. There is also a FAQ along with a knowledge base for additional development information.
Full devices specifications for Samsung's Android range are listed on the web site. Up to three of these can be compared at a time, so developers can find out what smartphone or tablet has certain features compared to others. This tool also has potential benefits for technology savvy consumers who are not sure which model they want to buy.
The development tools that Samsung offers include SDK plug-ins for Augmented Reality and location based services, two increasingly popular areas for the mobile industry.
Samsung will also provide a Sensor Simulator and Remote Test Lab to developers, giving them remote access to Samsung-controlled devices for testing new software. This will ensure there is no delay waiting for a Samsung product to arrive to test a release and it also cuts down on costs for developers.
Samsung indicated that it is particularly keen to get developers working on titles for its app store, Samsung Apps. It said it is looking to broaden the scope and increase the quality of its apps for its Android devices.
Samsung appears to be really lending its support to the Android platform, as it gave out 5,500 free 10.1-inch Galaxy Tabs to developers at Google's I/O conference in San Francisco yesterday.
The Galaxy Tab is a leading competitor to Apple's Ipad, and with thousands of them now in developer hands we might begin to see a lot more apps created for it in the near future. The tablets run the Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system and come engraved with the Android emblem, driving home Samsung's commitment to the little green robot.
We have contacted Samsung for comment about its Android Developer Forum and will update this article when it responds. µ
Tags: Software
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Success on Samsung. They could have done this a year ago, had Honeycomb been around. Also, they couldn't have supported the Galaxy line better.
This is good news, but what about some support and upgrades for the original Galaxy Tab that well over 1 million people are using. How about an OS upgrade, or fixing the WiFi problems, or those long promised Hulu and Netflix players. I waited until sales passed the one million mark because I thought that would be an indicator that I could count on future support... I'm still waiting.
Fail on Samsung. They should have done this a year ago. Also, they should have supported the Galaxy line better.