Where should Android go next?

[QuadConPana]

A lot of iOS users say that they prefer that platform because it allows interconnectivity with things like their Macbook and Apple TV. And, that is true. But, it seems to me that since Android is an open source OS, there are unlimited possibilities for future devices to be Android compatible. For example:

Nikon and Samsung are including the OS in point and shoot cameras now.

And, there are the thumb drive sized Mini PC's.

It seems to me that the home automation industry, for one, needs to jump on the Android bandwagon. Wouldn't an Android HVAC thermostat be the bomb? How about an Android solar powered digital security camera? How much would it cost to put an older build like Donut or Eclair on a chip and insert it into even the most mundane things like coffeemakers so that they could be controlled by your smartphone or tablet? And, since items like that would only have to run embedded software, there would be no need for them to download apps, so the open source versions would be sufficient, right?

What other types of uses and applications can you see for Android in the future?

 

[Bob Maxey]

A lot of iOS users say that they prefer that platform because it allows interconnectivity with things like their Macbook and Apple TV. And, that is true. But, it seems to me that since Android is an open source OS, there are unlimited possibilities for future devices to be Android compatible. For example:

Nikon and Samsung are including the OS in point and shoot cameras now.

And, there are the thumb drive sized Mini PC's.

It seems to me that the home automation industry, for one, needs to jump on the Android bandwagon. Wouldn't an Android HVAC thermostat be the bomb? How about an Android solar powered digital security camera? How much would it cost to put an older build like Donut or Eclair on a chip and insert it into even the most mundane things like coffeemakers so that they could be controlled by your smartphone or tablet? And, since items like that would only have to run embedded software, there would be no need for them to download apps, so the open source versions would be sufficient, right?

What other types of uses and applications can you see for Android in the future?

As for Nikon and SS, I am not sure what to say. My point and shoot camera already includes the Android OS. I call mine a cellphone. Perhaps Nikon and SS are trying to capture more market share and because Android is "hot" they are using it.

Or is there a compelling reason to use Android on a camera?

The home automation industry (at least the slender segment I am slowly coming to know well) is on the bandwagon. Look at Control4; they use Android right now. Several Android devices arriving soon and several already out there. I am not sure why we need to add Android to everything in sight.

As for the coffee maker, don't you need to fill it with coffee, change the filter and clean the pot? I am sure you can do this with Android and a few thousands of dollars for a complex coffee maker.

I prefer a French Press myself.

I am really not sure what Android can do for a coffee maker, but I say go for it. And an Android frige, too. Or is there one of those out there now?

I am not sure how I would use Android. Something to think about.

Being open source is not really a factor, is it? I know a few companies that use their own software for controlling their stuff. Not sure if it is because they invested so much money to develop it or perhaps Android offers very little of value to these manufacturers.

I do not think Android is the be-all and end-all to operating systems for products like coffee makers, cameras and other stuff. Just a free OS that manufacturers do not need to pay for.

Let me ask the experts this: If I am developing a control program and/or a device like an Android refrigerator or the aforementioned coffee maker, do I need Android on my device in order for it to be controlled by an Android phone or can Android control non-Android devices?

I do not really know.

 

[zuben el genub]

Windows tried to beat you to it.

Wouldn't you just need a timer with multiple times to control the off and on of a couple of appliances? The timer would be controlled by Android. That means that any current device doesn't have to be upgraded. Just buy a timer.

I wouldn't mind one to make sure the crockpot and the breadmaker turn themselves off.

 

[Bob Maxey]

Windows tried to beat you to it.

Wouldn't you just need a timer with multiple times to control the off and on of a couple of appliances? The timer would be controlled by Android. That means that any current device doesn't have to be upgraded. Just buy a timer.

I wouldn't mind one to make sure the crockpot and the breadmaker turn themselves off.

Arduino perhaps?

Then again, a good timer will likely be one solution. I think people want too much automation. My coffee is ready in the AM when I get up and that is all I need these days.

LOL . . . believe it or not, you can control devices in your house with Dropbox, Belvedere, a PC and some other stuff.

 

[mikedt]

Android car A/V systems, they're rather popular now. As are Android satellite and cable STBs, DVRs, TVs and DVD/EVD players.l

Not seen a fridge-freezer, washing-machine, tumble-dryer, vacuum-cleaner, carpet-shampooer, floor-polisher, water-cooler, air-conditioner, microwave, rice-cooker, bread-maker or toaster-oven with Android yet though. But smart domestic appliances could be next.

 

[Bob Maxey]

Android car A/V systems, they're rather popular now. As are Android satellite and cable STBs, DVRs, TVs and DVD/EVD players.l

Not seen a fridge-freezer, washing-machine, tumble-dryer, vacuum-cleaner, carpet-shampooer, floor-polisher, water-cooler, air-conditioner, microwave, rice-cooker, bread-maker or toaster-oven with Android yet though. But smart domestic appliances could be next.

No bread maker for me. Just some basic ingredients, a marble slab and a wood rolling pin. I'll beat the little green devil to its death if it comes near my kitchen with that very rolling pin and make a slow cooker from its carcase.

Besides, androids tend to spew oil all over the place.

I will let an Apple give its life for a nice tart, however.

 

[blarelli]

I want to see a style of motorola's webtop platform embedded into phones. Phones these days are powerful enough to run a full sized browser and word processor pretty well.

 

[mikedt]

No bread maker for me. Just some basic ingredients, a marble slab and a wood rolling pin. I'll beat the little green devil to its death if it comes near my kitchen with that very rolling pin and make a slow cooker from its carcase.

Besides, androids tend to spew oil all over the place.

Androids can be rather messy at the dinner table.

 

[Stuntman]

Or is there a compelling reason to use Android on a camera?

Many camera features are software controlled. The software disables various camera features on low end models to force customers to purchase high end models where the software switch is turned on. I'm sure tech savvy users can just buy a low end Android camera and then root it to activate all of the features. For proprietary cameras, it is more difficult to hack it an activate those high end features.

 

[xmr405o]

I think I would want an Android car system. I'm in my car a lot. I would love to have a full on conversation with my car...dangit! I'm lonely.

haha

 

[jefboyardee]

I think I would want an Android car system.

It

 

[Bob Maxey]

Many camera features are software controlled. The software disables various camera features on low end models to force customers to purchase high end models where the software switch is turned on. I'm sure tech savvy users can just buy a low end Android camera and then root it to activate all of the features. For proprietary cameras, it is more difficult to hack it an activate those high end features.

For example?

 

[zuben el genub]

I don't need or want all that stuff in the car. My sound system takes a USB stick. Good enough. I sold the one GPS unit, deleted maps from the phone. I don't go where I really need maps. Prefer printed directions rather than some obnoxious voice "recalculating"

As for the cameras - so many want to upload photos from cameras other than cell phone. My Canon SX 30IS will do Eyefi. What will piss me off about this - unless you are going to print the damn photos, a 10MP picture is overkill to post on FB, Twitter or wherever. People simply don't know how to resize the photos. Even your average computer monitor will do just fine with smaller sizes.

I've forgotten the name of the photo service, but Redditors use it to post. A lot of the files are 5MP or over. Even with a fast internet and fast computer, it still doesn't download instantly maybe due to traffic. As for me, if I have to wait, I'm gone. I don't care if it's the next big thing or a priceless masterpiece.

I can just see what will happen with these 10+MP cameras posting to wherever. We'll get complaints about data usage, cellco conspiracy, you name it. I suppose if you put a menu item in about maximizing for web, people won't use it. They seem the think that the more Megapixels, the better the picture.

 

[Zero Hunter]

+1 for Carputers. Perhaps something that's linked directly to the ECU and can read codes, a/f mixtures, or even tuning options.

 

[davidchsw]

Android in my camera would allow me to manipulate the pictures to a greater extent in my camera. Picsay pro on a camera would be cool. Android in my TV would be better than the crappy os in it now. How about a computer that could dual boot Android and Windows? Android in my bread machine means I could call it from my phone to tell it when to start rather than a timer. Same thing for thermostat or coffee maker. Yeah, software can make my life better.

 

[mydian]

It’d be neat to read the Check Engine data on my droid, rather than finding some repair shop where the light came on and shelling out forty bucks to hear a complete stranger tell me what it mean$.

You already can with Garmin Mechanic: https://play.google.com/store/apps/...xMiwiY29tLmdhcm1pbi5hbmRyb2lkLmFwcHMubWVjaCJd

You have to buy the thing that plugs into the OBD2 port in your car though, which then connects to your phone over blue tooth.

 

[Stuntman]

For example?

This is from my friend to told me about the cameras:

Camera: The Canon G series (ex. G10) shoots in Raw, other point in shoots do not allow this. However all cameras shoot in Raw. There's a Canon hack called CHDK that allows point and shoots to shoot in Raw.

So not necessarily "deactivating features", more like excluded easy features (probably purposely) since the G series is known for (marketed as) being able to shoot in Raw.

Other camera manufacturers probably do the same, but I only know of the CHDK (Canon hack diagnositic(?) kit) that allows features that wasn't included in the firmware.