Android SDK 1.5r1 Available for Download

Release 1 of the Android 1.5 SDK is available for download now. Additionally, a system image for the ADP1 (Android Developer Phone from Google) is available for 1.5 now, as well.

This is the third full release of Android, corresponding to API Level 3 (Android 1.1r1 was Level 2 and Android 1.0r1 and 1.0r2 corresponded to Level 1).

This time, though, the Google map services are in an SDK add-on. A vanilla API Level 3 distribution may not contain these. Testing this is made possible through an emulator target that contains these services and one that doesn't, where even clicking on a map link from within an application won't work.

This capability opens the door to other third-party add-ons, a very exciting potential.

Android 1.5: Going Live Within The Next Few Weeks

The much-awaited Android 1.5 SDK update is coming soon to a development environment near you. This update is based on the Cupcake branch of the Android source project and features substantial improvements and additions to the Android APIs, as well as developer tool suite updates and some much-needed UI polish and performance improvements to the overall Android user experience.

You can find a short list of highlights coming in Android 1.5 as part of the Android Developer SDK 1.5 preview on the Android Developer website as well as download the pre-release ("preview") version of Android SDK 1.5 and give it a spin.

You may also find the Cupcake branch roadmap useful.

The SDK 1.5 is expected to be released within the next few weeks. An over-the-air update will likely be sent to Android phones in the field soon thereafter.

What are you looking forward to in this release? We're looking forward to being able to create home screen widgets.

Android Wireless Application Development Book Available for Pre-order!

We're exciting to announce that our book, Android Wireless Application Development, is now available for pre-order from Safari Rough Cuts!
You'll be able to start reading chapters in advance of the print copy if you buy it now. The rough cuts program also allows people to comment on the book and help make it better. Let us know what you think!

Android Application Market for Paid Apps

Paid applications are now being accepted for the Android Market. This is great news for developers who want to make money and create premium applications. Collecting money uses Google Checkout, so developers will also need an account with Google Checkout. Paid applications will be available next week for US customers, and in other countries over the next few months.

Read more at the Google mobile blog entry and at the Android Market publishing site.

Android 1.1 in Distribution

If you follow gadget blogs, you've probably seen that Android 1.1 is heading out to T-Mobile G1 handsets. Until today, though, you may have wondered if this affects you or not. Well, it might.

The Android 1.1 SDK Release 1 is a now available from Google. All Android 1.0 SDK applications will function without change on 1.0, according to Google. However, if you want to begin using the new APIs introduced in Android SDK 1.1, you'll need to download it and begin using it.

The Android 1.1 firmware is being pushed out to all G1 users. According to T-Mobile, everyone with a G1 should have received the update notification within a week or two. This means that if you're developing an application that could benefit from the SDK changes, it probably is reasonable to require the upgrade.

As for changes in the new firmware and SDK, they include some bug fixes and a few new features. Many of the features are in built-in applications, but there are a few for developers:

• Can now determine user ID programmatically for app
• Can now get padding for a View, useful for implementing new ones
• Support for Marquee in TextView
• Can now broadcast SMS and WAP PUSH via new permissions

Download the new SDK here.

(P.S. He's supposed to be smiling. :o)

Android Dev Phone 1 Available For Purchase

Google is now allowing registered Android Market developers to purchase the Android Dev Phone 1. This phone is similar to the G1, but fully unlocked. It can be flashed by developers with the firmware of their choice. Google is charging $399 with free shipping. There is currently a limit of one per registered Android Market account. They are available in more than a dozen countries across the world.

Android Market Available for Sign-Up

The Android Market is now available for developers to register with. Simply go to the Android Market page, login with a Google Account (not a domain account), give them your developer name, preferred email address, website, and phone number. Finally, you’ll pay $25 via Google Checkout  and be bound to the Developer Distribution Agreement.