Can Android Challenge Embedded Linux
I can easily see areas where Embedded Linux will continue to have a strong hold. As the article mentions, if you have a single purpose built device, why use something as flexible as Android?
However, there are two points I think are still important that weren't mentioned in the article.
- Developers - Any one who has had the task of hiring good Embedded Linux Engineers can tell you that it can be a difficult market. Getting good Android (mostly Java) developers can be easier.
- Extensibility - If you aren't building a single purpose built device, then choosing a good application framework is absolutely critical. Android is a pretty good application framework.
In the grand scheme of things though, my pick is to use Embedded Linux as your OS and if you have need of a higher level application framework, then pick Android. Best of both worlds - it's not an either/or.
Hi Casey,
ReplyDeletedidn't find a better to contact you - I was wondering if you knew of any "ready" or "almost ready" hardware for headless android.
I am thinking of a few ideas for which having a small device packed with all the sensors and connectivity options that a smartphone has in a very small space is needed. I did a search of what is available under arduino, RPi and the such, but the amount of space needed to replicate all the sensor and connectivity goodies makes those solutions unfeasible. I reckon that a device without screen won't pass the android requirements but maybe you know of manufacturers who do that as special purpose devices?
Thanks
lo di lavoro,
DeleteI am not aware of anything that meets your description at this point. Perhaps another reader will reply if they know of something. Best of luck with our project.