Google to keep Android 3.0 Honeycomb in-house
Tablet-centric OS not ready to go open-source says Google
Google has decided to keep the Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablet-centric OS out of the hands of third-party developers, claiming that it isn't yet ready for the open-source arena.
Honeycomb has appeared on tablets like the Motorola Xoom, but Android boss Andy Rubin says he doesn't want developers using it on mobile phones "and creating a really bad user experience."
Rubin claims that his team "doesn't even know whether it would work on mobile phones" and that making it open-source immediately runs the risk of tarnishing Android's reputation.
Rubin's revelation raises questions about Android's status as an open platform and could be the first indication that Google is moving towards a more closed model. Is Android about to go all iOS on us?
Optimised
Rubin retains that "Android is is an open-source project. We have not changed our strategy." and a Google statement says 3.0 will reach developers when it becomes ready for use on a range of devices.
The official line says: "Android 3.0, Honeycomb, was designed from the ground up for devices with larger screen sizes and improves on Android favorites such as widgets, multi-tasking, browsing, notifications and customization.
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox
Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.
"While we're excited to offer these new features to Android tablets, we have more work to do before we can deliver them to other device types including phones. Until then, we've decided not to release Honeycomb to open source.
"We're committed to providing Android as an open platform across many device types and will publish the source as soon as it's ready."
"For the time being it looks like Honeycomb will only be appearing on tablets that have been heavily vetted by Google."
Source: Business Week
A technology journalist, writer and videographer of many magazines and websites including T3, Gadget Magazine and TechRadar.com. He specializes in applications for smartphones, tablets and handheld devices, with bylines also at The Guardian, WIRED, Trusted Reviews and Wareable. Chris is also the podcast host for The Liverpool Way. As well as tech and football, Chris is a pop-punk fan and enjoys the art of wrasslin'.