Dec 28, 2012

SONY SMARTWATCH

Beyond smartphones and tablets


The Sony SmartWatch: an example of how Android is used on electronics other than smartphones and tablets
While Android is designed primarily for smartphones and tablets, the open and customizable nature of the operating system allows it to be used on other electronics, including laptops and netbooks, smartbooks[150] and smart TVs (Google TV). Further, in 2011, Google demonstrated "Android@Home", new home automaton technology which uses Android to control a range of household devices including light switches, power sockets and thermostats.[151] Prototype light bulbs were announced that could be controlled from an Android phone or tablet, but Android head Andy Rubin was cautious to note that "turning a lightbulb on and off is nothing new," pointing to numerous failed home automation services. Google, he said, was thinking more ambitiously and the intention was to use their position as a cloud services provider to bring Google products into customers' homes, adding "Google is really uniquely positioned to make consumers' lives a lot better and make the 20 screens you have in your home interoperate."[152]
Ouya, an upcoming games console running Android, became one of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns, crowdfunding US$8.5m for its development. The aim, according to project founder Julie Uhrman, was to release a low-cost videogame console based on an open platform, with low barriers to entry for game developers compared to established consoles, and a free-to-play pricing model for gamers.[153][154] While most Android games are designed for touch screen devices, Ouya intends to provide a more traditional videogame controller as well, while retaining an integrated touchpad for use with touch-based games.[153] Meanwhile, there are also video gaming tablets with physical keys running on Android: Archos GamePad and the Wikipad.
In addition, the Android operating system has seen niche applications on smart glasses (Project Glass), wristwatches,[155] headphones,[156] car CD and DVD players,[157] mirrors,[158] cameras,[159][160] portable media players[161] and landlines.[162]

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