Database Info

Essay about Android

Taking a speech class and had a chance to write about the Android platform. Figured I'd share here. Enjoy and comment as you will.
I wish to start off by saying welcome to the future. A bold proclamation yes, but with such experiments and ongoing research by numerous scientists today, technological breakthroughs are vast and epic. One of the many platforms so to speak that is having phenomenal breakthroughs is in the mobile systems department. Here lays a couple companies with R&D plans that carter towards certain parties promising slick user interfaces, application channels, and a complete web experience. Couple that with feature rich phones that allow one to text, call, global positioning (GPS), and well, you have a product to sell. Google has done just that. Taking bits and pieces of everything one could ever ask for, and merging it all into its mobile operating system titled Android. Represented by a green round-headed robot figure, Android is passing its two year anniversary, and has surpassed other prominent mobile architectures like Apple’s iPhone software. But what exactly is Android? Why would one desire to chuck away their limited iPhone, or stray away from the Blackberry Enterprise lineup? One word: Open source. Couple that with the experience (the art of customizing your device), and the synchronization aspects of the device for virtually any account you have on the net, and you have a total package.
Having a total package within arm’s reach, and inside your pocket is quite a powerful tool. With Google’s Android platform, there is never a point where you can say No. Any and every idea can and could be coded into the device if you have the means to do so. Open source is the ticket. Asking yourself what this means is actually a very simple question. Open source is the definition of computer code that is freely available to anyone who wishes to find it. Google has opened up the software to all who have a spirit to create and provide applications (Apps) and programs to others. Hackers, coders, and all techy guros have created a plethora of net-libraries ranging from support groups, forums and websites to further help noobies in the process. Sounds like a lot, but in reality, the experience is quite easy going. Competitors like Apple and Blackberry have limited their system to developers by safekeeping some of its computer code. This limits creativity, as it puts restrictions and limitations as to what exactly what one can create. Add to the fact that companies like Apple also screen apps to a much higher caliber, halting smaller apps without much bang in the beginning to be choked to death. It seems as if anything is available for pleasure with Android though. If it doesn’t exist, pop into a forum and jot down a reply on a thread. If that’s not enough, I’m sure you have one friend that has already found solutions in the “Green-Guy”. There is always someone there who has the tools necessary to create it, or rather has already created it in the first place.
From forums and coders who have the know-how and tools to create a mind-blowing experience, the customization factor of Android is truly one of its largest selling points. To be quite honest, each and every android device could be considered a work of art. It’s all in how the user desires it for themselves…how deep the user wants to venture; how deep goes their rabbit? From changing backgrounds and wallpapers, to adding widgets to your home screen, the android spectrum allows one to make the phone their own, morph it into how they see fitting. But how is this different from other products? Surely other phones allow their users to alter what they see on screen. Yet I assert, the android experience is different. Almost, if not every aspect of android is customizable. Icons can be altered, the font can be changed, dates, times, anything can be tweaked. Sites like XDA, AndroidSpin, and AndroidandMe provide great reviews, heads up, and forums to browse through numerous applications, both beta and final. The options are endless, and it’s open in the air to anyone who desires a bit of change. Many new phones come preinstalled with newer software, as you might here Froyo, Éclair or Gingerbread tossed around. These are simply codenames for newer versions of software from Google. If your carrier doesn’t support the newer software, chances are a coder has already made it available for you. Convenience without a price attached!
Free in price is seemingly synonymous with freedom. Freedom to choose. Freedom to enjoy. Freedom to experience. Freedom from a stationary computer. Android is a thriving system that allows you to constantly stay on the up and up. Synchronization appears a mystery as your Facebook, Twitter, email, and numerous other accounts are integrated into the system via apps or at stock. With live widgets that monitor in real time your accounts, any and all social networks, social feeds, and business/personal accounts are updated instantly. No more carrying around a tiring laptop, or waiting to login the networks at any given campus. 3G speeds and now 4G on some carriers are making mobile devices the in crowd, as speeds are comparable to standard net speeds. As many people day are on the up and up, or rather, out and about, a mobile system that constantly allows access to ones desired feeds is grand. Couple that with ability to alter documents on the fly, listen to your favorite music (via Pandora, or from the Phones Internal Memory…think iPod), you have a complete package. It’s not just a Media Device, a Business Device, a Cell Phone, as it truly lives up to the name of Smart Phone.
For me the choice was easy. I thrive off customization, the ability to make my phone a tad different, even faster, or more efficient then what the original company did for me. But as Android ages, everything looks bright and promising. To proclaim dark clouds linger would be insanity. From its initial creation of being open-sourced, to customizing features and its ability to be versatile, Android has shattered the mobile systems realm. As it races to the top, Android allows users to update on the go, with synchronization from virtually every social feed. When people ask me about phones and what should be right for them, there is no question for me. It’s never been a question about what Android can’t do, but what Android does.

<- Laughing Out Loud.
It's full of grammar faux pas, by the way.

Still very well written *only read first paragraph* but I was impressed, not bad Also maybe a bit many commas...
BTW, shouldve been posted in the off topic section

Nice Speech. I Enjoyed reading it.
Sent from Conical. 07

Job Opening: Mobile Application Developer - MOGA| Woodinville, WA

Location: Woodinville, WA
Divison: Consumer Products
Direct Report: TBD
Employment Type: Salaried; Exempt
Qualifications & Experience
5+ years of relevant experience in software development, information systems or equivalent technical environment; minimum 1-year experience in development utilizing Android SDK; iOS and/or WP7 a plus.
Proven experience delivering successful software, including customer-facing mobile applications, preferably game apps currently available via Google Play, Xbox LIVE and/or the App Store.
Solid understanding of in-app analytics and PII best practices.
BA/BS in Computer Science or related field preferred; Interactive Design a plus.
Skills & Traits
Passion for app development, focus on UX/UI, strong project management skills and attention to detail are required.
Proficiency in Java, Android SDK frameworks, XML, web-service technologies, emerging web standards (i.e., HTML 5), analytics tools (i.e., Omniture, Google Analytics).
Ability to plan, drive and complete projects. A thinker and a doer.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong problem solving abilities including an ability to influence internal stakeholders.
Ability to take initiative and demonstrate leadership.
Desire to work hard, learn fast, generate ideas and make things happen the best way in a changing environment. Willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Professional disposition/appearance, and positive attitude and outlook.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills.
Interest in video games a plus.
Duties & Responsibilities
Develop mobile applications for BDA’s Consumer Products division, creating simple interactions for complex functionality.
Work with supervisor and co-workers to prioritize projects, app features and deliverable timelines for maximum business impact.
Manage requirements, documentation, testing and participate in troubleshooting efforts within a highly matrixed organization.
Work with supervisor and creative staff/contractors to drive the process of UI design, apply user tests, specify user flows/screens and direct graphical design within the framework of BDA’s consumer brands, owning the day-to-day execution in the form of design comp reviews, functional reviews with development teams, and presentations to internal stakeholders.
Serve as company-wide mobile app subject matter expert (SME).
Coordinate content delivery with BDA’s consumer packaging teams and websites, including PowerA.com and MUNITIO.com.
Participate in creative brainstorm meetings to provide input for fresh, new ideas, vision and project direction.
Develop and maintain an effective, positive working relationship with other BDA teams and individuals.
Additional marketing responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.
Occasional weekend and evening hours required.
Contact
Melissa
Only local canidates or persons willing to relcoate will be considered (no relocation fee will be paid).

i don't think this is a right section..?

Please read THIS if you would like your job advertised on xda
This is relevant to the Job Board forum

Decentralized Application Marketplace - Your Thoughts?

Hello everyone,
We're trying to create a new open-source app distribution platform named Spheris, using blockchain technology. We are really interested in your thoughts – both devs and users. We're also open for possible collabs for those who are interested.
We’re utilizing Ethereum’s blockchain technology to build Spheris as a decentralized platform. This makes a lot of cool things possible:
No registration and transaction fees, as opposed to traditional app marketplaces who charge up to $100 for registration and 30% per each transaction. No technical restrictions or censorship. Optional anonymity. Forget about the need for credit card companies or banks – you will be able to buy and sell apps using our digital currency (Spheris tokens), with the option to exchange for other digital currencies (such as Ethereum or Bitcoin).
Customers will be able to purchase apps without going through registration and without credit cards. We’re also trying to accommodate devs whose apps have been removed from Google Play for questionable reasons.
Your Feedback = Extremely Important
We are in the early process of gathering valuable feedback from devs, and see if this is a platform that devs would like to be on. For users – do you guys see this as a platform you would buy apps from? Would love to start a discussion! For devs - have you had bad experiences with app stores (de-listing, ranking issues, not being accepted etc)? Does the concept of decentralization sound like something you might want to be a part of?
If you need more info, have a look at spheris.io or just ask me here.
Your questions and feedback are much appreciated,
Thanks
PS - apologies if this isn't the right forum for this topic!

Looking for a Techie/Geek in Goa

Job Title
Project Coordinator - TI R&D
Location
Panjim, Goa
About the Company
91springboard is a startup co-working space and incubator, that provides space to startups and a number of service providers to work towards together to build their businesses. The space provides plug-and-play office infrastructure where startups can work and interact with other entrepreneurs. Members of 91springboard get access to a coworking space with 24X7 office-infrastructure support, key service providers, knowledge sharing & collaboration, networking and of course, a free-spirited culture that breeds innovation!
About the department
The Technology Infrastructure department is responsible for our entire network and IT Hardware. As a part of this team, you will optimize member experience when using our services and drive a culture of continuous innovation to improve our services and infrastructure. We are scaling rapidly and you will ensure that we have the technology driven means to do so.
About the position
1. Are you a person who is often lost in the world of tech and finds himself luxuriating in it?
2. Are you that person who digs deep into something just because you have hunger to know more?
3. Have you broken enough things, blown away the electronics because you were trying to fix it or improve it?
If you answered a yes to even one of the questions, you <3 technology and you are looking in the right direction. So, continue reading.
As a Project Coordinator, we are essentially looking for a person who is a tech-geek and possess strong execution skills. You will own end-to-end technology innovations at 91springboard. It requires the you to be extremely motivated, independent and passionate about their responsibilities. A geek with a lust for gadgets and tech will be right at home in this position.
You will have to speak with various stakeholders (customers, internal business heads, the internet, and competitors) to figure out what improvements to drive, how they will be realized (quality, hardware, software, vendors and price) and oversee the process of a) requirements gathering, b) prototyping the solution, and c) delivering the solution at an optimum price, keeping in mind the firm’s overall budgets. The TI-R&D Team works closely with the Project Setup and TI-Networking team on implementing finalized solutions at all the hubs.
Developers, this probably isn’t the right job for you, but perhaps you have a friend who would be a perfect fit. Tell them about this. Thanks!
Key Responsibilities
We’re looking for a strong candidate who can own and drive the following primary responsibilities of the team:
Data: Making rich data available to the company by means of creating different systems like positioning systems, visitor management systems and tracking the entry and exit times, flow and crowded areas at the hub, guest feedback and so on.
Productivity:
For Members: Includes smooth video conferencing, printing solutions and so on.
For Team: Includes computing solutions, website technology, platforms used internally etc.
Security: Leveraging technology to make our spaces a safe environment to work in. Includes Access Control Systems, CCTV, authentication systems etc.
Events: High-quality Audio/Video systems, good live streaming solutions and recording for each type (location, speaker format, audience size and engagement etc.) of event.
Community & Fun: Enhancing the community experience at the hubs via Digital Signages, good AV, gaming rooms and so on.
Documentation: Create technology documentation for the rest of the firm to learn from and emulate throughout our network of hubs.
What we have for your tech infatuations:
1. A fast paced learning and working environment.
2. The hardware, software and reading resources that you’ll need to grow from a ‘tech enthusiast’ to ‘Tech Guru’.
This job is for you if:
1. You enjoy solving problems. You love taking on difficult challenges and finding creative solutions. You don’t get flustered easily. If you don’t know the answer, you’ll dig until you find it.
2. You pay attention to the details. As far as you’re concerned, anything worth doing is worth doing right, every single time. You stay focused, and nothing falls through the cracks on your watch.
3. You communicate clearly. You write well. You speak eloquently. You can explain just about anything to anyone, and you are comfortable communicating in written and on the phone.
4. You think on your feet. You like learning new things, and you can learn quickly. When things change, you know how to roll with the punches.
5. You like helping people. You get a kick out of getting people to those aha! Moments. You are patient, level headed, and cool under pressure. Teaching someone something new makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.
6. You are motivated and driven. You volunteer for new challenges without waiting to be asked. You’re going to take an ownership of the time you spend with us and truly make a difference.
Extra Awesome:
1. Knowledge of coding and databases.
2. Knowledge of mobile OS and great productivity apps.
3. A gamer and comics reader. (Yes, we love hosting LAN parties.)
Year of Experience
2-3 years of exciting and playful experience of working with/studying various hardware and software technologies.
Education
A graduate in technology or computer sciences. B.Tech. or B.E. prefered
Contact @
[email protected]

We are Hiring! Build your career with MX!

ABOUT US:
MX Player is the largest local video platform in the world with an installed base of 500+ million worldwide, with 350+ million in India and has consistently ranked amongst the top 10 Android apps since 2012.
We are currently looking for the Customer Support Executives based in India. An ideal candidate for this role should be an avid user of MX Player who loves our app as much as we do! Our passion for video is at the heart of everything we do. This starts by creating a workplace where all things entertainment are celebrated and innovation can come from anyone. If you are interested in being mission critical and on the leading edge of global entertainment technology then please contact us today!
Responsibilities
Ability to troubleshoot and communicate feedback to the product team to make meaningful updates
Get it right the first time - Make sure that you use judgement to respond to customers, to ensure that they do not come back for the same issue
Accurately and efficiently handle customer contacts via email, social media and Live chat in the shortest possible time
Build strong customer testimonies & report them to the product team
Should have basic knowledge of troubleshooting on mobile devices and desktops
Ability to quickly and effectively prioritize work time in various departments to meet the business need
Requirements
Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Good written and oral communication skills
Demonstrates interpersonal skills with a diverse customer base
Demonstrates ownership to resolve challenging customer issues, escalating when necessary
Qualified candidates will be comfortable in a multi-tasking, high-energy environment. They will be creative and analytical problem solvers with a passion for excellent customer service
Interested candidates are requested to contact us at [email protected] along with the resumes.