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Open Handset Alliance facts for kids

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Open Handset Alliance
Logo of Open Handset Alliance
Wordmark of Open Handset Alliance
Abbreviation OHA
Formation November 5, 2007; 17 years ago (2007-11-05)
Type Open mobile platform (Android) development organization
Headquarters Mountain View, California, U.S.
Region served
 Worldwide

The Open Handset Alliance (OHA) is a group of companies led by Google. This group works together to develop the Android mobile operating system. Android is the software that runs on many smartphones and tablets around the world.

The OHA was started on November 5, 2007. It began with 34 members. These members included companies that make mobile phones, create apps, operate mobile networks, and produce computer chips. To make sure everyone works on the same Android system, OHA members agree not to make devices using different versions of Android.

What the OHA Does

Creating the Android Platform

When the Open Handset Alliance was announced in 2007, they also introduced the Android Open Source Project. This project is an open-source platform for mobile phones. "Open-source" means its code is available for anyone to see and use. It is built using the Linux kernel, which is a core part of many operating systems.

Developers got their first look at the Android SDK (Software Development Kit) on November 12, 2007. This kit helps them create apps for Android devices.

The First Android Phone

The very first phone that ran on Android was the HTC Dream. It was also known as the T-Mobile G1. This phone was approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on August 18, 2008. It became available for people to buy on October 22, 2008.

Who Are the OHA Members?

The Open Handset Alliance includes many different types of companies. These companies work together to improve Android. They include mobile network operators, software developers, and companies that make parts for devices.

Here are some of the companies that have been part of the Open Handset Alliance:

Joining date Network operators Software developers Component manufacturers Device manufacturers Other
November 2007
  • Ascender Corporation
  • eBay
  • Google
  • LivingImage
  • Myriad
  • Nuance Communications
  • PacketVideo
  • SkyPop
  • SONiVOX
  • Wind River Systems
  • Flex Comix
  • Nexus Telecom
  • The Astonishing Tribe
December 2008
  • OMRON
  • AKM Semiconductor
  • ARM
  • Atheros Communications
  • ST-Ericsson (joined as Ericsson Mobile Platforms)
  • Borqs
  • Teleca
May–June 2009
  • China Unicom
  • SVOX
September 2009
  • MIPS Technologies
January 2010
  • Bouygues Telecom
  • ZTE Corporation
  • Sasken Communication Technologies Limited
May 2010
  • NXP Software
July 2010
  • Access
  • MediaTek
November 2010
  • VisualOn
June 2011
  • Intrinsyc
July 2011
  • Andago
Date unknown, before 2015
  • China Telecommunications Corporation
  • Telus
  • Cooliris
  • Motoya Co., Ltd.
  • Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
  • Freescale Semiconductor
  • Gemalto
  • Renesas Electronics Corporation
  • Via Technologies
  • Accenture
  • L&T Infotech
  • SQL Star International Inc.
  • Wipro Technologies

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Open Handset Alliance para niños

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