But don't expect Apple to allow it for long. The Myriad Group unveiled
their latest version of Alien Dalvik today, a Dalvik virtual machine
emulator designed to run Android Applications on all sorts of
non-Android devices. The big name here, of course, is Apple's iPad, but
Alien Dalvik 2.0 will also bring the capability to TVs, ebook readers,
and more.
Myriad will show off the technology first-han at next
week's CTIA conference, highlighting Alien Dalvik's ability to run
unmodified APK files. The far reaching benefit is the ability for
developers to code an app only once, while the virtual machine will more
likely come into play in order to boost app selection on lesser
developed platforms (think RIM and their Android emulator for the
BlackBerry PlayBook). As far as Apple goes, we don't expect they will
play nicely with Myriad's latest toy. It will be a boon for
jailbreakers, but don't expect to gain access to the Android Market's
library of apps with the approval of the iPad maker.
Myriad Alien Dalvik 2.0 on Apple iPad
"We
have seen incredible momentum in Android adoption, but we are just
scratching the surface," said Simon Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer,
Myriad Group. "Digital screens such as Internet-enabled TVs and
in-vehicle displays, along with other consumer devices like tablets and
e-books are proliferating at an astounding rate. Consumers are driving
multimedia evolution and are demanding more converged multi-screen
services. With Alien Dalvik 2.0, we are creating a more flexible,
consistent user experience by mobilizing content such as live sports,
recorded TV shows and on-demand movies, so users can enjoy content seamlessly from one device to the next."
Alien
Dalvik 2.0 is the first step towards creating a single app standard and
marks yet another key milestone for Myriad Android innovations. Alien
Dalvik 2.0 enables the majority of Android apps to run unmodified using
Android Package (APK) files. This in turn allows app store owners and
publishers to quickly transcend multiple platforms and screens,
leveraging existing software and middleware, all without compromising performance.
Furthermore, Alien Dalvik 2.0 enables developers to create once and use
many times, while allowing operators, OEMs, and even enterprise to
streamline app rollout – taking the headache out of platform
fragmentation and content management.
From a user perspective,
Alien Dalvik 2.0 is completely transparent and installed without user
disruption. Users simply enjoy the same rich Android ecosystem they have
become accustomed to via mobile on other key screens, such as playing
Angry Birds on HDTV. This all while gaining faster access to a wider
range of apps, thus encouraging a higher frequency of downloads and
increased ARPU.
"As demand for multi-screen services grows, and as the telecommunications industry becomes a content business, service providers will have new opportunities to leverage their service delivery platforms and collaborate with content providers
to develop converged multi-offerings. Alien Dalvik 2.0 provides a great
alternative to OEMs and service providers who want to harness the
Android ecosystem, while leveraging existing investments and retaining
control of their customer experience," added Wilkinson.
From
application components to complete device integration, Myriad provides
best-in-class Android solutions. As a founding member of the Open Handset
Alliance (OHA), Myriad has exceptional expertise in runtimes and has
been playing a key role in Android solutions since its early days.
When
partnering with Myriad for Android app development or porting,
operators, OEMs and app store owners will benefit from Myriad’s broad
portfolio of services, strong knowledge of embedded software systems,
rich heritage in Java technology and expertise in second screen
solutions for Blu-ray and set-top box markets.
Myriad will be showcasing Alien Dalvik 2.0 in action, demonstrating Android on the Apple iPad at this year’s CTIA Enterprise & Applications in San Diego from October 11th-13th at Myriad’s Hospitality Suite at the Hilton San Diego Bay Front, 1 Park Boulevard, directly adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center.
