Hi,
Do I need google developer Phone to be an android developer? If I purchase a phone from Rogers with Android OS, is that ok for me to write applications and try it out? Let me know what is the best practice?
Thanks
Naeem
+3
A:
you can develop on the Android Emulator, which comes with the Android SDK no need to buy a phone...
jspcal
2010-01-08 20:33:55
One thing to note is that there are some limitations to the emulator. They can be found here. http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/tools/emulator.html#limitations
Chris Gutierrez
2010-01-08 20:37:42
There is something to be said for having an actual device to test on. The emulator suggestion is a good one, but you will eventually need a device to tune your application. Not sure if you require root privileges on a phone to develop for it. I know the dev g1 came rooted when i bought it.
darren
2010-01-08 20:40:20
That's true but I would like to try the final app on a phone. I think I need a phone but not sure if have to go with Google Developer phone or any phone with Android on it. I can get a phone from Rogers but that will be locked. Does that matter?
naeem
2010-01-08 20:42:46
I'm pretty sure the phone will be locked to rogers, but not for dev purposes
KevinDTimm
2010-01-08 20:47:54
@Chris - one more too: no flashing LED indicator. I still don't know why that's not on the list.
Nate
2010-01-08 20:50:12
having a pysical device is great, but it's not strictly necessary for much development. most of the apps in the marketplace could be developed on an emulator without any problem. @naeem, the main diff would be the carrier might not always have the latest firmware rolled-out to their users, whereas w/the emulator or dev phone you can always have the latest OS
jspcal
2010-01-08 20:51:44
"@naeem, the main diff would be the carrier might not always have the latest firmware rolled-out to their users, whereas w/the dev phone you can always have the latest OS"Thanks, that's correct. I will be limited to the carrier's OS version.
naeem
2010-01-08 20:52:54
I haven't registered as google developer. May be I should start with that. Is there only 1 dev phone with Google or are there choices? Also, does this phone have GPS, WiFi, proximity sensor, light senson, accelerometer, compass?
naeem
2010-01-08 20:57:20
@naeem, i think it has all that except light/proximity. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_Dev_Phone#Android_Dev_Phone_2 http://android.brightstarcorp.com/index_adp2.htm
jspcal
2010-01-08 21:21:57
+5
A:
You do need a phone, in my opinion, but you don't need developer phone to write applications.
One of the limitation you'll run into for example, not able to look at all files, and connect hierarchyviewer to see layouts for any app. Than again you can always make it a developer phone.
Alex Volovoy
2010-01-08 20:38:56
How can I make it a developer phone? It will be locked by the carrier? May be I am too new to this and not following the answer properly.
naeem
2010-01-08 20:48:41
Basically, get the phone from Rogers, if you run into limitations ( which i doubt ) - root it. Alternative i think a lot of people selling used dev phones now. :)
Alex Volovoy
2010-01-08 20:49:45
Carrier lock has nothing to do with development. It means that you won't be able to use your device with another carrier SIM.
Alex Volovoy
2010-01-08 20:50:42
And finally, if you already considered spending close to 400$ on dev phone - just get yourself a treat and get NexusOne. Just make sure it works on Rogers frequencies
Alex Volovoy
2010-01-08 20:55:54
@Alex, thanks that's good suggestion. Should I look at ebay for used cellphones?
naeem
2010-01-08 20:58:54
+1
A:
It's my understanding that you can develop with any phone. From the home screen you'll probably want to hit menu, go to setting and select Applications. From there Development. Under development you'll want to turn on USB debugging so you can run programs on your phone from inside Eclipse.
Slapout
2010-01-08 21:01:23
You don't have to check allow non-market applications unless you plan on installing .apk files from the internet. Only the USB debugging option needs to be selected to run your applications that are being pushed over from Eclipse.
Austyn Mahoney
2010-01-08 23:36:24
A:
It's worth noting if you do go down the google dev phone route that they don't (at the time of answering) have firmware upgrades for 2.1. So if you're only planning on targetting > 1.6 SDK features, bear this in mind.
See the htc site for flashing image links.
Other non dev phone options may come with later versions.
TreeUK
2010-02-28 10:40:40