Forward or Backward Compatibility in Android?

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+1 Q:

Forward or Backward Compatibility in Android?

Hi,

I would like to know whether the Android provides any sort of compatibility i.e either forward or backward. It means as in Blackberry if develop an Application with JDE 4.2 then that application will work on any handset with OS 4.2 or higher which means it has forward compatibility. Is there anything similar in Android?

Suppose I develop application with Android SDK 1.5 then will that application work on any handset having OS 1.5 or higher.

Hope to get a reply soon.

Thanks & Regards Sunil

+2 A:

Forward compat is somewhat assured on major versions. On Android you target a minimum api spec. As long as your are not calling private APIs, Google keeps compatibility going forward on devices that join in on their Open Mobile Alliance.

It doesn't mean someone can't get the Android source and release an Android based OS of their own that breaks all compatibility. These devices wouldn't get Google's Market Place because only licensed devices that Google tests get to use that. If that is where you are releasing, you probably won't have any trouble.

Zac Bowling 2010-01-29 06:13:59

Zac, Android devices have to pass a suite of compatibility tests, which include testing the public APIs. If the public APIs are different, that device cannot be called an Android device.

Romain Guy 2010-01-29 10:45:21

Anyone can the little green Android guy under the CC license, but the Android logo (that futuristic thing with the weird font) is only licensed to members of the OMA for their devices. Google owns the trademark on Android (although there is some litigation on that). IANAL, but as long as your not implying that you are a Google endorsed Android OS/device, and would probably have a good fair use claim.

Zac Bowling 2010-01-29 20:49:12

Hi,Thanks a lot for replying.RegardsSunil

sunil 2010-01-30 06:40:24

ansaurus

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Forward or Backward Compatibility in Android?

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