Texas Instruments has announced that its Bluetooth and wireless LAN (WLAN) technology software drivers are available for use in the Open Handset Alliance’s Android platform. Open access to these technologies simplifies the design process for handset manufacturers and software developers, providing the resources to architect cutting-edge Android-based devices. TI, a long-time supporter of the open source software community, is the first company to provide open source Bluetooth and WLAN software drivers for the Android platform, and is among the first to open WLAN drivers for the mobile industry.
“TI continues to increase its contributions to the open source community, removing barriers and sparking development of a new breed of mobile devices,” said Haviv Ilan, general manager, TI's Wireless Business Unit. “Contributing our Bluetooth and WLAN driver source codes to the Open Handset Alliance’s Android platform is another step in this initiative.”
TI announced support for the Android platform earlier this year with its OMAP™ 3 applications processors, and is now providing the critical connectivity elements for its BlueLink™ Bluetooth and WiLink™ WLAN technologies. Pre-integrating the codes into the Android platform gives developers and handset manufacturers a comprehensive set of tools that simplify the innovation process and reduce time to market. Additionally, TI leverages the Apache and BSD-style licenses in support of the Android platform. With these licenses, a broader number of companies will be able to adopt the Android platform and build on top of it without having to expose proprietary technologies. The flexibility offered with these licenses simplifies the development of consumer devices and encourages further adoption of open source software.
Open Handset Alliance, www.openhandsetalliance.com.
Texas Instruments, www.ti.com.
